Hobbies Collecting Antiques

How to Identify and Value Depression Glass

Illustration of Depression glass

Illustration: The Spruce / Alex Dos Diaz

Depression glass brightens the home and the spirit for many collectors, just as it did for the original owners during the Great Depression. Some pieces of this glass are affordable for almost everyone, while others are rare and extremely valuable. What these pieces all have in common is their intriguing patterns and lovely colors that have been attracting shoppers since they were new in the 1930s.

If you're trying to determine the value of Depression glass you own, the first step is usually identifying the pattern and/or manufacturer. Some pieces of this type of glassware are marked, but the vast majority of dinnerware pieces are not so you will have to do some research to move forward with valuation.

  • 01 of 09

    A Closer Look at Depression Glass

    Royal Lace Cobalt Blue Depression Glass

    Morphy Auctions

    This overview look at Depression glass includes history, manufacturers, and popular colors. You'll also glean information on how to identify reproductions and detect common condition issues that can decrease the value of Depression-era glassware.

  • 02 of 09

    Depression Glass Price Guide

    Depression Glass Royal Lace Green Plate

    The Spruce / Jay B. Siegel

    This pictorial price guide includes many of the most popular colors, patterns, and pieces sought by Depression-era glass enthusiasts. New entries are added regularly as quality photographs become available and values are researched. This is a great place to identify Depression pieces and patterns.

  • 03 of 09

    Depression Glass Pattern Guide

    Depression Glass S Pattern

    The Spruce / Jay B. Siegel

    This detailed pattern guide will assist you in identifying numerous Depression glass patterns, some of which can be very similar at first glance. New entries are added regularly as quality photographs become available and patterns are researched.

  • 04 of 09

    Cobalt Blue Depression Glass

    Depression Glass Aurora Cup and Saucer

    The Spruce / Jay B. Siegel

    Learn more about one of the most intriguing and popular colors in Depression glass collecting. This overview article discusses patterns, how to keep an eye out for reproductions, and the high price of cobalt blue glassware.

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  • 05 of 09

    Pink Depression Glass

    Pink Depression Glass in a Variety of Patterns

    The Spruce / Pamela Y. Wiggins

    If you just love pink glassware, don't miss this feature highlighting one of the most popular Depression glass colors. Learn about the most popular pink patterns, reproductions to watch out for, and bargains available in this rosy hue.

  • 06 of 09

    Other Types of Colorful Glass Used in Kitchenware

    Jeannette Glass Co. Delphite Reamer

    Vintage Vault / Ruby Lane

    Depression glass goes far beyond the transparent pink, green, and amber that are found frequently. From opaque blue Dephite to pure white Platonite, find out more about a number of types of colorful glassware used in vintage kitchenware beginning in the 1920s and continuing through the 1940s.

  • 07 of 09

    Jeanette Glass Company

    Doric and Pansy Child's Depression Glass Cup and Saucer

    Catisfaction's Glass Gallery / Ruby Lane

    Find out more about Jeanette Glass Company, a manufacturer around since the late 1800s. Even though it is best known for creating a variety of Depression-era dinnerware and kitchen items, including the unique and beautiful Ultramarine color, this company produced a variety of glass prior to the 1930s and they made milk glass as well. 

  • 08 of 09

    Hazel Atlas Glass Company

    Colonial Pattern Butter Dish

    The Spruce / Pamela Y. Wiggins

    Hazel Atlas Glass Company is known for making some of the most popular colors in Depression glass, including Ritz Blue and Sunset Pink. Learn more about those hues and all the intricate dinnerware patterns they produced as well as kitchen glass pieces. 

    Continue to 9 of 9 below
  • 09 of 09

    United States Glass Co.

    U.S. Glass Vanity Set made by Tiffin

    Prices 4 Antiques

    United States Glass Co. made some traditional Depression glass dinnerware patterns, but they also made some beautiful bedroom and bathroom glassware as well. Their glassware output included a number of lovely carnival glass patterns, too.