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Depression Glass derives its name from the
era from which it emerged, the Great Depression. New technology allowed
glass to be mass produced by machine and the trend for color in the home
“in tints that rival the flowers in grandmother’s garden” was born. Mass
production of glass in colors, for the first time in history, placed
glass tableware within reach of the average householder. Because of its
affordability and charm, glass dinnerware flourished during the
Depression, offering a bright spot during those dark days. Pieces could
be obtained at the “Five and Dime,” through promotions at movie theater
“Dish Nights”, as premiums in soap and cereal boxes and the Sears &
Roebuck catalogue. One of the first industries to recover and thrive
during the depression was the glass houses and they helped sustain the
depression economy from going under completely.
Glass production in the United States took root primarily in the Ohio
River Valley in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio where high grade
raw materials to make the glass and fuel for the furnaces needed to
manufacture it were plentiful and inexpensive.
Production all but ceased during WWII. Some of the materials were
needed for the war effort. Changing tastes after the War saw a new trend
towards china dinnerware and production of colored glass dinnerware on a
large scale never resumed.
Depression Glass is divided into two major
categories:
Elegant: produced in the hand-made
glass houses. Among the more notable were Cambridge, Heisey, Fostoria,
Paden City, New Martinsville, Seneca, Imperial, Westmoreland and Duncan
& Miller. Only one, the Fenton Art Glass Company, survived the
competition from foreign imports after the war.
“A to Z” are the machine made wares.
Major producers were Indiana, Anchor Hocking, Jeanette, Federal, McBeth
Evans and Hazel Atlas. Many of these companies are still in business
today.
A word about “Repros” (counterfeits).
Foreign reproductions emerged as early as 1973, but fortunately
reproduction was limited to only select pieces in a few popular
patterns. Many of the “Repros” are made in colors that were never
produced in the original product and are easily identifiable. Because of
the poor quality of the new glass, reproductions occur only in the “A to
Z” patterns. Well known authority on Depression Glass, Gene Florence has
done extensive research on reproductions and his books contain
“fail-safe” information on distinguishing the real from the fakes. I
carry one with me at all times and have never gone wrong.
Tips: Buy from a reputable dealer. Go to Glass
Shows. They have Quality Control and dealers carry only top quality
glass. No ‘suspicious’ glass is permitted. Be wary at Flea Markets and
garage sales when a piece is too cheap.
Special Note: Depression Glass is not dishwasher
safe or microwavable.
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