Colored Glass of the Depression Era - Green Glassware We think COLOR when we think depression glass. But what color? Is all colored glass depression glass? How do you tell? Here's a guide to determine what is depression glass - and what is not. We'l
to get a good reference book, such as Gene and Cathy Florence's Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass, or Barbara Mauzy's Depression Glass: A Photographic Reference with Prices, and be aware of the pieces that are available, the price ranges to expect and any reproductions. In general, Cherry Blossom, Dogwood, Florentine Poppy, Cameo, Princess and Georgian are in the middle price range. Of course you will find tumblers and some serving and accessory pieces priced higher in all of these patterns. Green Mayfair, Adam and Royal Lace tend to be slightly more expensive and less available and Block Optic and Spiral tend to be in the lower middle range.
You should be aware of reproductions in several of these patterns, notably Cherry Blossom, and some of other patterns had one or two pieces reproduced. Once you are aware of the repros and know what to look for you can collect safely. Mosser replicated Cameo in child sized toy glass which is super cute, but of course, is not truly depression glass.
Aside from reproductions, how can you tell what is green depression glass vs. later glass? Look for grass green glassware. Most green mass-produced depression patterns, as in the Georgian Lovebirds creamer shown, have mold-etched designs where the design is raised on the surface. (The elegant glass makers, like Fostoria or Cambridge, used acid etching processes where the design is recessed into the surface but the depression era colors were similar, true green vs. olive tones.)
For the lighter colored jade green depression era glass, this was mostly better quality glassware which had some hand work. Other than the Jadeite kitchenware, the lighter jade green glass is translucent and most pieces will have ground base rims.
The most common green glass made after the depression era in patterns and dinnerware is darker olive green. Indiana Glass re-issued several patterns such as Kings Crown and Whitehall in rich dark green glass in the 1960s and 70s. Kings Crown was a thumbprint pattern and came in snack sets and a small dinnerware line. Whitehall looked like Cube or Fostoria's American pattern. Both patterns are quite heavy but the distinguishing characteristic is the deeper green shade with an olive tone.
