Blue Glass - Azure to Cobalt Glassware of the Depression Era Beautiful blue depression era glass came in every shade from deepest cobalt to transparent azure and it remains one of the most popular colors. Let's look at the glassware you can enjoy in your home.
News-Antique.com - Feb 28,2010 - Hazel Atlas made deep cobalt blue glass in several depression patterns, notably Moderntone, Aurora, Royal Lace, Newport and New Century.
The gorgeous transparent deep blue sherbet in the photo is Moderntone. You can see the art deco influence with the simple raised bands and round shape. Moderntone is one of the few blue depression patterns that you can find a wide range of pieces. Moderntone is relatively available, especially compared to Royal Lace, and is probably the most affordable. Best of all, you don't have to worry about reproductions with Moderntone and - even more important - it is a wonderful design that looks great with others. Blue glass is often the most expensive color since so many people like it the best, yet Moderntone remains affordable. Only a few pieces cost over $80.
Aurora is a small pattern with only seven pieces. Oddly for such a small pattern there are two sizes of bowls but the only plate is small, about 6 1/2 inches wide. It is one of my favorites for its simple banded style and interesting shapes. Hazel Atlas made complete sets in cobalt Newport and a few pieces of blue New Century but both patterns are scarce on the ground.
Hazel Atlas made Royal Lace from 1934 to 1941, producing pink, green and clear first made the deep blue to use up glass originally destined for a different pattern. Collectors seek blue Royal Lace today, making it one of the most sought after patterns and highly collectible. Royal Lace is a pretty pattern with mold etched design of flowers in panels between draped swags. It's a lot of fun to collect with over 30 pieces. Depression glass enthusiasts have driven the price up above the price of the equally beautiful green Royal Lace and higher than other patterns. If you choose to collect Royal Lace then please consider buying a reference book so you can be aware of the reproduction cookie jars and tumblers and learn how to distinguish real from repro.
Hocking Glass made the beautiful and very popular Mayfair Open Rose glassware in medium blue. This is scarce today. Reproduction companies made a few pieces including the cookie jar in a medium blue today so this is another pattern where would-be collectors should learn to spot the real glass. Hocking made a few pieces of Miss America and Princess in light blue.
Federal Glass, who made so many of our favorite depression era patterns in green, pink and amber, made very little in blue. Their Madrid pattern came in a soft blue called Madonna Blue which is a medium shade. You can find later-made reproduction blue Madrid glassware where the blue color looks grayish.
Other companies made blue glass during the depression era. Look for Fenton's Sheffield and Imperial's Olive patterns in medium light blue glass that is exquisite. Both of these are less well-known so you may have to search a little because people may not know what they have to sell by
