Depression glassware was given away for free or at a low cost during the Great Depression.The glass is made from bold and bright colors.Depression glass can be identified by looking for its defining characteristics.To distinguish depression glass from reproduction pieces, look for small bubbles in the glassware or lines on the base of the piece.
Step 1: There are colored glass that is yellow, amber, blue, green, or pink.
Depression glass was made using bright colors.Look for pieces that catch your eye because the glassware was designed to be bold and stand out.There are many colors of depression glassware.The depression glass is violet, jadeite is green, and Delphite is blue.
Step 2: There are intricate details in the glassware.
Depression glassware is usually patterned and has geometric shapes.There are many designs etched into the cup of the drinking glasses.Depression glassware has an opalescent trim.There is a trim around the edge of glassware.The colored glass will clear.
Step 3: Make sure the glass is thin.
The low cost of production made depression glass very thin.Look at the edges of the glass to see if it's thin and delicate.The glassware is thin and susceptible to chipping.The piece should be checked for chips at the edges, as this is indicative that it is not a reproduction piece.
Step 4: Referred books and websites can be used to identify the pattern.
Depression glassware has 92 different patterns, and there isn't a logo or stamp on each piece to indicate the maker.You can determine the pattern and maker of your depression glassware by using either a reference book or website to guide you through the defining characteristics of each type.The Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass is a great reference book to help you identify depression glass.If you want to identify the pattern and price of the piece, a reference website is a good place to start.
Step 5: You'll be able to recognize popular patterns if youFamiliarize yourself with them.
Depression glassware experts can help you learn the details of the common patterns.To see the small details, look at the piece under a bright light and from all angles.This will help you to determine if the glassware is authentic.The American Sweetheart depression glass pattern is very popular.One of the most delicate patterns is the soft pink or white-blue glassware.The American Sweetheart pattern is found in depression glassware bowls, and the center is often decorated with intricate designs.Another popular depression glass pattern is the Cameo pattern.There are a limited number of pink and yellow pieces available.Many cocktail and luncheon sets of depression glassware have a pattern that looks like strings of beads stretching around each piece.
Step 6: There are small bubbles on the surface of the glass.
Look at the piece from many angles.There will be a scattering of small bubbles if it is a real piece of glass.The bubbles are the size of a full stop.This flaw is not found in replica pieces of depression glass.
Step 7: For small lines, check the base of the piece.
Look closely at the base when turning the piece upside down.The lines are similar and indicate that the glass is depression glassware.The glassware was dried while resting on the straw.There are thin lines showing where the straw slightly molded the glass.
Step 8: There are seam lines around lid pieces of glassware.
Look at the edges of the lid.There is a ridge on the glass.Depression glassware pieces do not have seam lines.
Step 9: There are scratches on the glassware.
Depression glassware is almost a century old, so it is normal for it to show signs of wear and tear.Depression glass was designed to be used every day, so finding many scratches on the glassware is a good indication that it's a real piece.Depression glass is prone to being scratched because it is very thin and delicate.