An Introduction to Depression Glass

One man's junk is another man's treasure, the say. The same can be true of an era. Are not the collectables of today the cast off's of yesterday?

Maybe you have looked into collecting but don't know where to start. You want something that is affordable now, but will increase in value, something you can take pride in and pass down to your own generations. You want something that you could even sell one day for a profit. Where do you begin, you ask? Personal taste should come into factor as well as your current budget, but if you are looking for something fun, unique and beautiful, you may want to consider Depression glass.

Far less depressing than it sounds, Depression glass is beautiful, useful and valuable. Made during the Depression years between the 1920's and 1940's, this glass became widely popular. Made cheaply, it can be roughly hewn with mold flaws and bubbles in the glass, but it's imperfections give it a beauty of its own that collectors have come to embrace. Each piece is unique so no matter what you choose to begin with, your collection will be interesting and one of a kind.

Depression glass was given away by stores with flour and soap and offered as incentives to increase sales during a slow market. Its brightly colored pieces were a big turn on to customers with tight budgets and it caught on quickly. Manufactured in a variety of colors, from pink, green, amethyst, cobalt, amber, yellow, clear and ruby, you can choose just one to start with, or collect them all! Pink and green have the highest resale value today, and while some designs have become harder to find, you can still pick up some beautiful pieces. Some you can get for next to nothing at garage sales and estate sales and others you will pay current book value if you want it bad enough, but these are pieces that will continue to increase their value over time.

This colorful glass adds a bit of old-fashioned charm and American history to your home. The sturdy pieces can even be used for special occasions to make a memorable event. You will want to display them where everyone can see and you will surely hear many personal stories from people who remember having those dishes in their home.

You can choose to collect by color or style, and each color has many fun styles. From glasses, plates and bowls to teacups, saucers and cookie jars, you will surely find your niche. Maybe, like me, you'll fall in love with the teacups and saucers and use them to grace your table at your next American tea parties and English high teas.

Whatever piece or pieces you take home, you will surely love as they brighten your home and show off your taste. You will find that no one can resist Depression glass and you will make many friends with those who see your pieces and those you buy new pieces from.