The pieces were meant for daily use and American households complied, which means that pieces today show their years of wear and tear in chips and scratches. However, these imperfections rarely affect their value and, some collectors would say, even add to their charm.
Is Depression Glass worth money? It depends on the color and the pattern. Tangerine and alexandrite Depression glass didn't sell well, so manufacturers didn't produce many pieces in these colors. As a result, collectors are willing to pay a pretty penny for rare items.
“When we see a dip in a piece of Tiffany glass, we know it was ground due to a chip, and it loses value,” Stair says. “If it's valued at say $10,000, it may now only be worth $6,000 to $7,000. There is never any mercy with glass, where furniture is more forgiving.”
Visit a local antique mall, there are always a few booths that do the ``all glass'' theme. They might be interested in a bulk deal, but you won't get $1 a piece unless it's rare stuff.
Recognize Rare Depression Glass Colors, Patterns, and Pieces
Though Depression glass is readily found on the secondhand market, not all colors, patterns, and pieces are equally accessible. "Colors and patterns made in small batches are harder to find today and are considered to be rarer," Hughes says.
Some of the most collectible types & styles of antique and vintage glassware include Depression Glass, Carnival Glass, Milk Glass, Moonstone, Hobnail Glass, and Jadeite. One of the most popular styles of antique glass was a Hen on Nest, also known as Animal Dishes because of the variety of animals they come in.
Depression glass: Transparent yellow or transparent yellow-green glass, glows green if uranium oxide was included. Contains other colorants to “up” the green color, like iron oxide. Less popular with collectors because it is “tainted”.
Depression glass is often less valuable than Vaseline glass, so collectors have to be careful to not confuse the two. Q: Where can you get Vaseline glass? A: Vaseline glass can be found in many antique stores and at auctions, and you can purchase new decorative pieces today, though they can be quite pricey.
In fact, a report published by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2001 stated that uranium glass is considered to be safer than household electronics. Despite this, it is recommended that you avoid eating or drinking out of uranium glass objects, as you can end up ingesting small fragments of radioactive material.
You can opt to tackle small nicks yourself with a crystal file, like the DMT Crystal Saver. These types of sharpeners work well to smooth any rough and chipped edges, providing an as-new finish.
The good news is that we know how valuable crystal glassware is, and we're willing to pay you what you deserve for it. Get paid the most for crystal glassware and other luxury products at Hilltop Pawn. We will also pay you more for sterling silver flatware!
Take some time and look closely at the piece's shape, surface, weight, and quality—all potential clues for you. “Is the glass transparent or opalescent or iridescent?,” Robinson asks. “Is there any decoration that might give away what it is or who may have made it?” Look to see if the glass has been signed or marked.
While they are both colored glass, carnival is differentiated by its signature iridized glaze and multicolored appearance, while Depression glass has a more transparent and monochromatic look.
Perhaps the most reliable way to identify the presence of uranium in the glass is to expose it in the dark to a source of ultraviolet light (e.g., a black light). If the glass glows a rich green color, it contains uranium.
You will see seams on depression glass. Because of the fast production, the glass would slip in the mold causing noticeable seams. According to Invaluable, the flaws tend to be cherished by collectors today and do not negatively effect the value of the pieces.
While some pieces sell for under $20, some of the most valuable Depression glass patterns are worth hundreds. The value often comes down to a super rare combo of color, piece, and pattern, so we've rounded up some of the ones to watch for.
Of the various types of Depression Glass, the more desirable and unique pieces are those that are UV light reactant. Glass that illuminates or has “Fluorescence” when lit with a black light has been treated with various elements. These elements produce a glow when their atoms absorb the UV energy of a black light.
From circa 1943 until 1958, because of the events of World War II and the Cold War, U.S. officials did not allow the production of uranium glass since the government had banned uranium salts from commercial use. Only after uranium oxide was deregulated did the U.S. government allow uranium glass to be manufactured.
Technically, uranium glass is radioactive—but at such a low level, it won't harm you from ordinary handling or from living with pieces on display. In fact, in 2001, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a report stating that uranium glass is considered safer than most household electronics.
The best practice when approaching vintage glassware is to steer clear from using it on a daily basis, and don't store things in it for a long period of time, Dr. Kosnett recommends.
Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, has a distinct green or yellow-green color due to the presence of uranium oxide. It can be identified by its color under normal light, but the most definitive test is to expose it to ultraviolet light.
Pink and red (cranberry) glass is typically the most valuable and was made using gold oxide, while blue (made using cobalt salts), green (uranium), and yellow or amber (sulphur) tend to command lower prices.
Bubbles, flaws in moulding, and inconsistent colour are simply signs of authentic Depression glass. You'll also find small lines at the base of any piece. These are called straw marks, which were created by cast-iron moulds used to make the glass.
Colored glassware of the Depression era was produced during the late 1920s and into the 1930s; some authors and researchers extend the timeframe even longer, at least into the 1940s. It was made by many glass companies over an extended period of time and included a never-ending array of shapes, sizes and colors.