For collectors of vintage glassware, the vibrant colors and intricate designs of depression glass hold a timeless appeal. Produced in large quantities during the 1920s-1940s, depression glass brought a touch of affordable beauty to American homes during a challenging economic period.
Today, rare depression glass pieces are highly coveted and can fetch significant sums at auction. Some of the most valuable patterns feature unique colors, uncommon shapes, or were produced for only a brief time by certain manufacturers.
Whether you‘re an experienced collector or just starting to learn about depression glass, this guide will introduce you to 12 of the most valuable and sought-after patterns. We‘ll delve into the history behind each pattern and share some record-breaking examples of rare pieces and their selling prices.
But first, let‘s take a closer look at the origins and artistry of depression glass.
What is Depression Glass?
The name "depression glass" refers to the inexpensive, machine-pressed glassware that was mass-produced in the United States primarily between the late 1920s and the early 1940s. This period encompassed the Great Depression, when affordable luxuries like cheerfully colored glass dishes and serving pieces helped lift the spirits of struggling families.
Depression glass was manufactured by at least 20 different companies and often distributed for free or at low cost by food manufacturers, movie theaters, and gas stations to incentivize customers. Some patterns were also sold in dime stores and given away as premiums.
The most popular colors for depression glass were clear ("crystal"), pink, pale green, and amber. More unique colors that are highly sought-after by today‘s collectors include cobalt blue, amethyst, jadeite, delphite (opaque pale blue), ultramarine, black, and Vaseline (uranium glass that glows under UV light).
While the original depression glass was made using molds on automated machines, it‘s known for its intricate patterns that mimic cut glass. Geometric and floral designs predominated. Common patterns include "cameo," "mayfair," "cherry blossom," "American sweetheart," "princess," and "iris."
Despite mass production, depression glass often featured imperfections like air bubbles, mold marks, or other flaws. This was due to the use of cheaper materials and time-saving production practices. These flaws are actually part of the charm and authenticity of depression glass in the eyes of collectors.
Factors Affecting Depression Glass Value
Not all depression glass is especially valuable, given how much of it was produced. However, certain pieces and patterns are rare and highly sought-after by collectors. Some key factors that influence the value of depression glass include:
- Rarity: Patterns that were produced for a very short time period or in limited quantities are often the most valuable. Certain colors within a pattern may also be rarer and more desirable to collectors.
- Condition: Because of the inherent fragility of glassware, depression glass pieces that have survived for 80-90 years in excellent condition can command high prices. Chips, cracks, scratches, or cloudiness from improper washing all negatively impact value.
- Uncommon Shapes: Depression glass was made in a wide variety of forms including dinner plates, cups, saucers, mixing bowls, pitchers, decanters, salt and pepper shakers, candlesticks, and more. Pieces in unusual shapes or sizes are often more valuable.
- Coloring: While depression glass is known for its striking colors, some hues are rarer than others. Pink is one of the most popular and valuable colors, along with certain shades of green, cobalt blue, amethyst purple, and black.
- Maker: Pieces from prominent depression glass manufacturers like Hocking, Federal, MacBeth-Evans, Jeannette, and Fostoria are typically the most collectible.
With those key value factors in mind, let‘s take a closer look at some of the most desirable and valuable depression glass patterns that avid collectors are eager to get their hands on.
The 12 Most Valuable Depression Glass Patterns
1. Royal Lace by Hazel-Atlas
Produced from 1934-1941, the Royal Lace pattern features an intricate design of flowers, scrolls, and lace-like details. Collectors prize this pattern for its beauty and relative rarity, especially in colors like green, yellow, and crystal.
One of the most valuable Royal Lace pieces is the decanter and stopper in crystal, which sold for $1,500 at auction in 2019. A lidded green cookie jar in the Royal Lace pattern also sold for $900 in 2018.
2. Cameo (Ballerina) by Anchor Hocking
The Cameo pattern, also known as Ballerina or Dancing Girl, was made from 1930-1934. It showcases a graceful female figure draped in a flowing gown. Cameo pieces were made in green, pink, crystal, and amber, but the rarest is the cobalt blue, which was only produced in 1930-1931.
Cameo dinnerware in cobalt blue is extremely scarce and valuable. In 2017, a single cobalt blue dinner plate in the Cameo pattern sold at auction for $2,500.
3. Old Colony (Open Rose) by Hocking Glass Company
Old Colony, also called Open Rose and Lace Edge, features a spray of roses in the center encircled by a lacy band. Manufactured from 1935-1938, this ornate floral pattern was made in crystal, green, and pink.
A rare Old Colony "sweetheart" shaped perfume bottle with a green glass dauber top sold at auction for $950 in 2016. An Old Colony pink cookie jar is also a valuable find, selling for around $500-$800 based on condition.
4. American Sweetheart (Monax) by MacBeth-Evans
The American Sweetheart pattern showcases a dainty border of scrolls and bows. It was produced from 1930-1936 in monax (milky white), pink, and pale green. The monax pieces with original fired-on red, blue, or green labels are especially sought after.
In 2022, a monax American Sweetheart cake plate with the original labels sold at auction for $375. A set of four monax American Sweetheart tumblers with labels also sold for around $200 in 2023.
5. Mayfair (Open Rose) by Anchor Hocking
Not to be confused with Hocking Glass‘s Old Colony pattern, Anchor Hocking‘s Mayfair features a similar open rose motif in the center surrounded by a more geometric border. It was produced from 1931-1937 in crystal, pink, green, and the rare delphite blue, also known as Chalaine Blue.
In 2019, a Mayfair ice bucket in delphite blue sold for $1,000 at auction. A set of four delphite blue Mayfair shakers (salt, pepper, sugar, flour) sold for $750 in 2018.
6. Cherry Blossom by Jeannette Glass
The Cherry Blossom pattern was produced from 1930-1939 and features a realistic depiction of cherry blossom sprays. It was made in pink, green, crystal, and the very rare delphite blue.
One of the most valuable Cherry Blossom pieces is the footed cake stand in pink, which can sell for $600-$1,000 based on condition. A Cherry Blossom butter dish and cover in delphite blue sold at auction for $950 in 2016.
7. Princess by Anchor Hocking
Featuring an elaborate scroll and tassel design, the Princess pattern was made from 1931-1935 in pink, green, and the very rare amber and ritz blue colors. The Princess pattern was used on dinnerware as well as serving pieces.
An amber Princess cookie jar sold for $1,800 at auction in 2019. A set of six Princess cobalt blue tumblers went for $1,000 in 2020. Even single tumblers or cream soup bowls in the rare colors can sell for $75-$150 each.
8. Iris by Jeannette Glass
The elegant Iris pattern features a central iris bloom amid swirling leaves and stems. It was produced from 1928-1932 in iridescent crystal, pink, and green. The iridescent pieces are especially prized by collectors.
An Iris iridescent green footed sundae dish sold for $1,000 at auction in 2016. An Iris iridescent crystal perfume bottle with a frosted floral stopper sold for $600 in 2022.
9. Sunflower by Hazel-Atlas
The cheerful Sunflower pattern showcases a large sunflower blossom in the center surrounded by smaller flowers. Sunflower was produced from 1930-1936 in crystal, green, pink, and the very rare cobalt blue.
In 2018, a Sunflower cobalt blue salad plate sold at auction for $1,700. A pink Sunflower cake plate also sold recently for $600. Even single pink Sunflower cups or saucers often sell for $50-$75 each.
10. Miss America by Hocking Glass Company
Featuring a quatrefoil and diamond design, Miss America was produced from 1935-1938 in crystal, pink, and green. The green Miss America pieces are the rarest and most valuable color.
A green Miss America 10-inch dinner plate sold at auction in 2017 for $1,400. Green Miss America tumblers can also sell for $200-$400 each depending on condition and size.
11. Cube by Hazel-Atlas
As the name suggests, the Cube pattern features a cubist geometric design. It was made from 1929-1933 in green, pink, ice blue, yellow, and crystal. Some of the rarest Cube pieces are the footed cups in pink and ice blue.
In 2015, a lot of two pink Cube footed cups sold at auction for $350. Single Cube ice blue cups have also sold recently for $150-$200 each.
12. Juliana by Jeanette Glass
Made only in 1938, the short-lived Juliana pattern is elusive and highly prized by collectors. It features an ornate filigree base topped with roses and was produced primarily in pink. Green and blue Juliana pieces were made as samples only and are extremely rare.
Because of its scarcity, any authentic Juliana piece commands a high price. In 2021, a pink Juliana 10-inch dinner plate sold at auction for $1,100. A pink cookie jar with lid recently sold for $1,000 as well.
Spotting Reproductions and Fakes
With the value of rare depression glass on the rise, collectors need to be aware of the prevalence of reproductions and fakes on the market. Some dishonest sellers may try to pass off reproductions made in the 1970s-1990s or modern pieces as authentic vintage depression glass.
A few key things to look for to ensure you‘re getting genuine depression glass include:
- Original maker‘s marks on the base of the piece
- Telltale flaws like air bubbles, straw marks, mold seams, and irregularities
- A two-part mold seam that disappears on the actual rim
- Thinner, lighter weight compared to similar modern glassware
- Specific colors associated with authentic depression glass patterns
- Pattern match to known original designs
When in doubt, it‘s always a good idea to consult an expert depression glass resource or get a second opinion before making a significant purchase. Some excellent depression glass references include Gene Florence‘s Collector‘s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass and the National Depression Glass Association website.
Building Your Collection
Depression glass remains popular with collectors who appreciate its beauty, history, and relative affordability compared to other antique glassware. With dozens of patterns and color variations to choose from, it‘s possible to build an extensive collection that reflects your personal taste.
For those just starting out, the most common advice is to focus on a favorite pattern or color and look for deals at antique shops, flea markets, estate sales, and online marketplaces. Depression glass shows are also a great opportunity to meet other collectors and learn more about identifying authentic pieces.
As your knowledge grows, you may decide to invest in rarer, more valuable pieces to expand your collection. It‘s important to have a budget in mind and be patient in your search for the perfect addition.
With proper display and care, your depression glass collection will bring a beautiful pop of color and a fascinating glimpse of history to your home for years to come. Happy collecting!
