How to Collect Depression Glass

Inexpensive Depression glass, made in America between the mid-1920s and 1940s, was often given away in cereal boxes and to customers at gas stations and department stores. It is now one of the most collected types of glass. Here are some helpful tips I have learned when finding and buying Depression Glass:

• Learn to identify Depression glass in its many patterns and colors.
• Be wary of reproductions on the market. You can tell the difference by examining the piece for signs of wear or aging. Most of these pieces were used as everyday dinnerware and should reflect that.
• Look on the bottom of the glass for a mark indicating the maker of the glass.
• Purchase a guide to Depression glass and become familiar with the maker's marks, patterns, colors and prices.
• Subscribe to a Depression glass magazine. Yes these are available check with your nearest news agency to order them in for you.
• Attend local shows, local clubs meetings or conventions to see Depression glass in person. Talk to experts to gather information.
• Do not feel you must choose one pattern to collect. Many collectors like to collect one color or like to develop a collection with a wide variety of patterns.
• Look for Depression glass at antique shops and occasional flea markets, in relatives' cupboards and for sale by collectors.

What to start with - When you decide to begin this collection, do some research first. Your best bet is to begin with a pattern that has not been reproduced. There are a lot of these. Even those of us who have collected for years (25 for me) will sometimes get stung by a fake. It may cost you a bit more, but as you get better at spotting the reproductions you will be less likely to spend your money on them. But then again some people like the reproductions just as well. Whatever you do, collect what YOU like. Have fun! I hope this helps someone out, happy collecting, Katy.