Depression-Era Glass

Flea Market Finds With The Kovels : Episode FMF-302 -- More Projects »
Host Terry Kovel finds Depression-era glass from the mid-1920s to the 1940s at the Metrolina Expo in Charlotte, N.C. Today, this glassware is very valuable--one jam bowl can sell for up to $325, depending on the pattern.
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These beautiful glasses date from the Great Depression era of the 1930s. During the Depression, most Americans could barely afford the essentials, let alone expensive glass.
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Made from the mid-1920s until the '40s, Depression glass was mass produced by several companies. It was cheap to buy and was often given away with a grocery purchase or a movie ticket.
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Color and pattern determine the price.
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The swirl pattern was made by the Genet glass company from 1937 to 1938.
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The Adam pattern shown here was also made by Genet glass from 1932 to 1934.
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Candlesticks in the Adam pattern sell for $100 a pair because they're so rare.
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The Adam pattern creamer runs $22.
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The sugar bowl is more expensive at $45 because it's hard to find complete with the lid.
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The sugar bowl in this Cameo pattern is less expensive because it wasn't made with a lid.
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Cameo was made by the Anchor Hocking Glass Company from 1930 to 1934.
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It also came in yellow. These cups and saucers are priced at $11.
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Another pattern to look for is the Cabbage Rose. It was made by the Federal Glass Company from 1935 to 1939.
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In the 1920s it was also called oatmeal glass because it was distributed for free with a box of oatmeal.
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The Cherry Blossom pattern was made from 1930 to 1939 by the Jeannette Glass Company.
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It came in several colors, but pink was the most popular.
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Here's the Cherry Blossom pattern in blue. The color is referred to as "daphnite."
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A water pitcher in this color goes for $85.
Resources
Metrolina Expo
With approximately 6,200 dealers, Metrolina Expo is among the largest markets in the United States. It is held in April, June and November.
Metrolina Expo
Charlotte, NC
Phone: 704-596-4643
Toll-free: 800-824-3770
Website: www.metrolinaantiqueshow.com
Guests
Jean Snellings
Dealer
Phone: 301-739-9182
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