| The Great Depression
in the United States was a time of severe hardship for the majority of
the
population. Financial institutions closed or became insolvent while millions
of American citizens were out of work. Depression glass is the generalized
term to refer to inexpensive colored pressed glass made by machine which
was manufactured from the 1920s until the late 1930s in the United States.
True depression glass was preceeded by higher quality pressed glass incorporating
hand work such as that produced by the Fostoria company. Today, lines such
as Fostoria and Imperial
are more commonly known as "elegant" glass. Inexpensive manufacturing techniques
for true Depression glass allowed interesting patterns, large production
and affordable prices, perfect for the Depression years market. Nevertheless,
quality was not consistently high and the glass often had flaws in the
production such as air bubbles.
"Pressed" glass techniques
enabled these manufacturing efficiencies and contrasted with
hand blown and cut glass. For pressing, molten glass is poured
into molds of various patterns and then pressed to assume the
shape of the mold. At the same time molds gave rise to many
different patterns and shapes, the colors and iridescence of
many pieces contributed to their popularity. Early patterns
were etched, but hobnail glass that first appeared in 1930 was
the first "hit" pattern. Families spent their money on a wide
variety of goods and services which included free glassware,
so by everyday spending for necessities families were able to
collect whole sets to use and enjoy. Even boxes of oatmeal would
contain pieces of Depression glass. The glass was also sold
at an amazing variety of department stores and other sales outlets,
at prices affordable enough that even the lower classes were
able to enjoy attractive glassware previously reserved only
for the wealthy. Depression glass came in most every color,
and particularly during the late 20s and early 30s it became
part of the marketing of everything from consumer goods to gas
and bank accounts. Its popularity helped to stimulate demand
once again for consumer goods and household purchases, and it
helped the country emerge from the Depression. Well known manufacturers
of Depression glassware include Anchor-Hocking, Federal, MacBeth-Evans,
Jeanette, and many more.
Ever been fooled by
a fake or a seller that didn't deliver the goods as described?
At Collectics, we authenticate and stand behind everything we sell, at
prices "30% below your local antique shop" according
to Collectibles Guide 2008. Please browse our main Antiques
& Collectibles Mall to find a treat for yourself or
a great gift for others, all with free shipping. Thanks!
Buy
a wide variety of period Depression glass on the Collectics Glass
& Crystal pages, or search the entire site for great antiques,
collectibles, and crafts for every collector!
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