Depression Glass is transparent and colored glassware primarily made during the 1920's thru World War II.  Blue, black, amber, crystal, green, pink, read, white and yellow are colors that were used in the making of this Depression Glass.  Depression glass often was packed in flour bags, cereal boxes or given as gifts at the movie theaters, grocery stores and gas stations.  I remember going to the theater and getting a glass, and breaking it before we left.  So you had to come back in a few days to get another piece, hoping that eventually  you would have a set of dishes. 

There are over a hundred  patterns of Depression glass and also reproductions on the market.  Depression Glass of known and unknown patterns have gone up in value and collectibility.  Some patterns are Adam, Colonial, Diana, Fire King Oven Glass, Fostoria, Heisey, Hobnail, Manhattan, Miss America,  Moderntone, Old Cafe, Princess, Royal Lace and the list goes on.

Depression Glass is divided into two classes:  Elegant Glass and Depression Glass.  The Elegant Glass was manufactured by a small number of companies that were know as "Hand Houses" because they did a great deal of hand finishing to the glass after it was removed from the mold.  "Depression Glass" would add little or no hand finishing or treatment once the glass came out of the mold.

There is an organization called the NDGA for individuals or clubs who collect depression era glassware located in Modesto, California and it was founded in 1974. The goal of this organization is to educate people about the glassware we collect and preserve.

There are also many books dedicated to Depression Glass so that you could educate yourself with the patterns, colors, and prices of these pieces.  These books show the name of the patterns, the size and color, and  some have a value of these pieces at the time of publication.  Book prices for glassware only reflect the author's best attempt and do not reflect the price you can expect in all areas of the country.