Art Deco Depression Glass

Scroll down for bargain Depression glass....

With mass production techniques developed during and after the war, it became possible to mechanise completely the production of pressed or moulded glass. By piping the liquid glass into moulds, and using bright colours to disguise the poorer quality of the glass, over 35 pretty glass items could be produced per minute, and a 20 piece dinner service could be bought for $2 between 1930 and 1935.

Intricate patterns were produced using acid-etched moulds and colours included the ever popular green, red, blue, amber and yellow.



The Art Deco motifs and shapes which are so collectable today were not as popular at the time, so fewer were made. This makes them more desirable and more expensive today.

However, it is still possible find circular forms, parallel lines, chevrons and ziggurats in glass of the 1930s, and it is still one of the more affordable areas of Art Deco collecting.

The best pieces would have been the first out of the moulds on the production lines, so look for a sharp finish, great design and perfect condition.



Depression glass is an important part of American industrial history, with huge quantities being produced in the 1930s. Important factories included the Federal Glass Co. Fenton Art Glass, Hazel Atlas, Hocking (now the Anchor Hocking Glass Company - still active), the Indiana glass Company and the Jeanette Glass Co.

A great deal of Amber glass was made in this period too, though for some reason its not as popular at the moment. I think my swirly, circular amber vase is gorgeous.

A great deal of glass was also made for the kitchen, with Pyrex having been invented in 1918, and revolutionising baking with the amazing durability of this material. Very early Pyrex glassware comes in bright red, the typical 1930s green and sunny yellow and there are some gorgeous Art Deco shapes. See my lovely yellow casserole dish, which has parallel lines all around and a lovely circular knob set into the lid.