How To Thrift (And Identify) Vintage Depression Glass

It's almost impossible not to run straight over to the glass items at a flea market, thrift store, or estate sale. The glittering colors of delicate glass sparkling in the light are almost hypnotic, and most of us are just magpies after all searching for our next glittery trinket. One of the more sought-after trinkets is vintage Depression glass. There may be some terms you have to know to be a pro thrifter, but you don't have to be a pro antique hunter to have heard of these pieces. It was a glass that was popular during the late 1920s to the early 1950s due to its affordable price and availability. One common way to spot this glassware in the wild is to look for colored glass with small imperfections, like bubbles, minor flaws in the design, and perhaps even a seam on the underside. 

The valuable markings you should always look out for when thrifting for glassware won't be found on Depression glass, since it usually doesn't have one. But there are features that make Depression glass uniquely identifiable and one of the most treasured collectibles you should always bring home from the thrift stores. Depression glass comes in a variety of colors, some being a little rarer than others, but the pattern is what usually makes a set sought after. The easiest way to identify Depression glass is through its many patterns. Each company had their own patterns and colors that had their own inspiring names to uplift their customers — a common practice during the Depression era.

One of the biggest "tells" that you are dealing with a reproduction is that it is thick glass, as true Depression glass is generally thinner or more delicate. As mentioned previously, Depression glass will have flaws due to it being mass produced and not hand finished. Colors are genuinely pretty true (no orangish-pink), and remember, Depression glass is not always translucent, and some pieces can come in opaque colors. Fakes also tend to have patterns that look like they were drawn by inexperienced artists, whereas true Depression glass has more clear representations of flowers, leaves, and other designs. Another great way to tell if it is a fake piece is to double check that the color and pattern match — some patterns only came in certain colors.

The best way to determine if a piece is an authentic Depression glass item is by looking up the pattern online. Many collectors' websites have catalogs you can look through to find the pattern and color you are looking for. It's a good idea to write down what colors are available in what pattern before you head out to the antique store. You could also keep some photos saved on your phone to make it easier to spot your favorite pieces in the wild.