Vintage Depression Glass Worth Wallet-Shattering Prices
Depression glass, with its rich history and intricate craftsmanship, is a staple at any and every antique store, but that doesn’t make these pieces a dime a dozen. During the Great Depression, manufacturers produced these affordable yet beautifully designed glassware pieces, which were initially meant for everyday use. Today, these once-common household items have become highly sought-after collectibles, with some pieces fetching impressive prices. We’ve highlighted some of the most valuable colors and patterns below.
Hazel Atlas Blue Royal Lace
Highest listing price on eBay: $750
Hazel Atlas Blue Royal Lace stands out among Depression glass patterns, prized for its intricate design and vibrant cobalt blue hue. Produced between 1934 and 1941, this elegant pattern features a lace-like motif. Complete sets are scarce and sought after, with pieces like pitchers, tumblers, and dinner plates commanding high prices at auctions and antique shows.
MacBeth-Evans American Sweetheart
Highest listing price on eBay: $595
MacBeth-Evans American Sweetheart is a beloved Depression glass pattern celebrated for its delicate design. Produced from 1930 to 1936, this pattern often features a translucent quality that shimmers beautifully in soft light. The intricate floral and scrollwork motifs are found on vintage pieces like plates, bowls, and serving dishes. Most commonly found in pink, white, or Monax — a pale, iridescent hue — this pattern is increasingly rare and valuable.
Jeannette Jadeite
Highest listing price on eBay: $850
Known for its distinctive mint-green hue and simple yet elegant design, Jeanette Jadeite explodes with vintage charm. Produced primarily in the 1930s and 1940s, this glassware was functional and affordable, making it a staple in many American kitchens. The milky green finish of Jeannette Jadeite stands out among Depression glass patterns (since most are translucent) and has become synonymous with retro style. Popular pieces, like canisters, mixing bowls, and refrigerator dishes, are highly collectible today, especially in excellent condition.
Uranium
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Highest listing price on eBay: $7,400
Uranium glass, often called “vaseline glass” due to its yellow-green glow under UV light, exists in its own ultra-unique realm of Depression glass. This type of glass contains small amounts of uranium, giving it its iconic luminescence. Popular from the late 19th century through the 1940s, uranium glass was on everything from plates and bowls to decorative pieces like candlesticks and vases. While safe to handle, its radioactive origins add another layer of otherworldly intrigue, making these vibrant pieces particularly sought-after.
Macbeth-Evans Petalware
Price on eBay: $400
MacBeth-Evans Petalware had a graceful, flower-like design that came in a variety of colors. Produced between 1930 and 1940, this Depression glass pattern features delicate, scalloped edges resembling flower petals, often enhanced with pastel tints or hand-painted details. Common colors include Monax and pink, adding to its romantic appeal. Petalware particularly shines in plates and serving dishes, where its pattern is accentuated.
Parrot Green Federal Glass
Highest listing price on eBay: $473
Produced by the Federal Glass Company during the 1930s, the Parrot pattern is named for its distinctive embossed parrot motif perched among leafy branches. The cheerful green color adds to its charm, making it a favorite among collectors seeking unique and lively pieces. Items including tumblers, plates, and bowls in this pattern are highly coveted, especially in pristine condition.
Doric and Pansy by Jeannette Ultramarine
Highest listing price on eBay: $400
Doric and Pansy by Jeannette Ultramarine is a stunning Depression glass pattern with intricate floral details and a striking blue-green hue. Produced from 1937 to 1938, this short-lived pattern features a delicate pansy motif framed within geometric panels. The ultramarine color adds an extra layer of vibrancy, making items like butter dishes, cups, and serving trays particularly desirable.
Hocking Mayfair Open Rose
Highest listing price on eBay: $1,500
Produced by the Hocking Glass Company from 1931 to 1937, this pattern showcases intricate, raised rose motifs. Available in soft pastel shades like pink, green, and yellow, and a crystal-clear version, Mayfair Open Rose includes a variety of functional and decorative items like tumblers, pitchers, and candy dishes.
Jeannette Adam Pink
Highest listing price on eBay: $350
Known for its soft pink hue and intricate geometric design, Jeannette Adam pink Depression glass was produced between 1932 and 1934. This pattern features elegant floral and scroll motifs found on a variety of vintage pieces, including cake stands, plates, and serving bowls. The delicate pink color enhances its feminine charm, making it a favorite for vintage-themed collections and table settings.
Hocking Cameo
Highest listing price on eBay: $315
Produced from 1930 to 1934, Hocking Cameo Depression glass features intricate scrollwork. The combination of soft, frosted designs and smooth, clear glass gives Cameo a sophisticated, ethereal quality. Popular in shades like green, crystal, and amber, this pattern includes a range of collectible items such as cups, bowls, and vases.