Large quantities of true Depression glass was made, by more than 20 different glass companies, and virtually all of these manufacturers were located in the Midwest or Eastern United States. (Much of so-called Depression glass for sale on online auction sites is actually reproduction glass, made in Asia during the last few years, even being imported today! Terms used such as “Depression era-style” or “Depression style” indicate these are new or recent items.) Note: Some “Depression Glass” patterns have been reproduced in more recent years, notably in the 1970s, but even up to the present day. Basically, this is a catch-all phrase for a general type of inexpensive glassware, in clear or colors, that was sold (or given away as premiums) during the late 1920s into the early 1940s. “Depression glass” is also a term that is sometimes bandied about indiscriminately by glass collectors, sometimes incorrectly. “Depression Glass” might be defined as collectible, mass-produced glassware (principally tableware), inexpensively produced and very popular in average American households beginning in the late 1920s, throughout the 1930s and into the 1940s.

Pink radium glass dish