Depression Glass: History, Value, and Collectors Guide

By Lauren Rose Correa, July 3, 2025

Depression glass is a popular glassware, with a storied past and plenty of collectors interested in the present. This colorful glassware features gorgeous, unique colors and often has lots of texture and pattern to it. It may not be the most valuable glassware, but it’s affordability makes it an easy to access collectible.

Thinking of starting your own collection? If you love this glassware, stay tuned to learn about its history, how to identify the genuine article, where to find this type of glass, and how to care for it.

What is Depression Glass? History and Origins

Depression glass originated during the Great Depression, which is where it gets its name from. During this era, depression glass was often used as a promotional item from the late 1920’s until the end of World War II. This glass was machine made and was given out for free or for a very low cost.

Depression glass can be divided into two categories: elegant glass and depression glass. Elegant glass pieces often required hand finishing to add some intricate and elegant details to the pieces. Depression glass pieces typically had no hand finishing, but were considered complete right out of the molds.

How to Identify Depression Glass

Over the years, there has been plenty of original pieces produced, as well as reproductions. How can you tell the difference? Genuine pieces have a few telltale marks.

First, keep an eye out for flaws such as bubbles or seams in the glass. These actually indicate that the piece is most likely original. Due to production methods, such “flaws” are quite common. Glassware that looks too perfect might be a reproduction.

You can also check for thin indents on the bottom of the glassware. The genuine glassware was laid out to dry on piles of straw, which often left a mark.

You’ll also want to examine the color of the glassware. Common colors were yellow, amber, pink, green, blue, and clear.

The Value of Depression Glass

Overall, depression glass is not the most valuable collectible item, with a few rare exceptions. This is because it was always intended to be an inexpensive item and was produced cheaply. However, this doesn’t make the glass any less popular with collectors. The low price point makes it easy to accumulate a sizeable collection to display proudly in your home. Since it’s not super precious, you can put your glassware to use as serving ware, rather than simply displaying it quietly in your curio cabinet.

If you’re curious about the value of your pieces, try looking online at auction sites or stores such as eBay or Etsy to see what pieces are selling for. You can use Google Lens to search by taking a photo of the item in question. You could also consider having your pieces appraised by a professional.

How to Amass a Collection of Depression Glass

As mentioned before, this type of glassware is not usually expensive to procure. It’s also plentiful, so it’s not hard to find in your local thrift or antique store. I’ve collected plenty of precious pieces (I collect pink depression glass, specifically) just from thrifting at my local Goodwill. You can also browse online – try eBay, Etsy, Chairish, Whatnot, and more.

How to Care for Depression Glass

I clean my glassware by hand with soap, warm water, and a soft washcloth to dry. If you want to keep it dust free, you can display it in a curio cabinet. This will also keep it safe if you have children. Some of my pieces, however, are used as everyday serving pieces, and are stored with my regular dishes and glassware.

Uranium Glass: What It Is and How to Identify It

There is a specific type of green depression glass called uranium glass. This glassware is unique and sometimes a little more valuable. It can be identified in a very interesting way – with a UV light. I actually have a mini blacklight flashlight that I always keep in my purse while thrifting. If you shine your blacklight on uranium glass, it actually glows bright green.

This glass glows because of the uranium which was added to the glassware to help color it. Most pieces contain about 2% uranium, but some had as much as 25% uranium content.