The Depression Glass Pitcher
For many people in the United States, the early 1920’s were a time of carefree enjoyment and lavish spending. Then came the Great Depression and everything changed. Beginning with the stock market crash in 1929, countless families lost everything they owned. For those who were able to keep their jobs, wages were cut. The former glorious years became a fond memory. It was during this time in history that a number of glass companies manufactured the inexpensive tableware now known as Depression glass. The many beautiful colors and intricate patterns not only hid imperfections, but gave hope to a dying nation. The pieces were collected by thrifty housewives, either from the local five and dime store or received as a free gift. Food manufacturers, movie theaters, gas stations, and detergent companies all rewarded their loyal customers with pieces of the glass. Over one hundred patterns were manufactured in a variety of colors. Many of these include at least one pitcher. In fact, a number of sets come with three pitchers: one for water, one for juice, and one for milk. The lips on the pitchers vary according to pattern as well. Some are barely pointed, others have a point that dips down a little, and the third style is pointed with sides that fold up and almost touch one another. A few pitchers come with lids and are referred to as urns. Certain colors are more valuable, depending on the pattern. Although yellow Depression glass is usually not as desirable, a pitcher made by Jeannette in the Doric pattern is valued at about $1500, almost four times as much as the pink and almost twice that of the green pitcher. The Indiana Glass Company manufactured a delicate scalloped pattern called Avocado. Its pitcher is worth about $625 in pink and at least $785 in green. Other patterns, such as American Sweetheart and Dogwood, both from the MacBeth-Evans Glass Company, are worth most in pink, fetching over $400 or $500 per pitcher. You may even find a Fire-King ‘Philbe’, one of the rarest of the Depression glass patterns, fetching anywhere from $600 to $1,000 per pitcher. Since the 1960’s, Depression glass has been highly valued by collectors, with some pieces selling for hundreds of dollars. Although museums have acquired much of the best glass, it is still possible to find valuable objects to add to your collection. Chances are you won’t find a pink Cameo pitcher, since it commands well over $1,000, but there are many other possibilities. Happy hunting!
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