Collecting and Displaying Yellow Depression Glass

Yellow Depression Glass Plate w/ Rose Floral Design US $0.99 (2 Bids) Auction Ends: End Date: Friday Sep-03-2010 16:15:03 PDT Add to watch list

VASELINE FAN VASES YELLOW DEPRESSION GLASS RARE US $20.49 (2 Bids) Auction Ends: End Date: Sunday Sep-05-2010 11:14:58 PDT Add to watch list

Today, you might find a free prize in your cereal or a toy included with your fast-food meal, but there was a time that beautifully colored and patterned glass tableware was also given away. Known today as Depression glass because it was manufactured in the United States during the Great Depression, the glass was made in many colors, including various shades of yellow.

Manufactured by a number of different companies, the cheap, colorful glassware was often included with a box of oats or detergent. Theatres and gas stations rewarded their patrons with pieces of the glass. With over one hundred patterns to choose from, homemakers during those difficult days were reminded of better times whenever they looked at the intricate designs on patterns such as Cameo, Mayfair, Patrick, or Flower Garden.

Whether you are collecting all of the yellow tableware in a particular pattern or a yellow piece from each different pattern, you will often find flaws in the Depression glass from mold marks and air bubbles. Often on the bottom of the pieces there will be a “straw-mark” ripple. It’s normal to find these flaws, as well as bumps of extra glass along the mold lines.

If you intend to set a table with your pieces, make sure the pattern you’re collecting has an adequate selection of tableware. Several patterns have a limited variety of pieces available. Florentine is a popular pattern. The delicate design is etched to the underside of the dishes and has an antique looking yellow color.

The one problem with yellow glass is that it can be hard to display since the color changes when against different backgrounds. Plates are fairly transparent and easily lost in the display.

Following are some tips to display your yellow Depression glass:

• put a glaze on your cabinet to soften the contrast and give a sense of age that matches the glass. The background needs to be subtle, so that the color of the glass isn’t lost.
• a patterned paper or fabric background might be nice, but the yellow glass can easily disappear since it’s so light.
• back the clear plates with porcelain or ceramic dishes that coordinate with the glass to accent the yellow glassware.
• hang vintage mirrors on the back walls of a hutch to reflect the glass
• vary the height of the items on the shelves with risers and other accent items to accent the display.
• display the collection on a natural wood bookshelf or wood table.

Finding the right means of displaying your yellow Depression glass may take some time, but the many compliments your collection receives will make it all worthwhile.