Depression Glass Styles
 The majority of depression glass is non-opaque, and usually in the colors of pink, green, blue, amber, red, yellow, and crystal, although I have seen some opaque sets and also sets in dark green, dark blue and black. As far as the patterns and styles of the glassware goes, there are over two hundred, each with their own individual characteristics. The following are just a few of the many styles that adorned the tables of families in the Depression Era.

American Pioneer
This set of depression glass is called American Pioneer. It was manufactured by Liberty Works from 1931-1934. Although the dinnerware pictured here, only shows pieces in crystal, amber and pink, the original pieces were manufactured with one additional color, green. The most noticeable characteristic with this particular style, is the raised bumps that cover the majority of the exterior of the piece. On the plates and saucers, the raised bumps are broken up by small, curved squares on two sections of the dinnerware. The pitchers and creamer all have raised tops with a small round handle, as well as smooth handles attached to the side. In addition, the cups have flared smooth bottoms. It was sets like this, that added color and class to the dinner tables of the American people during the Depression.


Princess
This particular depression glass set is called Princess. It was manufactured by the Hocking Glass Company from 1931-1935. The set shown here is blue and green, but the Hocking Glass Company also made this style in topaz yellow, apricot yellow, and pink. This set has a sort of abstract swirly design adorning the sides of all of the pieces. There is even a blue cookie jar made with this set. This princess set also serves as a tool to lighten up entertaining or dining in the Depression Era.


Sunflower
This depression glass design is called Sunflower. It was made by the Jeanette Glass Company. The pattern has a ring of four sunflowers and leaves, encompassing a round star-like design in the middle. The pieces shown here are pink, green, mustard, and mayonnaise. The mustard and mayonnaise are examples of the opaque dinnerware that are fairly rare.

Time Line of Depression Glass Styles

1925-1935 The first type of depression glass was adorned with etched designs such as "Adam." The colors that were popular with this glass were pastels (Kovel 3).
late 1920's, late 1930's and early 1940's The types of glass that was popular during this period were "geometric wares," such as "Hobnail." Bold colors were popular with this glass (Kovel 4).
1930's Opaque depression glass was popular during this time. "Moderntone" is an example of this type of depression glass (Kovel 4).
mid-1930's The type of glass that was made in to mid-1930's was decorated with raised designs such and fruit and flower patterns, like Sharon. The popular colors with this glass were pastels, opaque, clear, cobalt blue and royal ruby (Kovel 3).


Edie Phillips

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