As an example, one of my first listings was for Depression Glass. To me, the color is"gold, and the pattern? Well, it kind of looks like swirls, or swags, or a mustache if you really use your imagination! So, I started looking on Replacements. I learned the color is "Amber." Lots of pages to look through, not a lot of pictures! Then, I started googling Depression Glass. Found some on ebay, found some on Etsy. To my delight and surprise, there was a picture matching my pattern! Found out the pattern name is "Federal Madrid." There is a guide to collecting depression glass on ebay with some good advice. (Click Here for a link to the guide.)From this source, I learned that my glass could have been a reproduction - except mine isn't. It is original. I know this, because it was my grandmother's. I remember using it at her house in Peoria Illinois in the late 60's early 70's. We used it for Thanksgiving - probably because the gold color went with the season! My mother got her love of dishes from her mother. Seasonal tableware! Great idea!
Anyway, another source for identifying original vs. reproductions is Real or Repro. Here I learned that the way handles are attached on the cups is a good indicator of the time period the glass was made. I found this all very interesting. All of this information gave me a new appreciation for depression glass and for the collectors out there. However, for my home and household, I do not care to hold onto the few pieces I have. The reason? I have a TON of china. Many patterns, from many family members. I use what I love, I have sets put aside for all 3 of my children. So, what is the value? Really, I guess, the value is what the market will ultimately pay.
Back to Replacements. They list some pieces of my pattern with some pretty high prices! Cool! Except, my pieces aren't perfect. So, what do I list them as? Back to ebay, other listings on Etsy, and another cool website called Kejaba Treasures. Then, basically, I guessed. Tried to be in the middle of some of the other listings.
As you do your research, inevitably Google will bring up sites on About.com, or Wiki, or eHow. These sites are good for general information, but you will need to dig further. It's worth the effort, in my opinion. I have really enjoyed getting to know more of the history about some of the pieces I have, the companies that made them, and about people that collect them! This information was, in some sense, the value of these dishes to me. In other words, the joy of learning, the love of history, that is where I found value. I also have the value of knowing how and when they were used, and who originally purchased them. If I should manage to sell my few pieces of depression glass, so much the better. I enjoyed getting to know more about them, and am satisfied with that!
My next post will talk about other glass, and how to research the "Makers Marks" on glass.
Thanks for reading, and please check out the photos below for a sample of what I have listed on Etsy. Lucky you! You have found a discount! Here's a coupon code good for 20% off of any item in my store priced $10 or more! Enter "BLOGGER" at checkout!
