Rummaging 101: Everything You Need to Know about Depression Glass (Part 2)
Last week we looked at Depression glass and explored some of the manufactures who make it. Today I thought we would dig a little bit into Elegant Glass. I also thought we would do a little exploring into how to spot original depression glass vs a reproduction.
Elegant Glass
If you remember this chart below from last week, you will remember there were two types of glass being produced during this time period.
Elegant glass was often taken off the mold then etched, creating a handmade element to the work, causing it to be more valuable and costly. (This stuff wasn't the freebies). During the 1920s to 1950s, this was often a substitute to fine china and was often sold in department stores and given as wedding presents.
Here are some differences between depression glass and elegant glass (according to this article):
Elegant glass produced more vibrant colors than Depression glass. (If you are to compare the same color of a piece of depression glass vs a piece of elegant glass and the color of the elegant glass will be much brighter.)
Pressed Elegant glass was fire polished and that helped remove the flaws normally found in pressed glass like straw marks, raised seams, etc.
The base of the object of Elegant glass was ground so it would sit evenly on a table.
Elegant glass was not only etched but it also had various trims like gold and platinum or enamel decoration
Manufacturers and Patterns of Elegant Glass
Original vs. Reproduction
According to Hunker.com, here are some good ways to tell if you are looking at an original vs a reproduction.
Seams
Feel and look at the piece for a raised seam. They were very common back in the day. If you don't find one on the piece, it is likely it could be a reproduction.
Straw Marks
When the glass molds aged, they caused these ripples on the glass called "straw-marks". Reproductions won't have these.
Scratches
Examine the glass for scratches. Depression glass easily scratches and will show its daily use.
Research
Do your homework. There are so many articles and guides out there to show you details of the original patterns. And many experts who really know the ins and out of what the pieces should contain. One of my absolute favorites is RealorRepro.com
I really love the idea that glass was more common back in the day than china as a wedding present. Anybody have stories of their family getting Elegant Glass as a wedding present instead of China? I'd LOVE to hear it!
