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Colorful collectibles anything but depressing

This highly sought after glass bears the slightly off-putting name of its era.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published February 2, 2007

Don't let its down-in-the-dumps name fool you; it's really quite cheerful looking stuff.

Depression glass, manufactured in the 1920s through World War II, was produced in a rainbow of colors and plethora of patterns. With happy names like American Sweetheart, Aunt Polly, Cameo, Cherry Blossom and Royal Lace, the tableware and toiletry items helped to perk up a dreary, cash-strapped public.

Back in the day, many a thrifty homemaker trolled dime stores and the cereal aisles to find it. Savvy movie theater and gas station owners would entice the frugal with offers of a free tumbler, sherbet bowl or berry dish.

This weekend, thousands of the vintage pieces can be found at the 28th annual Depression Era Glass, China and Pottery Show at the Harborview Center in downtown Clearwater. The show is sponsored by the Sparkling Clearwater Depression Glass Club.

These days, Depression-era pieces typically fetch $5 to $50. Some of the harder-to-find pieces - the ones that complete the collection, like platters and butter dishes - may be even more, depending on condition and availability.

Tom Campbell, chairman of the show, said he has seen a "scarce" casserole dish for $15,000.

"I wasn't even allowed to touch it," he said.

Campbell, who has a personal collection of about 6,000 pieces, tells people not to buy as an investment. It may not pay off.

"Buy what you like, what's in your budget and what's available," he said.

The most commonly collected colors are pink and green, he said. Cobalt blues, deep reds and greens draw the highest prices. Other popular colors are clear, amber, iridescent and milky white.

Campbell said the dinnerware is safe to eat from, but advises to keep it out of the dishwasher; the soft glass etches easily. Once it gets cloudy, the glass is considered "sick glass."

Not all pieces were inexpensive during the era.

"Elegant Depression" describes the higher-end tableware and accessories sold in department and jewelry stores.

"They contained more lead so they were stronger and clearer and had a more polished look," Campbell said.

Both the elegant and the common versions will be sold at the show, along with vintage glass from the 1940s, '50s and '60s.

Also offered: expert glass repair, hourly door prizes and free glass identification.

Bring in pictures or a piece or two, but please don't overdo it, Campbell said.

"We've had people bring in carloads full of glassware," he said.

Fast Facts:

By the numbers

180 8-foot tables filled with vintage glass

28 dealers from around the nation

20,000 pieces for sale.

IF YOU GO

Depression glass show

The 28th Depression Era Glass, China and Pottery Show, presented by the Sparkling Clearwater Depression Glass Club, will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Harborview Center, 300 Cleveland St. in downtown Clearwater. Please use Drew Street to enter the parking lot.

Admission: $5 ($1 off if you mention this story).

Information: call (727) 725-2069

[Last modified February 1, 2007, 23:47:41]