ANTIQUES: Depression Glass

 

Contrary to its rather dark name, Depression glass is brightly colored and highly collectible tableware made in more than a hundred designs—and it’s perfect for a cheerful picnic spread. From the late 1920s through the 1930s, opening a new package of oatmeal or detergent could mean finding a prize inside: a pretty saucer or teacup, a cereal bowl or drinking glass. Molded and mass-produced in lots of colors—pinks, blues, greens, and amber—Depression glass was given away at gas stations and movie theaters, as well as sold, very inexpensively, in dime stores.

 

This set of five sherbet dishes and matching dessert plates ($95) in the popular “Miss America” pattern features the distinctive sawtooth edge and a starburst design in each center. The Miss America pattern was produced by the Hocking Glass Company between 1935 and 1938, and included place settings as well as serving pieces—a dedicated collector might find such unusual choices as a celery dish, salt-and-pepper shakers, or even a divided relish plate. This vintage dishware lends a festive touch to any summer table. [JUNE 2009]

 

Lesley Beck is a senior editor at Berkshire Living and managing editor of BBQ: Berkshire Business Quarterly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GOODS

Nora Martin Antiques

446 Tyler St.

Pittsfield, Mass.

www.norasantiques.com