How to Collect Depression Glass
Collecting any kind of antique can be tricky.
If you are just getting to know about which items are real, which are fakes and what kinds of hallmarks and tell tale signs to look out for, it can be a very confusing time.
The same goes for collecting Depression Glass.
There are so many patterns, colors and makers that it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between them - certainly not ideal for the first time collector.
Here are a few tips if you are new to depression glassware that will make your collecting start the right way.
With depression glass, the main draw for people to start collecting it, is the different patterns.
There are over 100 patterns available, each in different colors too, so knowing your American Sweetheart from your Cubic pattern will make all the difference.
There are plenty of websites were you can see the patterns and books and magazines are also a great place to look for this information.
Try not to fall into the trap of buying fake or reproduction pieces.
Older pieces will look older and will show signs of wear and tear.
Also, they glass quality will be more inferior too, so spotting signs like this will help you identify the pieces correctly.
Makers such as the Anchor Hocking Glass Company marked their pieces with a hallmark.
The stamp will usually be on the bottom and will give you an idea of who it was made by.
Possibly the most important piece of advice you could get is to buy a book or magazine that has information or pattern pictures in.
A guide book will be invaluable to the collector and will help you find out the value, age and provenience of any piece you are looking to buy.
If you only take 1 of these tips away with you, this is the 1.
You will be surprised how many other collectors there are out there.
Check your local paper for details of shows, conventions or mettings of clubs and societies.
Go along and meet people, talk to them about their collections and seek their advice.
As I have said earlier, one of the main draws to start collecting depression glass is the range of patterns available.
However, do not feel like you are constrained to 1 pattern alone.
Unless you want to try to collect the whole set of 1 pattern or 1 color, buy pieces that you like the look of.
Not all patterns are to everybody's taste, so if you like it, there is nothing to stop you from collecting it.
As with the local people that collect depression glassware, you will also be surprised how many pieces you will find in local bargain shops, garage sales, home closures and car boot sales.
Make sure you get out to some of these events as they can turn up some really interesting items.
If you are just getting to know about which items are real, which are fakes and what kinds of hallmarks and tell tale signs to look out for, it can be a very confusing time.
The same goes for collecting Depression Glass.
There are so many patterns, colors and makers that it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between them - certainly not ideal for the first time collector.
Here are a few tips if you are new to depression glassware that will make your collecting start the right way.
With depression glass, the main draw for people to start collecting it, is the different patterns.
There are over 100 patterns available, each in different colors too, so knowing your American Sweetheart from your Cubic pattern will make all the difference.
There are plenty of websites were you can see the patterns and books and magazines are also a great place to look for this information.
Try not to fall into the trap of buying fake or reproduction pieces.
Older pieces will look older and will show signs of wear and tear.
Also, they glass quality will be more inferior too, so spotting signs like this will help you identify the pieces correctly.
Makers such as the Anchor Hocking Glass Company marked their pieces with a hallmark.
The stamp will usually be on the bottom and will give you an idea of who it was made by.
Possibly the most important piece of advice you could get is to buy a book or magazine that has information or pattern pictures in.
A guide book will be invaluable to the collector and will help you find out the value, age and provenience of any piece you are looking to buy.
If you only take 1 of these tips away with you, this is the 1.
You will be surprised how many other collectors there are out there.
Check your local paper for details of shows, conventions or mettings of clubs and societies.
Go along and meet people, talk to them about their collections and seek their advice.
As I have said earlier, one of the main draws to start collecting depression glass is the range of patterns available.
However, do not feel like you are constrained to 1 pattern alone.
Unless you want to try to collect the whole set of 1 pattern or 1 color, buy pieces that you like the look of.
Not all patterns are to everybody's taste, so if you like it, there is nothing to stop you from collecting it.
As with the local people that collect depression glassware, you will also be surprised how many pieces you will find in local bargain shops, garage sales, home closures and car boot sales.
Make sure you get out to some of these events as they can turn up some really interesting items.
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