Glassware of the Depression Era
Glassware of the Depression era as the name connotes, was first created during the depression age between 1921 through the late 1930s; and some glassware crafted from the mid 20s stretching to the mid 40s are also known as depression glass. For those who are uninitiated about the Depression era, those times were some of the hardest that America and the world at large went through. Businesses folded by the minute, and food and materials were extremely expensive and scarce. Many people were left jobless and homeless as a direct result of the depression.
Because times were challenging, everyday appliances had to be creatively rendered. glassware especially, was deemed as a valuable commodity. To make ends meet, lots of people traded their beautiful glassware, some of them heirlooms, in exchange for food. During the depression, glassware was given away as gifts, which come together with cereals, sugar and even flour. Glassware was distributed, free of charge, to patrons at cinemas and visiting businesses. In those times, if you knew where to go, you were able to acquire a complete set of dinnerware, all for free. Isn’t that amazing?
Depression glass was crafted by about 20 manufacturers using over a hundred designs. The intricate renderings were simply remarkable, despite the fact that times were bitter. Glassware artisans then were arguably, at the height of creativity levels, perhaps as an escape from the seemingly hopelessness that permeated their surroundings. The Mid-West states of America were the central locations for depression glass, as these positions had the closest access to raw materials and the machinery needed.
In 1929 to 1933, the Hocking Glass Company began making pink block optic depression glass. These glassware were made with parallel creases encircling the glass. Because of these creases and also vertically infused lines, they were known as block optic. Glassware from the Hocking Company came in many colors; pink, amber, green and also in crystal. The unique factor lies in the fact that block optic glassware patterns were never reproduced – so if you come across one, it is indeed quite valuable. Block optic glassware had a range of glass cups, sugar and creamer sets, tublers, bowls, pitchers – the whole works.
Various other depression glassware includes Cabbage Rose, Mayfair, Cherry Blossom, Princess and Adam to name a few. These are highly collectible items for glassware connoisseurs, and cab fetch quite a hefty sum if one is looking for complete sets.
Depression glassware of course, is not perfect. Because of scarce materials, machinery and a small number of expert artisans, many of them have flaws, such as air bubbles. However, the designs on each one were never compromised. Intricate floral patterns and lines were lovingly added. Each piece has a remarkable strength and beauty which has endured the test of time. Most depression glass, when acquired can still be used today. However, collectors prefer to have them displayed.
The splendor and charm of depression glassware are mementos of an unforgettable past, where even in tested times, beauty still endures.
About the Author
DiscountMugs.com is a large distribution company based in Miami, Florida. They are web-based and factory-direct which allows them to keep prices lower than the rest of the competition. They also have a huge selection of glassware from wine glasses and shot glasses to beer mugs and champagne flutes.
Top 5 Bestselling Wine Glasses
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BOHEMIAN GREEN CRYSTAL CUT GLASS WINE – HOCK GLASS £21.00 |
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SET OF 6 GREEN STEMMED HOCK WINE GLASSES £9.99 |
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A Set Of 6 Wine / Hock Glasses / Rummers With Green Stems 0.1L ASA £11.99 |
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BOHEMIAN GREEN CRYSTAL CUT GLASS WINE – HOCK GLASS £21.00 |
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Wine Glass Hock Glass £8.99 |
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Pair Tall Crystal D’arques Arcoroc Green Stemmed Hock Wine Glasses £3.99 |
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Stuart Crystal – GLENGARRY / CAMBRIDGE – Extra Large Wine / Hock – Glass 6 ¼” £7.99 |
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GILT FRENCH RIBBED STEM Amber Hock Wine Glasses France £9.99 |
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GREEN CUT GLASS WINE/HOCK GLASSES X3 £10.50 |
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THOMAS WEBB Crystal ROYAL Cut Hock Wine Glasses £44.50 |
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Pair Tall Crystal D’arques Arcoroc Green Stemmed Hock Wine Glasses £0.99 |
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Royal Brierley Crystal ‘Bruce’ Hock Wine Glass £24.99 |
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Stuart Crystal ‘Argyll’ Hock Wine Glass x 6 £95.00 |
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Set of 6 stunning wine/hock/apperitif glasses with bristol/cobalt blue stems £12.95 |
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Hock/Wine Glasses £10.00 |
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Royal DOULTON Crystal COLOURED Hock Wine Glasses – 6 £124.99 |
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STUART Crystal – MONACO Cut – Hock WINE Glasses £28.50 |
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A Pair of Bohemian Cut and Engraved Yellow Flashed Hock Wine Glass £3.89 |
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Stuart Crystal “Imperial” cut crystal Tall Wine/Hock Glass c.1950/60′s £7.99 |
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Moser Set 6 Spectacular Signed Wine Hock Stems Colored Glasses £600.00 |
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Vintage Wine Glass Etched Hock Glass £3.50 |
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WATERFORD Crystal LISMORE Cut Hock Wine Glasses £34.99 |
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THOMAS WEBB “NORMADY” CUT GLASS 6 1/2″ HOCK WINE GLASS VGC £8.00 |
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THOMAS WEBB “NORMADY” CUT GLASS 6 1/2″ HOCK WINE GLASS VGC £8.00 |
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STUART CRYSTAL CUT GLASS LARGE HOCK WINE GLASS GLENCOE £24.99 |
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STUART CRYSTAL GLASS ‘CARLINGFORD’ 4 x HOCK WINE GLASSES £80.00 |
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Stuart crystal GLENGARRY CAMBRIDGE hock / wine glass ETCHED BE123 £22.99 |
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A THOMAS WEBB WELLINGTON/TUDOR JEWEL CRYSTAL HOCK WINE GLASS £29.99 |
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Set of 5 pretty wine/hock glasses/rummers with green beehive stems £9.99 |
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5 superb wine/hock glasses/rummers with amber beehive stems £9.99 |
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Stuart Woodchester wine hock glass 1950 onward Stuart England mark £8.50 |
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WATERFORD Crystal COLLEEN Cut HOCK WINE Glasses £34.50 |
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Bohemian Blue Overlay and Cut Glass Hock Wine Glass £4.99 |
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A STUART CRYSTAL TAMARA HOCK WINE GLASS £14.99 |
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2 ROYAL BRIERLEY CRYSTAL ‘STRATFORD’ HOCK WINE GLASSES £34.99 |
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EDINBURGH Crystal ROYAL Cut Hock Wine Glasses – Marked £44.50 |
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WATERFORD Crystal – MAEVE Cut – Hock Wine Glasses – 7 1/4″ £34.50 |
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Stuart Crystal ‘Carlingford’ Hock Wine Glass £24.99 |
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WATERFORD Crystal – DONEGAL Cut – Hock Wine Glass / Glasses £34.50 |
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ST LOUIS Crystal – TOMMY Cut – Hock Wine Glass – 7 3/4″ £64.50 |
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VAL St LAMBERT Crystal – 6 HARLEQUIN Coloured HOCK WINE Glasses £295.50 |
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3 Stunning vinatge WATERFORD? Crystal cut glass Hock Wine glasses L@@K £24.99 |
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WATERFORD Crystal ALANA Cut Hock Wine Glasses £37.50 |
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THERESIENTHAL – WINE / HOCK Glasses – Enamelled & Gilded £90.00 |
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6 BOHEMIAN CZECH ETCHED CRYSTAL PINWHEEL DESIGN HEAVY WINE HOCK GLASSES STEMWARE £79.10 |
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2 x Quality ” BRIDGE CRYSTAL” Glass ~ Hock Wine Glasses £29.99 |
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STUART Crystal – ARIEL / IONA Pattern – HOCK WINE Glasses £42.50 |
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STUART Crystal – ARIEL / IONA Pattern – HOCK WINE Glass (Slight Scratch) £20.00 |
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ROYAL DOULTON ENGLISH CRYSTAL ‘GEORGIAN 2 x HOCK WINE GLASSES £30.00 |
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Tyrone Crystal Shannon Hock wine glass up to 6 available £9.99 |
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THOMAS WEBB Crystal – KINGSWINFORD Cut – Hock Wine Glass £29.50 |
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6 Vintage Stuart Crystal Long Stemmed Hock Glasses / Wine Goblets £65.00 |
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Waterford Crystal Lismore Hock Wine Glass £32.99 |
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STUART Crystal IMPERIAL Cut Hock Wine Glasses £34.99 |
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EDINBURGH Crystal ROYAL Cut Hock Wine Glasses £44.50 |
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6 Stunning WATERFORD ‘COLLEEN’ Cut Lead Crystal Hock Wine glasses stamped £169.99 |
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Stuart Crystal SALISBURY LITCHFIELD 1 x hock wine glass £25.00 |
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SET OF 6 VINTAGE 60S/70S GREEN STEMMED WINE/HOCK GLASSES £12.95 |
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Stuart Crystal ‘Ambiance’ Hock Wine Glass x 6 £99.00 |
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ROYAL DOULTON / WEBB CORBETT – ‘ GEORGIAN ‘ – SIX HOCK WHITE WINE GLASSES SIGNED £124.99 |
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Crystal Hock Glasses – Set of 6 – Majestic £34.75 … |
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Crystal Hock Glasses – Set of 6 – Pinwheel £38.50 … |
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Pair of Cut Glass Beautiful White Wine/Hock Glasses A stunning pair of wine glasses with very elegant stems and detailed bowls. Both in excellent condition…. |