Glassware of the Depression Era

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Glassware of the Depression Era

Posted On : May-05-2010 | seen (760) times | Article Word Count : 509 |

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.

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<h1>Glassware of the Depression Era</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Amin Ramjee.aspx'>Amin Ramjee</a> 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 <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.discountmugs.com/nc/category/personalized-glassware/">glassware</a> from wine glasses and shot glasses to beer mugs and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.discountmugs.com/nc/style/12-3/personalized-glassware/champagne-glasses/">champagne flutes</a>. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Glassware-of-the-Depression-Era_17974.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Glassware of the Depression Era_17974.aspx</a>

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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.

Keywords : glassware, wine glasses, shot glasses, beer mugs, champagne flutes,

Category : Reference and Education : Reference and Education

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