Okay, so you’ve been bitten by the Depression Glass bug, andthose pretty patterns and pastel colors beckon you from theshelves of an antique dealer’s shop, a friend’s home, ormaybe you’ve even discovered this special glassware on theInternet. How ever it’s come about that you’ve developed ayen for Depression Glass, you need to know where and how tostart collecting it – unless you’re made of money, haveoodles of time on your hands, and don’t care whether youget the real thing or not. But if you’re like most of us,and those things don’t apply to you, here are a few tips toget you started on the road to what may very well become afascinating and lifelong hobby.
Step 1– Buy the latest edition of the book, The Collector’sEncyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence thatboasts a recommendation from the National Depression GlassAssociation. Mr. Florence’s comprehensive book covers allthe known patterns with photographs and current pricelistings, short histories of the manufacturers, informationon detecting fakes and reproduction pieces, along with theproduction dates and colors of each design. All this,including the author’s own personal anecdotes about thisaddictive hobby, make this book not only one of the mostuseful tools from which to learn about Depression Glass,but turns learning about the subject into entertainment, aswell.
Step 2– Go to glass shows and conventions, join Depression Glassclubs, and visit antique shops in your area that carry it.It’s imperative to learn about this type of glass fromhands-on knowledge in order to get a true feel of how itlooks “in person.” Soon you’ll learn many, if not all, thecolors and patterns, and be able to distinguishreproductions – most commonly made in Mexico and India –from the genuine article. Color, patterns, weight, moldmarkings – even the bubbles – of real Depression Glass holda uniqueness all their own.
Step 3– Subscribe to magazines, newsletters, and other periodicalsthat focus on collecting Depression Glass. The NationalDepression Glass Association offers an online newslettersubscription on its site at www.ndga.net, and Collector’sNews, a print magazine, frequently features articles ofinterest to Depression Glass fans.
Step 4– Meet and make friends with an expert! There’s nothing likehaving a mentor to guide you when you’re in the process oflearning something new – especially about Depression Glass.Such tips as learning to use your tactile sense of feel todetect chips and cracks, holding a piece up to the light tohelp determine its authenticity, and other helpfulinformation usually come from personal relationships.Attending shows, joining clubs, and visiting antique shopsall provide opportunities to make friends with peoplewho’ve been involved in collecting Depression Glass – somefor as long as 40 or 50 years.
The most important thing to remember when you begin yourDepression Glass hobby, however, is to have fun! Even ifyou do make a mistake, get occasionally “rooked” with afake, or buy or sell something you later regret, you’llalways have the experience of appreciating an interestingand fascinating hobby. And then, when you do make the findof your life – well, that’s what it’s all about! All those“mistakes” soon become laughable, fond memories when youproudly display your wonderful Depression Glass discovery!
So get out there and make your start today or look for the next beautiful piece to add to your growing collection.
Until next time,
Murray Hughes http://www.DepressionGlassSecrets.com
http://www.depressionglasssecrets.com/DPweb-articles/collecting-depression-glass.htm
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