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Depression Glass or Elegant Glass?
When you are looking at pieces of glass dating from the depression era how do you know if it is Depression Glass or “Elegant Glass”? Some books refer to patterns as being Depression Glass, while other books call it Elegant Glass, so what is the difference?
I do not have the magical answer, but as I look through antique shops and flea markets, I find glass which was made by many different companies. Some of those companies made glass that was of high quality and style, while other companies in the same time frame produced similar pieces of lesser quality.
Heisey Glass was one company that produced what I choose to call “Elegant Glass”, the Heisey factory began business in 1896 and continued until 1957. Much of their production was during the Depression Period and therefore, much of their glass has been referred to as Depression Glass. Heisey Glass generally has a heavier feel and a fine finish when compared to lesser-quality molded glass lines produced through the depression era.
A small sampling of the Heisey Glass Patterns are Colonial, Waverly, Lariat, and Whirlpool.
While in the depression era lesser glass companies pieces were packaged in detergents, and other products as an incentive to purchase that item, Heisey’s elegant glass patterns were sold in upscale department stores and served as bridal registration choices for many young couples until the factory closed in 1957.
Another reason for Heisey Glass to be sought after today is that the nationally recognized organization Heisey Collectors of America owns many of the original molds. This helps to control reproductions introduced into the market and generally makes it harder to copy those particular pieces.
