Collecting Depression Glass ? Where to Start


Okay, so you've been bitten by the Depression Glass bug, and those pretty patterns and pastel colors beckon you from the shelves of an antique dealer's shop, a friend's home, or maybe you've even discovered this special glassware on the Internet. How ever it's come about that you've developed a yen for Depression Glass, you need to know where and how to start collecting it ? unless you're made of money, have oodles of time on your hands, and don't care whether you get 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 to get you started on the road to what may very well become a fascinating and lifelong hobby.

Step 1

? Buy the latest edition of the book, The Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence that boasts a recommendation from the National Depression Glass Association. Mr. Florence's comprehensive book covers all the known patterns with photographs and current price listings, short histories of the manufacturers, information on detecting fakes and reproduction pieces, along with the production dates and colors of each design. All this, including the author's own personal anecdotes about this addictive hobby, make this book not only one of the most useful tools from which to learn about Depression Glass, but turns learning about the subject into entertainment, as well.

Step 2

? Go to glass shows and conventions, join Depression Glass clubs, and visit antique shops in your area that carry it. It's imperative to learn about this type of glass from hands-on knowledge in order to get a true feel of how it looks "in person." Soon you'll learn many, if not all, the colors and patterns, and be able to distinguish reproductions ? most commonly made in Mexico and India ? from the genuine article. Color, patterns, weight, mold markings ? even the bubbles ? of real Depression Glass hold a uniqueness all their own.

Step 3

? Subscribe to magazines, newsletters, and other periodicals that focus on collecting Depression Glass. The National Depression Glass Association offers an online newsletter subscription on its site at www.ndga.net, and Collector's News, a print magazine, frequently features articles of interest to Depression Glass fans.

Step 4

? Meet and make friends with an expert! There's nothing like having a mentor to guide you when you're in the process of learning something new ? especially about Depression Glass. Such tips as learning to use your tactile sense of feel to detect chips and cracks, holding a piece up to the light to help determine its authenticity, and other helpful information usually come from personal relationships. Attending shows, joining clubs, and visiting antique shops all provide opportunities to make friends with people who've been involved in collecting Depression Glass ? some for as long as 40 or 50 years.

The most important thing to remember when you begin your Depression Glass hobby, however, is to have fun! Even if you do make a mistake, get occasionally "rooked" with a fake, or buy or sell something you later regret, you'll always have the experience of appreciating an interesting and fascinating hobby. And then, when you do make the find of your life ? well, that's what it's all about! All those "mistakes" soon become laughable, fond memories when you proudly 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

If you enjoyed this article by Murray Hughes, then visit Depression Glass Identification now and enrol in the free Depression Glass course "The 5 Essential Steps To Becoming A Depression Glass Collector" For AOL users: Depression Glass Patterns







Related News



Christian soldiers at war - Sydney Morning Herald

Sydney Morning Herald

Christian soldiers at war
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia -Sep 6, 2008
"He has no interest in sports, crafts, hobbies or garden; is accountable to no Christian support group or prayer group; and he never laughs. ...

Interfaith calendar - Indianapolis Star

Interfaith calendar
Indianapolis Star, United States -Sep 5, 2008
Families will join one of the 12 Tribes of Israel and experience how they lived, including school, crafts, hobbies, foods and fun. ...

Junior Library Member Photo Prizewinners - Newton News

Junior Library Member Photo Prizewinners
Newton News, UK -Sep 4, 2008
Other hobbies are art, crafts and history. Joint 2nd prize: Abigail Mullen, aged 9, attends Byerley Park School. The Nature Reserve is her favourite place, ...

Bees and alpaca highlight this year's Fall Festival - Nashoba Publishing

Bees and alpaca highlight this year's Fall Festival
Nashoba Publishing, MA -Sep 5, 2008
... Fall Festival and Craft Fair will include an extended roster of crafters and hobbyists showcasing an eclectic array of crafts, skills, hobbies and wares ...

Building a perfect world - in miniature - San Francisco Chronicle

Building a perfect world - in miniature
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA -Aug 29, 2008
... and crafts, eventually focusing on miniatures. "They encompass all the full-size hobbies - from sewing to woodworking to stained glass - into one tiny, ...

Tablers boost for craft workshop - Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser

Tablers boost for craft workshop
Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser, UK -Sep 4, 2008
It also has a crafts and hobbies group which meets on a Wednesday evening. Pictured, from left to right, are both members of Airdrie & District Round Table ...

Search for one-of-a-kind gifts begins at craft fairs - El Paso Times

Search for one-of-a-kind gifts begins at craft fairs
El Paso Times, TX -Aug 30, 2008
Personalized ornaments that reflect the recipient's hobbies or tastes. But really, who has the time to break out the flour and baking tins or make jelly? ...


Hobby Lobby moving into old Chase-Pitkin in Webster - MPNnow.com

Hobby Lobby moving into old Chase-Pitkin in Webster
MPNnow.com, NY -Sep 2, 2008
Hobby Lobby is an arts and crafts store with departments ranging from crafts, hobbies, picture framing, jewelry making, fashion fabrics, floral, ...

UNIQUE PAINTINGS BY AYCLIFFE ARTIST - Newton News

UNIQUE PAINTINGS BY AYCLIFFE ARTIST
Newton News, UK -Aug 29, 2008
The work of town artist Suzi were exhibited at this year’s Aycliffe Show in the Crafts and Hobbies tent as part of the Craft Carousel. ...

How To Design Patterns For Hobbies Crafts For Money - Corsavoo.com

How To Design Patterns For Hobbies Crafts For Money
Corsavoo.com, France -Aug 28, 2008
But patterns for hobbies mildew removal are always at the mercy of the public. Look at eBay at the prices for tapestry pictures. You’ll probably find that ...