Swap Shop

www.southernsenior.info 5 S According to the reference book “Depression Glass, A Collector’s Guide, 3 rd edition” by Doris Yeske, the machine made inexpensive glass became more and more important to the 1980’s collectors who knew the history about the era of the glass’ namesake. And so the obsession for collecting this glass of childhood memories began. The peak time for Depression Glass sales and popularity was the 1990’s. In the 1980’s, with interest growing, organizations and clubs began to spring up across the United States as both women and men grew interested in “Preserving Yesterday’s Memories” through items associated with America’s history. This ef- fort became the very motto of my own antiques and col- lectibles mall, Barze’ Place, which we opened in May of 2004. Gene Florence’s “Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass” lists more than 140 different patterns that the beloved glass was offered in. The glass was rarely marked as you are used to seeing with ceramic and porcelain collectables. In the world of glass, the col- lector has to take the responsibility of knowing which companies made what patterns and in how many col- ors. That was how most companies were and still are identified. Today, some of the most sought after Depres- sion Glass patterns are being carelessly replicated by glass manufacturers in other countries. By knowing the correct colors, sizes, measurements and pieces origi- nally offered, today’s collectors can prevent embarrass- ment and financial waste. Not all patterns came in every utilitarian piece. Even the erroneous placement of a but- terfly or elimination of a flower can negate the value of a piece. Reproductions have no value to collections be- yond their current retail price. A wise collector will acquire a book on their fa- vorite collectible. Though most of these books are not being published any longer and all but a few American glass manufacturers have closed shop, previously owned books can be found through the internet and at used bookstores. They are important for identification and general knowledge of what you seek. During the early years of this millennium, with the increase in availability due to internet sales and fakes flooding the market, Depression Glass began to lose its value. Older ‘19 th Century Glass’ and ‘40’s, 50’s, 60’s Glass’ and elegant china, which have their own con- noisseurs, have endured the same results. However, the hobby of preserving that which can never be obtained in mass quantities with the same quality as in the past never truly goes away. Popularity of collectibles is cyclical. As the mil- lennials age and develop an appreciation for the goods ‘Made in America’ which are still usable and viable in their lifetime, the importance of ‘retro’ styling will bring back value to these beautiful items. Lynne Adams Barze’