9 Depression Glass Patterns That Collectors Pay Top Dollar For

Depression glass has a rich history, with the classic pieces first going into production in the 1920s and '30s when many families in the U.S. were not able to afford more intricate and ornate glassware. This glassware could be mass-produced, bringing costs down a great deal.

Today, it's common to find Depression glass in thrift stores and on the resale market, and most is not worth much. However, there are certain rare or otherwise unique patterns and pieces that collectors shell out big bucks for.

If you're looking for a simple way to make extra money, check your cupboard and your local thrift shop for these nine Depression glass patterns that could translate to big paydays. 

Editor's note: Estimated market values were sourced from eBay.

Federal Glass Company 'Sharon'

Estimated market value: $250 (cheese dish with lid)

Officially called "Sharon," collectors often refer to this pattern by Federal Glass Company as "cabbage rose," as the pieces feature small, intricate wrapping roses.

Some pieces in classic pink were later reproduced, but originals from the 1930s could be quite valuable. A cheese dish with a matching lid is currently a hit on eBay with a $250 asking price.

Macbeth-Evans American 'Sweetheart'

Estimated market value: $485 (water pitcher)

Pieces with the American Sweetheart pattern created by Macbeth-Evans could be worth serious cash and help put extra cash in your pocket, even those that have more common coloring, like pink and an opaque white tint known as monax.

Rare pieces in the pattern have been known to sell for a pretty penny. A water pitcher with the classic pink look, for example, is currently listed on eBay for $485.

Macbeth-Evans American 'Sweetheart' in red

Estimated market value: $400 (creamer and sugar bowls)

As an honorable mention, any products with the same swirling American Sweetheart pattern in a deep red are likely to be worth significantly more if kept in good condition (especially to Sweetheart collectors).

A creamer and sugar dish with the unique coloring is currently attracting plenty of attention on eBay with a nearly $400 asking price.

Hocking Glass Company 'Miss America'

Estimated market value: $175 (candy jar)

Miss America patterns, by Hocking Glass Company, are easily recognizable with their intricate diamond-cut designs. Many of these pieces are not worth much more than $10 to $20, but if you have a rarity, you could be looking at a payday well over $100.

Well-preserved candy jars with similarly patterned lids are usually priced in the $100s, and one is currently listed on eBay for $175.

Indiana Glass Company 'Horseshoe'

Estimated market value: $195 (pitcher and tumblers)

This pattern by the Indiana Glass Company is technically called "No. 612," but because of the design's resemblance to a horseshoe, it is colloquially known, and often sold, as "Horseshoe" Depression glass.

Even in a more common green coloring, some pieces with the horseshoe pattern could be worth big paydays, with a pitcher and accompanying tumblers currently attracting much attention on eBay with a starting listing price approaching $200.

Anchor Hocking Glass Company 'Dancing Girl'

Estimated market value: $36 (cake plate)

The "dancing girl" pattern, also called "ballerina," is easy to spot with its intricate markings that appear almost like dangling chandeliers. How much you are able to earn for these pieces, of course, depends on the item, coloring, and condition.

A 10" cake plate with famed, glowing "uranium green" coloring you'll often see in Depression-era glass recently hit the resale market with a starting price of about $36.

Jeanette Glass 'Iris & Herringbone'

Estimated market value: $130 (vase)

A floral pattern by Jeanette Glass may be called Iris and Herringbone, or just Iris. The most common colors used for these pieces were clear and iridescent, and pieces in a rarer pink are often quite valuable.

Most of these pieces were created in the late '20s and early '30s, though some were produced again in later decades. One early piece in pink, a vase, is currently on eBay with a starting price of nearly $130.

Hocking Glass Company 'Mayfair'

Estimated market value: $340 (goblets)

The Mayfair pattern features an intricate, stemmed floral design. Sometimes referred to as the "open rose" pattern, these pieces are rare and could garner plenty of attention when they hit the resale market.

Some goblets in icy blue, for example, are listed on eBay for a starting price of about $340.

Federal Glass Company 'Madrid'

Estimated market value: $45 (dinner plates)

The Madrid style of the 1930s is characterized by a regal-looking diamond pattern, often surrounded by winding swirls. The Madrid style could be quite valuable, but of course, like any antique product, that value depends on condition.

A matching set of dinner plates with a charming square shape has what appears to be a bargain price of $45 for the set.

Bottom line

Taking valuable collector's items to the resale market is often touted as a simple way to eliminate some money stress, and it absolutely could be. However, it's important to understand the potential value of what you have, particularly when dealing with antique glassware. Checking recent eBay sales to see what buyers are willing to pay for particular Depression era patterns and products could help you get a better idea. 

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