Depression glassware in translucent colors, like green, amber, pale blue, and clear, are undoubtedly popular collectibles today. But among these is the hot color every vintage collector wants – pink! Pink Depression Glass is one of the sought-after Depression glasses!
But since this beautiful glass color comes in various shapes and patterns, finding its right value can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. This quick guide will make it easy by explaining pink Depression glass value with easy steps and recent sale prices!
Finding the Value of Pink Depression Glassware
Today, the average value of single Pink Depression glass items ranges from $10 to $30, while sets can sell anywhere from $100 to $150. On the other hand, single rare pink Depression pieces with popular or limited edition patterns can be worth a few hundred dollars or even more.
Pink Depression Glass Value Examples
Here are some examples of the most expensive pink Depression glass sales that occurred in the past.
- An Anchor Hocking’s Pink Depression Miss America butter dish sold for an exceptional price at $425. In a different sale, a whole 70-piece collection of Hocking’s Princess Pink Depression dinnerware sold for around $850!
- A Federal Pink Depression flat Sherbert with a Mayfair Open Rose Pink pattern sold for $319.
- A set of four pink Depression glass ice tea tumblers featuring the Sharon Cabbage Rose design sold for almost $300 on eBay. On the other hand, a single rare Jeannette pink Depression mug with the Cherry Blossom pattern sold for $182.
- A rare pink Hocking Glass tilted pitcher sold for $160 on eBay. It features Hocking’s popular Waterford Waffle pattern, which is quite desirable. Another tall 10-inch Fostoria pink glass pitcher with the rare June pattern sold for about $350.
- A rare Fenton ‘Rose’ nut bowl with the Horse Head Medallion pattern measuring six and a half inches in diameter sold for $200. Fenton Art Glass Company produced this pattern from 1912 to 1920, but it was re-released in Rose (pink Depression) glass in 1930.
- A vintage 6-inch-tall pink Depression Hobnail Chevron Art Deco vase from Fenton Glass Company was bought for $45, but a large pink Depression Art Deco vase with the Tea Room pattern by Indiana Glass Company sold for $175.
The above examples prove that the value of a pink Depression glass can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and, most importantly, patterns. Below are some easy steps to help you assess the old pink Depression glass piece based on these factors.
Examine the Condition
The first step is to check and observe the glass item thoroughly. If it has the following defects, its value may degrade significantly.
- Major cracks on the surface
- Deep scratches on the surface
- Unintended etching
- Flea bites or chips on the rims, base, and handles
- Sick glass (cloudy, weeping, or crizzling surface)
- Scratched pattern
For example, an 11-inch vintage Jeannette Pink Depression Cherry Blossom oval platter with chipped edge sold for just $10, while a similar platter in 9-inch size and good condition sold for $15. Hence, the more the damage, the lower the value!
On the other hand, the pink Depression glass is more valuable if it bears any production flaws, such as bubbles in the glass, color inclusions, straw marks, uneven surfaces, and rough spots. Sometimes, unwanted particles, like hair, dust, etc, in the glass can be a rare feature, as found in this Fenton vase sold for $200.
Similarly, unique features like swirls and arcs on the edges, opaque glass, and opalescent trims also make Depression glass pieces valuable.
Identify the Glass Pattern
After the condition, the value of the Pink Depression glass piece mainly depends on the pattern. Glass items with rare and popular, ornate patterns are typically worth more than simple designs. But some special Art Nouveau and Art Deco pink Depression glass items may also sell for a pretty penny.
Some of the most desirable and valuable Depression glass patterns are:
- American Sweetheart Pattern (Macbeth-Evans Glass Company)
- Miss America Pattern (Hocking Glass Company)
- Cherry Blossom Pattern (Jeannette Glass Company)
- Mayfair (Open Rose) Pattern (Anchor Hocking Glass Company)
- Royal Lace Pattern (Hazel Atlas Glass Company)
- Sharon Cabbage Rose Pattern (Federal Glass Company)
- Waterford Pattern (Anchor Hocking Glass Company)
- Princess Pattern (Hocking Glass Company)
- Cameo Pattern (Anchor Hocking Glass Company)
- Windsor Pattern (Jeannette Glass Company)
Identify the Glass Item
Next, check what kind of glass item you have. Items like tea cups and saucers, candy dishes, plates and trays, pitchers and glasses, creamers, and sugar sets are common in pink Depression glass. Single units of these won’t be worth a lot unless they have a rare, desirable Depression glass pattern.
But some unusual pieces that deviate from conventional or typical shapes can fetch higher returns for their complexity. For example, a Hocking Glass Company’s tilted pink pitcher sold for $159 on eBay.
Check the Rarity of an Item
Pink glass Depression items that are hard to find or are generally not available for sale due to their limited production are worth the most. For example, an item of an unusual size! You can surf websites to see if a similar product like yours is available (if yes, then at what price) or not.
But sometimes, the rarity is also about condition, as certain old Depression patterns and items are hardly seen in good condition. A great example of this is a rare MacBeth-Evans pink America Sweetheart pitcher in mint condition sold for a whopping $895 on eBay!
Once distributed at very low prices, pink Depression glass now holds significant value. But as you can see, the price ranges from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Whether buying or selling your antique glass items, this value guide will come in handy to find the best price.
