Are you confused by Bouquet, Oxford, Chinex, Cremax, Classic, all those patterns with all those decorations? MacBeth Evans made a series of depression glass patterns in cremax creamy or white translucent glass that are confusing.
To make it even harder, some pieces have decals in the center or the edges are trimmed with solid bands of color. The decorations come into the pattern name, but first, let’s figure out which pattern you have. Once you are reasonably certain your glass is MacBeth Evans, and not one of the other patterns in white with rim designs, such as Hocking Vitrock, then let’s check the rim designs.
First one up is Chinex Classic. All Chinex Classic pieces have a pie crust edge and raised scrolls on the rim inside the pie crust.
- Is it white translucent glass?
- Does it have a pie crust edge?
- Is there a molded scroll on the rim?
Chinex Classic Bouquet Plate Detail
If you answered “Yes” to all three questions then congratulations. You have Chinex Classic.
Next one is Oxford. Sometimes this is called Chinex Oxford, or Oxford.
- Is it white translucent glass?
- Does it have a pie crust edge?
- Are there thin ribs that radiate outward on the rim?
Chinex Oxford Bouquet Saucer Detail
If you answered “Yes” then you have Oxford.
One last one, Cremax. Cremax has nice scalloped rims with groups of ribs. You can see this on the plate below and how it looks decorated in the green rimmed saucer.
Cremax Depression Glass Windsor Castle Brown Plate
Cremax Green Trim Saucer Detail
Remember too that MacBeth Evans made several patterns in a creamy ivory, translucent glass they called Cemax, as in this Petalware creamer, but here the Cremax refers to the color, not the pattern.
I know, it’s confusing!
Petalware Cremax Gold Trimmed Creamer
What’s the difference between Chinex Classic and Chinex Classic Bouquet? And between Oxford and Oxford Bouquet?
The “Bouquet” signifies the decoration in the center. Is there a multi colored decal of flowers? If yes, then it’s Bouquet. Remember, always determine the basic piece first, then look at the decorations.
Chinex Classic Bouquet Dinner Plate Dep
Chinex Oxford Bouquet Cake Plate Depression Glass
Besides Bouquet you can find plain solid colored rims, rose decals, castle decals. These are patterns you can have fun with given the variety, durability and low cost.
There are a few more variations, including one that has S-shaped grooves in the rim. All of these go well together and you can enjoy mixing and matching depression glass pieces and have a harmonious table when you are done.