Last summer Deidra and I went to the National Depression Glass Association annual show. We had a blast! We wondered beforehand whether it was worth the 3 hour drive since there were “only” 32 dealers. Let me just say that it took us almost 6 hours to go through the show and we hurried through the last 5 or 6 dealers!
The glass was almost overwhelming. Table after table with beautiful glass, almost all in perfect condition, labeled, displayed with loving care, sparkling in the light. Wow.
Depression glass shows usually include elegant glass too. We saw stemware and candle holders, plates and bowls, crystal clear and colored glass from Fostoria, Cambridge, Heisey, Morgantown, Tiffin, Duncan and Miller and more of our long-gone companies.
I saw some pieces that I’ve never seen before, including rare ruby red American Sweetheart, the sugar lid to monax American Sweetheart, Dogwood pitchers, tumblers, plates and more. Most dealers included a mix of reasonably common pieces blended with the jaw-dropping rarities. Dealers’ booths were 20 feet by 10 feet, with some a little longer. This sounds like a lot of space, but it is not enough to display everything. Very likely they had more common pieces, or less popular patterns, stashed in boxes under their tables. (That is what I would do.)
So why go?
- Eye candy from wall to wall. If you enjoy beautiful glass this is a feast. It reminds me of going to the Van Gogh exhibit a few years ago – beauty after beauty.
- You can talk to dealers and learn about the glass. They are experts and will gladly help you understand the differences between real and reproduction pieces and between confusing patterns.
- You can see and touch the glass.
- There is nothing like seeing glass in person to decide what you like. And you will see so much more at a glass show than at antique malls or estate sales!
- You can purchase glass, add a piece or two – or a dozen – and know you are getting quality, authentic vintage glass.
If you live anywhere near metro Detroit consider going to the 39th Annual Glass Show at Madison Place April 20-21, presented by the Great Lakes Depression Glass Club. Here is a write up about the show.
I was a member of this glass club for a couple years until we moved a little too far away to attend the meetings. I enjoyed meeting other glass lovers, seeing their glass and learning about patterns from devoted collectors. I even gave a couple talks to the club!
Seriously, go to a glass show. There are shows around the country, find one reasonably close and have fun. Here is a link to the National Depression Glass Association’s website listing of shows.