Federal Columbia Clear Depression Glass Cereal Bowl
We all know depression glass is colored glass, but if you are looking for something different then consider clear depression glass. I’m not talking about the beautiful etched elegant glass or finely molded blanks from companies like Cambridge or Fostoria Glass. This is the same mass-produced glassware we know best in pink or green or blue or amber. You know, that colored stuff!
Glass companies made most of our favorite patterns in clear as well as in colors, and some patterns, like Columbia, (as in this Columbia clear depression glass bowl) are far more common in clear than in colored glass. According to my trusty Gene Florence Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass Federal made 17 pieces of clear Columbia and only 4 of pink.
Columbia gets its looks from a bold pressed geometric design. Other patterns, like Hazel Atlas’ Royal Lace, that have lacy flowery patterns look stunning in clear glass. One question though. What do we call this? Florence calls this “crystal”, which has been the accepted term for years. That confuses some people though, because we equate “crystal” with good glass.
Let me know, which do you call it. And while you are at it, consider adding some clear/crystal depression glass to your collection!