We’re examining Adam’s Rib, our second depression glass pattern for its Collecting Fun Quotient, my completely subjective criteria. Last post we looked at beauty and enjoyment and decided that Adam’s Rib is lovely in all colors and we’d enjoy owning pieces or a small luncheon set for special occassions.
Let’s look at availability and pricing. Ideally you want to collect a pattern where you can find pieces – it’s no fun to look forever and never get more than a saucer – but also where there are a few that are more difficult. (After all we enjoy antiquing and if you got everything in a month or two, then what do you look for?)
Availability
I’ve gotten Adam’s Rib pieces at flea markets mostly and a couple antique malls. People owning it seem to recognize it as good quality depression glass but don’t know the pattern name. I have never seen a full set offered.
I checked eBay today (July 10, 2016) searching only for Adam’s Rib in the glass section. (Please note this would miss any pieces that aren’t identified.) There are a couple center handled servers like this one, mostly amber.
I see two candle holder sets, both taller than the amber ones shown above, and a couple footed console bowls in blue and amber although nothing quite like this rolled rim style.
Currently plates, cups, creamer and sugar sets are listed on eBay in amber, green or pink and a pretty pink fan vase. I didn’t see any candy jars, pitcher or tray.
Replacements shows the pattern in blue, pink and green but has none in stock.
I think you could find pieces easily enough with searching. You won’t walk into an antique mall and walk out with a full set nor will you find pieces every place you look. Getting a full set in any color will be challenging but think how much fun it is to look!
Awareness Over Time
Gene Florence shows Adam’s Rib in his 19th edition Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass published in 2010 and I think he had it in one edition before that. He does not show it in the 14th edition published in 2000.
Hazel Marie Weatherman shows a creamer and sugar on a tray, identified as Adam’s Rib, no maker, in her Colored Glass of the Depression Era, Volume 2. She shows a pretty footed console bowl with matching candle holders and candy jar and adds tumblers, plates, cup and saucer, pitcher to her Adam’s Rib tally, in the 1976 Price Guide, still with no maker. Her 1979 Price Trends has the same pieces and mentions green and pink.
Several eBay listings for “Adam’s Rib” are other patterns; at least two are Homespun or Fine Rib by Jeannette. There are also several listed as Fenton with the same pattern name and similar design. Please note we’re talking here only about the depression-era pattern made by Diamond Glass. (I know very little about Fenton glass.)
Prices Over Time
I’m not showing price variation by color, although in many patterns blue is the most sought-after and priciest, followed by green and pink, lastly amber. Florence shows higher prices for iridescent but not among green, pink, amber or blue.
It is unfortunate that Florence stopped publishing new editions because people get more interested in patterns once they are included in guide books.
Cup and Saucer
1976 (Weatherman) $1.50-2
1979 (Weatherman) $2-3
2010 (Florence) $19
Now (eBay asking price) $18-31 (Cup only, no saucer)
Creamer and Sugar with Tray
1976 (Weatherman) $6-8
1979 (Weatherman) $10-12
2010 (Florence) $57-110
Now (eBay asking price) $29-35 (No tray)
Center Handled Server
2010 (Florence) $25-45
Now $35-50
Console Set (2 Candle Holders and Bowl)
1976 (Weatherman) $15-20
1979 (Weatherman) $18-22
2010 (Florence) $70-200
Now (eBay asking price) $90-140 (pieced together from separate sellers, different colors)
I sold my candle holders separately from the bowl for about $80 a few years ago.
Handled Tumbler
1976 (Weatherman) $2.50-4.00
1979 (Weatherman) $4-6
2010 (Florence) $30-75 He mentions this would be quite a find
Now (eBay asking price) None listed
Plate
1976 (Weatherman) $.75-1.50
1979 (Weatherman) $1-2.50
$8-14
Now (eBay asking price) $28
Candy Jar with Lid
1976 (Weatherman) $6-9
1979 (Weatherman) $9-12
2010 (Florence) $45
Now none listed
I sold mine for about $85 a few years ago.
We see the prices are on the moderately high end, somewhat more than American Sweetheart for a luncheon set. Adam’s Rib is better quality, finely made with some hand work, and you can find pieces with interesting enamal or gold trim.
Overall it would be a lot of fun to look for if you decide to collect it. I’ll give it a 9 for the Availability/Price criteria!