We’re continuing our series on depression era patterns from glass maker Indiana Glass, this week with Old English. Indiana made several patterns without names, sold only as a line number, but they named Old English. Collectors found this pattern enticing and nicknamed it “Threading” for the thin, parallel ridges and grooves on the sides of pieces.
I’ve had only a few pieces of Old English, the footed comport in both green and amber, the amber candle, and a green lid, and purchased all at a local flea market. I don’t recall seeing Old English at an antique mall or estate sale.
Indiana made Old English in this rich amber and a luscious green, plus a few pieces of pink, crystal, and decorated crystal. The amber is a deep color, not the lighter shade we see Federal making later in the depression.
Old English Amber Depression Glass 2-Handled Compote
Here is the same piece in green.
Old English Green Handled Compote
Did you notice the handles? All the handled Old English pieces – pitcher, creamer, sugar, comport – have these curlicue handles. These handles go perfectly with the cloverleaf shape of the top finials the lids sport.
Old English Green Lid
Old English predates the depression; Indiana produced it in the late 1920s. That probably explains why this is mainly a decorative and accessory pattern. You will find no cups, no saucers, no plate other than one to go under the comport. There are two styles of sherbets, two tumblers, a goblet. Indiana even made an egg cup, albeit in crystal only.
That makes Old English an appealing pattern if you would like candle holders, or a vase, a candy dish (choose between the taller, footed candy jar and the flat candy dish, both with lids). These are all pieces that are easy to use and make great gifts.
Old English Amber Candle Holder
We’ve blogged before about the transition in the late 1920s from glassware meant for decorative/gift use or drink ware to glass sold in sets for lunch or dinner. Old English is a perfect example of this change.