Last post we looked at the attractive crystal Starlight pattern, a somewhat elusive, yet attractive and affordable depression glass pattern you might like.
Many people think colored glass equals “depression glass”, and I think that’s one reason people overlook crystal Starlight. Craigslist or estate sales that list “depression glass” probably won’t have Starlight. Dealers have limited display space and may prefer to feature glass that’s more popular, thus it is relatively uncommon in antique malls. That means you’ll likely need to shop online
A reader recently asked me where to find plates and other Starlight pieces because she has a nice set of cups and saucers and a few other pieces and would like to use her glass. I had to tell her that it’s not a pattern she’s likely to find in big lots. However, there are a lot of pieces available online.
Last fall plates seemed less available than bowls – quite the reverse of many glass patterns – but when I checked this month it looks like plates are available. Replacements, has plates but not this 2-handled bowl in stock. (I write this in March 2020 and availability changes so don’t hesitate to check Replacements for pieces.)
Replacements has the sandwich plate which is a round platter and the small bread and butter plates. They have no pieces today in stock in pink or blue Starlight, and have only the cup in Platonite .
EBay has a few listings for dinner and luncheon plates, the large serving plate and larger bowl. I didn’t see any listings for custard cups or the two-handled pickle or saucers and only a couple listings for cups.
Starlight bowl-shaped items – cups, creamers and sugars, bowls – sometimes get nicked around the rim, especially around the lower edge inside rim which is easy to miss. Remember it’s wise to check condition with sellers before purchasing any glass online. It sometimes happens that a seller may miss tiny nicks or the glass may get disturbed in storage resulting in missed chips. It happened to me a few times despite taking great care to check pieces when listing. Most sellers won’t mind you asking questions.
A few Etsy sellers show Starlight, including plates, cups and saucers and creamers or sugars. There are a set of sherbets listed at this moment that are actually the Big Top pattern, similar to Starlight; always check the photos to confirm patterns before you purchase.
Starlight tends to be reasonably priced and you can get a whole set without too much trouble. As usual, pieces tend to be less costly if you purchase in groups, e.g., a set of plates. From what I could tell it appears that the prices today are roughly what Gene Florence had listed in 2019 in his Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass.
If you like this attractive sparkling glassware it’s a good time to treat yourself to a few pieces or a whole set.