Collecting Depression Glass – Where to Start
Okay, so you've been bitten by the Depression Glass bug, and those pretty patterns and pastel colors beckon you from the shelves of an antique dealer's shop, a friend's home, or maybe you've even discovered this special glassware on the Internet. How ever it's come about that you've developed a yen for Depression Glass, you need to know where and how to start collecting it – unless you're made of money, have oodles of time on your hands, and don't care whether you get the real thing or not. But if you're like most of us, and those things don't apply to you, here are a few tips to get you started on the road to what may very well become a fascinating and lifelong hobby.
Step 1
– Buy the latest edition of the book, The Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence that boasts a recommendation from the National Depression Glass Association. Mr. Florence's comprehensive book covers all the known patterns with photographs and current price listings, short histories of the manufacturers, information on detecting fakes and reproduction pieces, along with the production dates and colors of each design. All this, including the author's own personal anecdotes about this addictive hobby, make this book not only one of the most useful tools from which to learn about Depression Glass, but turns learning about the subject into entertainment, as well.
Step 2
– Go to glass shows and conventions, join Depression Glass clubs, and visit antique shops in your area that carry it. It's imperative to learn about this type of glass from hands-on knowledge in order to get a true feel of how it looks "in person." Soon you'll learn many, if not all, the colors and patterns, and be able to distinguish reproductions – most commonly made in Mexico and India – from the genuine article. Color, patterns, weight, mold markings – even the bubbles – of real Depression Glass hold a uniqueness all their own.
Step 3
– Subscribe to magazines, newsletters, and other periodicals that focus on collecting Depression Glass. The National Depression Glass Association offers an online newsletter subscription on its site at www.ndga.net, and Collector's News, a print magazine, frequently features articles of interest to Depression Glass fans.
Step 4
– Meet and make friends with an expert! There's nothing like having a mentor to guide you when you're in the process of learning something new – especially about Depression Glass. Such tips as learning to use your tactile sense of feel to detect chips and cracks, holding a piece up to the light to help determine its authenticity, and other helpful information usually come from personal relationships. Attending shows, joining clubs, and visiting antique shops all provide opportunities to make friends with people who've been involved in collecting Depression Glass – some for as long as 40 or 50 years.
The most important thing to remember when you begin your Depression Glass hobby, however, is to have fun! Even if you do make a mistake, get occasionally "rooked" with a fake, or buy or sell something you later regret, you'll always have the experience of appreciating an interesting and fascinating hobby. And then, when you do make the find of your life – well, that's what it's all about! All those "mistakes" soon become laughable, fond memories when you proudly display your wonderful Depression Glass discovery!
So get out there and make your start today or look for the next beautiful piece to add to your growing collection.
Until next time,
Murray Hughes
http://www.DepressionGlassSecrets.com
http://www.depressionglasssecrets.com/DPweb-articles/collecting-depression-glass.htm
If you enjoyed this article by Murray Hughes, then visit Depression Glass Identification now and enrol in the free Depression Glass course "The 5 Essential Steps To Becoming A Depression Glass Collector" For AOL users: Depression Glass Patterns
Hobby Articles:
Making Good Investments With Collectibles
Watching The Antique Road Show and other programs that appraise collectibles often gives people the idea that they might have something valuable hidden away in their attic or basement. Others simply want to purchase a specific antique or one with potential for an antique in the future. But what exactly is a good investment when buying a collectible? Costs are intimidating, but the uncertainty of the investment?s worth is even scarier. It?s so easy to be taken in by an object that looks like the real thing, but unless you know what to look for, you could end up wasting your money. Not every antique dealer is as honest as we?d like them to be. Some just want to make a sale on an easy mark ? you. Knowing some basic guidelines can help you make...
BEGOTHS Collectible Fashion Dolls and Toys Debut in Movie Appearance Now Available on DVD, "The Year Without a Santa Claus"
BEGOTHSTM fashion dolls' debut movie appearance is now available on DVD in "The Year Without a Santa Claus," an NBC-TV made-for-TV movie. The movie as well as online communities show that kids, teens and gothic fans rally around these unique dolls.
Collectibles From The Soft Drink World For Fun And Profit
There are collectibles for every interest and price range, and soft drink related items are some of the most popular and available. Best of all, the prices start so low that nearly anyone can begin this hobby. For some, dealing in collectibles becomes a profit-making enterprise that grows from a leisure pursuit.
Sports Collectibles And Memorabilia
Collection of sports memorabilia or sports collectibles, antique or modern is restricted by two factors: the money available and the space to be occupied. Once having decided on these basic factors, then it becomes a personal affair. The collectors taste may lead to Basketball Memorabilia, Baseball Memorabilia, NASCAR memorabilia, Golf Memorabilia, Football Memorabilia, Bobble Heads, Diecast Collectibles, Hero Posters, or innumerable other factors. Acquisition of an admired piece may also lead to a determination to get some more of the same, or to find out what the admiration is actually about.
Is There Money To Be Made In Depression Glass
You've seen the shows on television. You've watched the
auctions online.
Holiday Gifts, Quality Silver and Gold Collectible Christian Message Medallions
Christian Heritage Mint launches its Network Marketing Division.
Distributing their products with a commitment to provide only the highest quality in collectible silver and gold Message Medallions all made right here in the USA.
Collecting Antiques ? The Peoples Art
In this, the first in a series of articles, we discuss the growth in the marketability of what used to be called Peoples Art and the marketability of everyday packaging materials.
Silver Antiques Insider is the First Ever Blog Totally Dedicated to the World of Antique Silver - silverantiques.typepad.com.
Silver Antiques Insider is the first ever blog totally dedicated to the world of antique silver. Moderated by Mark Stedman and Steve Nelson, this is the first ever blog to focus on the exciting world of historic and 20th Century silver, silversmiths, and the legacies they left behind on antiques such as Tiffany, Gorham, and others.
Upper Class Collectibles & Artist Brian Fox Invited to Paint Live at The 2007 Home Run Derby & All-Star Game
Major League Baseball & Major League Baseball Players Association Licensee, Upper Class Collectibles & Artist Brian Fox Invited To Paint Live At The 2007 Home Run Derby & All-Star Game In San Francisco On July 9th & 10th
Everything Old is New Again at Charleston's International Antiques Show
ResortQuest offers pre-designed lodging packages for antiquing enthusiasts at the Charleston International Antiques Show.
Collectibles - Pepsi Vending Machines Make Great Game Room Decor
A hobby that many people enjoy is gathering collectibles (http://www.soda-pop-collectibles.com). Soft drink bottles are a great item to collect. In fact, you can even collect the vending machines. Some brands that people enjoy collecting are Coca-Cola (http://www.soda-pop-collectibles.com/store.php?catid=13600), Pepsi, and Mountain Dew.
Protect Your Valuable Miniature Collectibles With Special Insurance
Miniature collectibles make for a beautiful collection and display. There are limitless possibilities to add to a miniature collection. It can be a very lucrative and rewarding hobby. It is important to consider that a collection with so much potential value should be insured. There are many factors to consider when choosing whether or not to purchase insurance for a collection of miniatures.
Specialist Antiques Marketing Agency Launches, Arming Antiques Businesses with Same Marketing Techniques Major Brands Use
The recently launched MarketingAntiques.com meets the advertising needs of the ever-increasing number of online businesses that deal in antiques.
The Early History Of Baseball Cards
The Nineteenth Century
Collectibles: What Do People Collect?
The importance of collectibles is not always determined merely by their costs; the values and interests of the collector is also essential. Everybody is a collector, although some do not know it. The beauty of collecting lies in the collection's meaning to its owner and viewers, and is not limited to valuable, rare artwork or antiques.