Blue depression glass is the rarest and most valuable color in the entire Depression-era glassware category. While green and pink depression glass were mass-produced in enormous quantities, true cobalt blue and ice blue pieces were made in smaller runs and at higher cost — which is why a blue Royal Lace butter dish can sell for $1,500 while the same piece in green sells for $75. If you have inherited or purchased blue depression glass, this guide will help you identify the pattern, confirm authenticity, and understand current market values.
What Is Blue Depression Glass?
Depression glass is machine-made, mold-pressed glassware produced primarily between 1929 and 1942 by major American glass manufacturers including Anchor Hocking, Hazel-Atlas, Jeannette Glass, Federal Glass, and Indiana Glass. Blue depression glass was produced in far smaller quantities than green or pink because the cobalt colorant (cobalt oxide) was significantly more expensive than the iron, manganese, or selenium used for other colors.
There are three distinct categories of blue depression glass:
- Cobalt Blue / Ritz Blue: A deep, brilliant blue — the most sought-after category. Hazel-Atlas called their cobalt “Ritz Blue.” These pieces command the highest prices of any depression glass color.
- Ice Blue: A pale, almost translucent light blue with a slightly grey cast. Used in Mayfair and some Florentine patterns by Anchor Hocking and Hazel-Atlas. More affordable than cobalt but still collectible.
- Delphite: An opaque, sky-blue color (not transparent). Produced by Jeannette Glass and used in a limited number of patterns including Cherry Blossom and Jeannette’s own Delphite line. Technically a separate category from transparent depression glass but collected by the same audience.
One important distinction: unlike green depression glass, blue depression glass does not glow under ultraviolet (black) light. The cobalt and mineral colorants used for blue do not contain uranium, so the UV test that works for green depression glass authentication does not apply to blue pieces.
Blue Depression Glass Pattern Identification
The pattern is embossed into the glass during the manufacturing process. To identify your piece, hold it up to natural light and examine the exterior mold-pressed design. Below are the primary patterns produced in cobalt blue, ice blue, or delphite:
| Pattern Name | Maker | Years Made | Blue Color | Identification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Lace | Hazel-Atlas | 1934–1941 | Cobalt (Ritz Blue) | Intricate lace-like openwork scrolls and florals; ruffled edges on many pieces; the most elaborate Depression-era pattern |
| Moderntone | Hazel-Atlas | 1934–1942 | Cobalt (Ritz Blue) | Concentric rings from outer rim inward; plain center; simple, streamlined Art Deco design; no floral motifs |
| Newport (Hairpin) | Hazel-Atlas | 1936–1940 | Cobalt (Ritz Blue) | Curved hairpin-shaped ribs radiating from the center; resembles a fan or pleated fabric when viewed straight on |
| Mayfair (Open Rose) | Anchor Hocking | 1931–1937 | Ice Blue | Large open rose in center; scalloped rim with scroll border; same mold as the pink version but in a paler, cooler blue |
| Florentine No. 2 (Poppy No. 2) | Hazel-Atlas | 1932–1935 | Ice Blue | Round shape with large poppy flowers and foliage; ribs between floral sections; scalloped rims on plates |
| Cherry Blossom | Jeannette Glass | 1930–1939 | Delphite (opaque) | Cherry tree branches with blossoms and cherries across entire piece; identical mold to pink version but in opaque sky blue |
| Windsor (Windsor Diamond) | Jeannette Glass | 1936–1946 | Cobalt Blue | All-over diamond point pattern; sharp raised diamonds covering the entire surface; simple but bold geometric design |
| Starlight | Anchor Hocking | 1938–1940 | Cobalt Blue | Star-burst pattern with rays emanating from the center; ribbed design with a starburst center medallion |
| Moonstone | Anchor Hocking | 1941–1946 | Ocean Green (blue-green) | Hobnail-like opalescent dots on a clear or blue-green base; scalloped rims; technically opalescent but frequently collected with blue depression glass |
| Capri | Hazel-Atlas | 1960–1968 | Azure Blue (lighter cobalt) | Swirled or shell pattern; slightly later than classic Depression era but same cobalt-blue manufacturer and nearly identical collector base |
Blue Depression Glass Value Guide
Blue depression glass commands the highest prices of any color, often 3 to 10 times the value of the same piece in green or pink. Royal Lace in cobalt is the most aggressively collected Depression-era pattern, and a few pieces have sold at auction for over $2,000. Values below reflect the current secondary market (eBay sold listings, antique shows, and estate sales as of 2025–2026).
Royal Lace Cobalt Blue Values
| Piece | Condition Range | Average Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Butter Dish (with lid) | Good to Excellent | $400–$1,500 |
| Cookie Jar (with lid) | Good to Excellent | $300–$800 |
| Pitcher (48 oz, straight) | Good to Excellent | $150–$350 |
| Pitcher (64 oz, ruffled top) | Good to Excellent | $200–$500 |
| Tumbler (4.5 inch) | Good to Excellent | $40–$85 |
| Dinner Plate (9.875 inch) | Good to Excellent | $35–$75 |
| Soup Bowl (cream soup) | Good to Excellent | $60–$150 |
| Candlesticks (pair) | Good to Excellent | $150–$400 |
| 3-Legged Console Bowl | Good to Excellent | $100–$250 |
| Cup and Saucer | Good to Excellent | $25–$60 |
Moderntone Cobalt Blue Values
| Piece | Average Market Value |
|---|---|
| Butter Dish (with lid) | $65–$120 |
| Dinner Plate (8.875 inch) | $8–$18 |
| Cup | $10–$20 |
| Saucer | $4–$8 |
| Creamer | $8–$15 |
| Sugar (open) | $8–$15 |
| Tumbler (9 oz) | $25–$50 |
| Punch Cup | $5–$10 |
Newport Cobalt Blue Values
| Piece | Average Market Value |
|---|---|
| Dinner Plate (8.875 inch) | $12–$25 |
| Cup | $12–$20 |
| Saucer | $5–$8 |
| Bowl (4.75 inch berry) | $10–$18 |
| Creamer | $18–$30 |
| Platter (11.75 inch) | $35–$60 |
Why Is Blue Depression Glass So Rare?
The scarcity of cobalt blue depression glass has three causes:
- Higher production cost: Cobalt oxide — the colorant that creates the deep blue — was significantly more expensive than the manganese (for pink/amethyst) or iron/chromium compounds (for green). Higher production costs meant smaller production runs and higher retail prices, reducing initial distribution.
- Limited pattern selection: Not every pattern was produced in cobalt. While green was available in 40+ patterns and pink in 30+, true cobalt blue was limited to roughly 10 patterns. This scarcity concentrates collector demand on fewer pieces.
- Lower survival rates: Because fewer pieces were made, fewer have survived 80+ years of household use, estate sales, and attrition. The rarity compounds over time.
Ice blue and Delphite are more available than cobalt but still far rarer than the green and pink equivalents. Even a modest Delphite Cherry Blossom cereal bowl commands $45–$75, compared to $10–$20 for the same bowl in green.
Cobalt Blue vs. Delphite vs. Ice Blue: How to Tell Them Apart
These three blue categories are frequently confused by new collectors:
- Cobalt Blue / Ritz Blue: Deep, transparent, rich blue. Light passes through it but the glass appears a saturated, jewel-like blue. Hold it to a light source — if it’s clearly transparent with a brilliant blue color, it’s cobalt. The depth of color is similar to cobalt glass in laboratory or decorative settings.
- Ice Blue: Pale, very transparent blue with a slight grey or lavender cast. Some people describe it as “cloudy” or “slightly tinted.” Light passes through easily. Mayfair ice blue pieces look almost watery in appearance.
- Delphite: Completely opaque — no light passes through at all. The color is an even, matte sky blue, similar to a robin’s egg. Delphite pieces feel more like pottery than glass when you look at them, though they are glass. Cherry Blossom Delphite and Jeannette’s Delphite kitchen items are the most common examples.
Most Valuable Blue Depression Glass Pieces
Across all blue depression glass patterns, these are the pieces that command the highest prices when found in excellent condition:
- Royal Lace Cobalt Butter Dish — $400–$1,500+. The Holy Grail of cobalt depression glass. The lid alone can sell for $200.
- Royal Lace Cobalt Cookie Jar — $300–$800. Rare because the lid breaks easily.
- Royal Lace Cobalt Ruffled-Edge Candlesticks (pair) — $150–$400.
- Royal Lace Cobalt Pitcher (ruffled top, 64 oz) — $200–$500.
- Mayfair Ice Blue Cookie Jar — $300–$600. The mold is the same as the pink version, but ice blue examples are far rarer.
- Mayfair Ice Blue Butter Dish — $250–$500.
- Cherry Blossom Delphite Butter Dish — $150–$350.
- Newport Cobalt Shakers (pair) — $60–$120.
- Moderntone Cobalt Ruffled Bowl — $50–$100.
- Windsor Cobalt Butter Dish — $100–$200.
How to Authenticate Blue Depression Glass
Blue depression glass is reproduced less frequently than pink, but counterfeits and unmarked reproductions exist, particularly for Royal Lace. Use these checks to verify authenticity:
Mold Line Inspection
Authentic Depression-era pieces show mold seams running the height of the piece, often with minor mold offsets (slight misalignments where the two halves of the mold met). Reproduction pieces often have sharper, more precise seams or mold lines in unusual locations.
Weight and Thickness
Original depression glass is machine-pressed glass — it has consistent wall thickness throughout. Thick bases (where extra glass pooled during pressing) are normal. Reproduction pieces are sometimes thicker overall or have unusually uniform wall thickness.
Color Depth and Consistency
Authentic cobalt blue should be consistent in depth throughout the piece. Swirling in the color, cloudiness, or uneven saturation can indicate lower-quality reproduction glass. That said, genuine pieces can have minor bubbles and slight color variation — that is expected in Depression-era production.
The Snap Test for Delphite vs. Milk Glass
If you have a Delphite piece and want to confirm it is Delphite (rather than white milk glass with a blue tint or glaze), check the color at the edges or on thin sections of the piece. True Delphite has an even sky-blue color throughout the glass body — the color is in the glass itself, not applied as a surface coating. If you see any area where the blue seems to be on the surface only, it may be a painted or dip-coated reproduction.
UV Light Test — What It Shows for Blue
Unlike green depression glass (which glows bright green under ultraviolet light due to uranium content), blue depression glass does NOT glow under UV. If a piece marketed as cobalt depression glass glows brightly under a black light, it is either a different color glass or an imitation using uranium glass that has been tinted blue. Authentic cobalt blue pieces will appear dark or slightly reflective under UV with no fluorescence.
Blue Depression Glass Patterns Not to Confuse with Depression Glass
Several popular blue glass items from the same era are often confused with depression glass:
- Cobalt Blue Ball Pitchers (Anchor Hocking): The 1930s cobalt blue ball pitchers with ice lip are frequently labeled “depression glass” but are actually Cambridge Glass or Anchor Hocking utility ware. Beautiful and collectible, but a different product line.
- Bluebell / Azure patterns from Cambridge, Fostoria, or Tiffin: These are elegant glass — handmade, not mold-pressed, from higher-end manufacturers. Much more expensive to produce and much more expensive to buy today ($50–$500+ per piece).
- Depression-era blue carnival glass: Iridescent cobalt or blue carnival glass from Fenton, Northwood, or Imperial is a separate category with its own value system. See our carnival glass guide for identification and values.
- Fire King Azure Blue: Anchor Hocking’s Fire King line (1940s–1970s) includes pieces in “Azure Blue” — a lighter cobalt. These are not classic Depression glass but are collected by the same community. See our Fire King guide.
Caring for Blue Depression Glass
Blue depression glass requires the same care as all Depression-era pressed glass:
- Hand wash only — dishwashers cause etching, dulling, and clouding that permanently reduces value.
- Use lukewarm water with mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
- Dry with a soft cloth immediately after washing to prevent water spots.
- Store with padding between pieces — cobalt glass is not more fragile than other colors, but chips on rims or edges significantly reduce value.
- Display away from direct sunlight — prolonged UV exposure can affect surface clarity over many years, though it will not change the body color of authentic pieces.
Where to Buy and Sell Blue Depression Glass
Blue depression glass trades in several venues:
- eBay: The most active market for individual pieces and partial sets. Search completed/sold listings for accurate pricing.
- Ruby Lane: A reputable platform with vetted dealers; generally higher prices but more reliable condition descriptions.
- Antique Malls: Prices vary widely; cobalt pieces are often mispriced — both undervalued (by sellers who don’t know blue commands a premium) and overvalued (by dealers who assume any blue glass is worth top dollar).
- Depression Glass Shows: National Depression Glass Association (NDGA) shows attract serious collectors and dealers with accurate pricing. The best venue for Royal Lace and Mayfair ice blue.
- Estate Sales: The best source for underpriced pieces, particularly from estates where the heirs are unfamiliar with the premium on cobalt blue.
Related Depression Glass Guides
Blue depression glass is part of a broad collecting category. If you have pieces in other colors, these guides will help:
- Pink Depression Glass: Patterns, Identification & Value Guide
- Green Depression Glass: Patterns, Identification & Value Guide
- Amber Depression Glass: Patterns, Identification & Value Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Depression Glass
Is blue depression glass rare?
Yes — blue depression glass, particularly cobalt blue (Ritz Blue), is the rarest color in the depression glass category. Far fewer patterns were produced in blue than in green or pink, and production runs were smaller. This scarcity makes blue pieces consistently the most valuable depression glass color at current market prices.
What is the most valuable blue depression glass?
Royal Lace in cobalt blue is the most valuable blue depression glass pattern. A complete cobalt butter dish in excellent condition sells for $400–$1,500 depending on condition and demand. The cookie jar lid alone can sell for $200 or more. Royal Lace cobalt candlesticks (pair) and the 64 oz ruffled pitcher are also among the highest-value pieces in all of depression glass.
Does blue depression glass glow under black light?
No. Blue depression glass does not glow under UV or black light. Green depression glass glows because it contains uranium oxide as a colorant. Blue glass uses cobalt oxide, which has no uranium content and produces no fluorescence under UV. If you test a blue piece under a black light and it glows, it is either a different type of glass or has been misidentified as depression glass.
What is Delphite depression glass?
Delphite is an opaque, sky-blue glass produced primarily by Jeannette Glass Company in the 1930s. Unlike cobalt or ice blue depression glass, Delphite is completely opaque — no light passes through it. Common Delphite pieces include Cherry Blossom pattern items and Jeannette’s own Delphite kitchen range (canisters, mixing bowls, measuring cups). It is collected alongside transparent depression glass but is technically a separate glass type.
What is the difference between cobalt blue and ice blue depression glass?
Cobalt blue (called “Ritz Blue” by Hazel-Atlas) is a deep, saturated, jewel-like blue that is still clearly transparent. Ice blue is a very pale, almost watery blue with a slight grey or lavender tint. Cobalt is used in Royal Lace, Moderntone, and Newport. Ice blue is used in Mayfair Open Rose and some Florentine pieces. Cobalt is significantly more valuable. The distinction is easy when you hold both types next to each other — ice blue looks almost colorless in comparison to rich cobalt.
How can I tell if my blue glass is real Depression glass?
Authentic blue depression glass was made between roughly 1929 and 1942 (with some patterns into the mid-1940s) by Hazel-Atlas, Anchor Hocking, Jeannette, Federal, or Indiana Glass. Check for mold seams running up the sides of the piece — these are evidence of machine pressing, the production method used for all depression glass. The pattern should match one of the known patterns (Royal Lace, Moderntone, Newport, Mayfair, etc.). If the piece has no identifiable pattern and appears hand-blown or has a pontil mark on the base, it is likely art glass or elegant glass, not depression glass.