Pink depression glass is the most actively collected color in all of Depression-era glassware. Produced primarily between 1929 and 1942, pink pieces were pressed in enormous quantities by Anchor Hocking, MacBeth-Evans, Jeannette Glass, Federal Glass, and Hazel-Atlas to give American families affordable, beautiful tableware during the economic hardships of the Great Depression. Today, pink depression glass drives the highest collector demand of any color, with rare patterns and pieces regularly fetching hundreds of dollars at auction.
What Is Pink Depression Glass?
Depression glass is machine-made, mold-pressed glassware produced between 1929 and approximately 1939 by major American manufacturers. The pink color was achieved by adding selenium oxide to the glass batch — a process that produces a clear, rosy pink ranging from very pale blush to a deeper rose depending on the amount added and the specific manufacturer’s formula. Some manufacturers called their pink “Rose” (MacBeth-Evans), while others simply used “Pink.” The color was enormously popular from the moment it appeared and dominated Depression glass production throughout the 1930s.
Pink depression glass almost always has a slight rosy cast when held to light. Unlike carnival glass (which has an iridescent surface coating) or milk glass (which is opaque), depression glass is translucent — you can see light through it. Most pink depression glass does not fluoresce under ultraviolet light, unlike green depression glass (which often contains trace uranium). A piece that glows bright under a blacklight is more likely vaseline glass or uranium glass, not typical pink depression glass.
Pink Depression Glass Pattern Identification
The pattern is embossed into the glass during manufacturing. To identify your pattern, hold the piece up to a light source and examine the mold-pressed design. Most patterns have distinct geometric, floral, or Art Deco motifs. Here are the most common pink depression glass patterns:
| Pattern Name | Maker | Years Made | Identification | Common Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayfair (Open Rose) | Anchor Hocking | 1931–1937 | Large open rose in center; scalloped rim with scrolling leaf and floral border; oval-shaped serving pieces | Plates, cookie jar, pitcher, tumblers, butter dish, relish tray, cake plate |
| Sharon (Cabbage Rose) | Federal Glass | 1935–1939 | Realistic cabbage rose with leaves covering most of the surface; concave center on bowls | Plates, cups, butter dish, covered candy dish, cheese dish, pitcher with tumblers |
| Cherry Blossom | Jeannette Glass | 1930–1939 | Cherry tree branches with blossoms and cherries across the entire piece; scalloped or plain rim depending on piece | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, cereal bowls, cake plate, covered dishes |
| American Sweetheart | MacBeth-Evans | 1930–1936 | Scrolling feather-like motif radiating from center; opaque white trim (Monax) often confused with Pink | Plates, cups, soup bowls, creamer, sugar, salver |
| Miss America (Diamond Pattern) | Anchor Hocking | 1935–1938 | Horizontal rows of large diamond-like points radiating from center; crystal-clear cut-glass appearance | Plates, cups, butter dish, relish tray, fruit bowl, pitcher, tumblers |
| Dogwood (Apple Blossom / Wild Rose) | MacBeth-Evans | 1929–1932 | Dogwood flower sprays with leaves; two distinct types: Thin (machine-made) and Thick (hand-finished) | Plates, cups, cereal bowls, creamer, sugar, cake plate |
| Adam | Jeannette Glass | 1932–1934 | Feather/plume design radiating from center with geometric border; square-shaped plates (not round) | Square plates, cups, pitchers, butter dish, ash tray, candy dish |
| Windsor (Windsor Diamond) | Jeannette Glass | 1936–1946 | Fine diamond-point pattern across entire surface; plain flat rim | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, bowls, butter dish |
| Patrician (Spoke) | Federal Glass | 1933–1937 | Large spoke-like rays emanating from center; deeply molded ribs with intricate floral medallion at hub | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, butter dish, cookie jar |
| Petal Ware | MacBeth-Evans | 1930–1940 | Plain or very lightly patterned; monax (white) and pink are most common; often trimmed with gold or floral decals | Plates, cups, bowls, creamer, sugar, salver |
| Princess | Anchor Hocking | 1931–1935 | Octagonal panels with scrolling floral interior; octagon-shaped plates distinctly different from round pieces of other patterns | Plates, cups, tumblers, cookie jar, candy dish, sherbet |
| Lace Edge (Old Colony / Open Lace) | Anchor Hocking | 1935–1938 | Open lacy border surrounding ribbed body; unique open-work scalloped rim; pink is the only color produced | Plates, cups, tumblers, bowls, relish tray, cookie jar |
| Cameo (Ballerina / Dancing Girl) | Anchor Hocking | 1930–1934 | Dancing female figures in circular medallions separated by festoons and bows; primarily green, but pink pieces exist | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, cookie jar |
| Floral (Poinsettia) | Jeannette Glass | 1931–1935 | Large poinsettia flowers with radiating ribbed petals; flat-bottomed tumblers | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, bowls, salt and pepper shakers |
| Florentine No. 2 (Poppy No. 2) | Hazel-Atlas | 1932–1935 | Round shape with poppy flower motif; larger flowers than No. 1; scalloped edges | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, grill plates, sherbet |
| Bubble (Provincial) | Anchor Hocking | 1934–1965 | All-over raised bubble pattern; heavy, utilitarian feel; pink pieces mostly pre-1940 | Plates, cups, bowls, creamer, sugar |
| Iris and Herringbone | Jeannette Glass | 1928–1932, 1950s–1970s | Iris flower with herringbone rays; iridescent carnival-finish pieces most common but clear pink versions exist | Plates, cups, vase, pitcher, tumblers |
| New Century | Hazel-Atlas | 1930–1935 | Fine stippled background with geometric border; ribbed near rim; often confused with Ovide pattern | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, salt and pepper shakers |
| Queen Mary (Prismatic Line) | Anchor Hocking | 1936–1940 | Fine concentric lines and ribbing giving a prismatic effect; plain center | Plates, cups, tumblers, bowls, butter dish, candy dish |
| Royal Lace | Hazel-Atlas | 1934–1941 | Intricate scrolling lace-like border with ruffled edge; elaborate motif covering most of each piece | Plates, cups, pitcher, tumblers, cookie jar, candlesticks, butter dish |
Most Valuable Pink Depression Glass Patterns
While most pink depression glass sells for $5–$50 per piece, certain patterns and specific pieces can be worth significantly more. Value is driven by pattern rarity, piece type (serving pieces are worth more than plates), condition, and whether the piece is a known variation.
| Pattern | Most Valuable Piece | Value Range | Why Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayfair (Open Rose) | Cookie jar with lid | $75–$200 | Complete sets with lids are difficult to find; most lids got broken over 90 years |
| Mayfair (Open Rose) | Whiskey decanter with stopper | $200–$500+ | Rare; most were made without the stopper and stoppers rarely survived |
| Sharon (Cabbage Rose) | Butter dish with lid | $60–$100 | Butter dishes in any pattern are always more valuable; original lids often chipped or missing |
| Sharon (Cabbage Rose) | Cheese dish | $150–$300 | Rare form; only produced for a limited time and in limited quantities |
| Cherry Blossom | Child’s butter dish | $400–$800+ | Child’s sets are extremely rare; the butter dish form in child’s size commands premium prices |
| Cherry Blossom | Pitcher (36 oz round) | $75–$150 | Pitchers survive less often; round base version less common than the flat-base version |
| Miss America | Butter dish with lid | $150–$300 | Butter dishes in Miss America are rare; look for original dome lid (not a flat-topped substitute) |
| American Sweetheart | Lamp shade | $400–$700 | Lamp shades in any depression glass pattern are rare; American Sweetheart versions are a specific collector target |
| Adam | Butter dish with lid | $75–$125 | Square butter dish form is distinctive to Adam pattern; matching lid is often missing |
| Lace Edge | Frosted 13-piece console set | $200–$500 | Complete console sets with all 13 pieces are extremely rare; frosted Lace Edge pieces command premium |
| Royal Lace | Ruffled candlesticks (pair) | $100–$250 | Ruffled-edge Royal Lace candlesticks in pink are rare compared to cobalt blue |
Rare Pink Depression Glass: Special Colors and Variations
Beyond standard pink, there are several special colors and production variations that command significantly higher prices from advanced collectors:
- Satin / Frosted Pink: Standard pieces acid-etched or sandblasted to create a matte surface. Frosted Mayfair and Lace Edge pieces are specifically collected. Add 25–50% to standard values.
- Delphite Pink: Not actually pink, but a pale opaque pink-white produced by Jeannette. Delphite is rare in any pattern; Cherry Blossom Delphite pieces sell for 2–5x standard pink prices.
- Jadeite: Anchor Hocking’s opaque jade-green — sometimes mistaken for pink by beginners. Not pink at all, but worth knowing the difference.
- Production variants: Some patterns were made in multiple mold variations — the Cherry Blossom “AJ” (Anchor Hocking reproduced Jeannette original) is a known reproduction issue. See authentication section below.
- Error pieces: Occasional wrong-color production runs exist. An Adam piece in dark rose vs. standard pink, or a Miss America piece in unusual pink shade, may be a production run variation worth researching.
How to Authenticate Pink Depression Glass
Pink depression glass reproductions have been produced since the 1970s. The most commonly reproduced patterns are Cherry Blossom, Sharon (Cabbage Rose), Mayfair, and Miss America. Here is how to tell originals from reproductions:
Physical Characteristics of Originals
- Weight: Original depression glass is lighter than most modern glass and much lighter than cut crystal. If a piece feels heavy for its size, it may be a reproduction or a different type of glass entirely.
- Mold seams: Machine-pressed depression glass has very fine mold seams that were typically fire-polished smooth. Visible rough seams or seams that end at the rim are modern indicators.
- Sharpness of pattern detail: Original depression glass has crisp, well-defined pattern details. Reproductions often have softer, less defined patterns where the glass didn’t fully fill the mold, or details that appear rounded rather than sharp.
- Color consistency: Original pink is a consistent rosy hue. Reproductions are sometimes a slightly different shade of pink — often more violet-pink or orange-pink rather than the classic selenium rose.
- Bubbles and imperfections: Original Depression glass frequently contains small bubbles, surface ripples, or slight warping from rapid machine production. These are actually signs of authenticity — a perfectly flawless piece of “depression glass” may be a later reproduction.
Pattern-Specific Authentication: Cherry Blossom
Cherry Blossom is the most reproduced depression glass pattern. Key differences between originals and reproductions:
- Original: The cherries have 2 bumps per cherry; reproduction cherries have 3 bumps
- Original: The twig of the cherry cluster is well-defined with a distinct fork; reproductions have a single straight twig
- Pitcher: Original flat-base pitchers have 6 cherries on the body; reproductions have fewer or more
- Child’s pieces: Any “child’s set” pieces should be verified carefully — reproductions are known in child’s sizes
Pattern-Specific Authentication: Mayfair
- Original Mayfair cookie jars have a perfectly fitting lid; reproductions often have lids that don’t seat properly
- The open rose center of originals shows a fully formed, deeply molded rose; reproductions have a flatter, less defined rose
- Original Mayfair shot glasses (small tumblers) are extremely rare; pieces sold as Mayfair shot glasses are almost certainly reproductions
Pink Depression Glass Value Guide by Pattern
The following values represent current secondary market prices for pieces in near-mint (no chips, cracks, or cloudiness) condition. Prices vary by region and individual piece variation.
| Pattern | Plate (9–10 inch) | Cup and Saucer | Bowl (cereal/soup) | Serving Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayfair (Open Rose) | $15–$30 | $15–$25 | $20–$40 | Cookie jar: $75–$200; Butter dish: $60–$100; Pitcher: $40–$70 |
| Sharon (Cabbage Rose) | $10–$20 | $15–$25 | $15–$30 | Butter dish: $60–$100; Cheese dish: $150–$300; Pitcher: $50–$85 |
| Cherry Blossom | $10–$20 | $15–$25 | $15–$35 | Cake plate: $25–$45; Pitcher: $75–$150; Child’s butter dish: $400–$800+ |
| American Sweetheart | $15–$30 | $20–$35 | $15–$30 | Lamp shade: $400–$700; Tidbit server: $30–$60 |
| Miss America | $15–$25 | $15–$25 | $15–$30 | Butter dish: $150–$300; Relish tray: $20–$40; Fruit bowl: $30–$55 |
| Dogwood | $10–$20 | $15–$25 | $15–$30 | Cake plate: $20–$40; Pitchers are very rare: $300–$600+ |
| Adam | $10–$20 | $15–$25 | $15–$30 | Butter dish: $75–$125; Pitcher: $40–$80; Candy dish: $25–$45 |
| Windsor | $8–$15 | $10–$20 | $12–$25 | Pitcher: $35–$65; Butter dish: $50–$80 |
| Patrician | $10–$20 | $15–$25 | $15–$30 | Cookie jar: $60–$100; Pitcher: $50–$90; Butter dish: $65–$110 |
| Lace Edge | $10–$20 | $15–$25 | $15–$30 | Cookie jar: $40–$70; Relish tray: $15–$30; Console set (13 pcs): $200–$500 |
| Princess | $10–$20 | $12–$22 | $15–$30 | Cookie jar: $50–$90; Pitcher: $40–$75; Candy dish: $25–$45 |
| Florentine No. 2 | $8–$15 | $10–$18 | $12–$22 | Pitcher: $35–$65; Tumblers: $10–$18 each |
| Royal Lace | $15–$30 | $20–$35 | $20–$40 | Cookie jar: $75–$125; Candlesticks: $100–$250/pair; Pitcher: $50–$90 |
| Queen Mary | $8–$15 | $10–$18 | $10–$20 | Butter dish: $50–$85; Candy dish: $20–$35 |
| Floral (Poinsettia) | $10–$20 | $15–$25 | $15–$28 | Pitcher: $45–$80; Salt and pepper: $30–$55/pair |
| Petal Ware | $5–$12 | $8–$15 | $10–$20 | Salver: $15–$30 |
| Bubble | $5–$10 | $8–$15 | $8–$18 | Generally lower values; common pattern |
Condition Grades and Their Effect on Value
Condition is the single most important factor after pattern when determining value. Pink depression glass was used daily, and 90 years of use shows. Here is how condition grades affect price:
| Condition Grade | Description | Effect on Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mint / Museum quality | No chips, cracks, scratches, utensil marks, or cloudiness. Appears to have never been used. | 100% of listed value or more (premium for perfect pieces) |
| Near Mint | Extremely light use wear; no chips or cracks; possibly a single very light surface scratch not visible from arm’s length | 85–100% of listed value |
| Excellent | Light use marks including minor stacking scratches; no chips or cracks; clean and bright | 65–85% of listed value |
| Very Good | Obvious utensil scratches, minor cloudiness, or very light surface wear; no chips or cracks | 40–65% of listed value |
| Good | Significant stacking scratches, light cloudiness, or moderate surface wear; possibly a minor rim roughness | 20–40% of listed value |
| Poor / Damaged | Chips, cracks, deep scratches, heavy cloudiness, or repairs | 10–20% of listed value for display only; 0% if damaged enough to be unsafe |
Important note on chips: Even a tiny chip on a rim reduces value by 50–80%. Collectors are extremely condition-conscious — a chip is not a minor defect. The same piece in mint condition may be worth 4–5x a chipped example.
How to Clean Pink Depression Glass
Never put depression glass in the dishwasher. The heat, alkaline detergents, and mechanical vibration will permanently cloud and scratch the glass. Always hand wash with these guidelines:
- Wash gently: Use warm (not hot) water with a small amount of mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge — never steel wool or scrubbing pads.
- Cloudy or foggy glass: Cloudiness from dishwasher use is unfortunately permanent in most cases. Light cloudiness can sometimes be improved with a soak in a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution for 30–60 minutes, followed by gentle scrubbing with a soft brush.
- Mineral deposits: Hard water deposits (white scale) respond to a diluted vinegar soak. Do not use CLR or other strong acids on depression glass.
- Storage: Do not stack pieces directly. Use felt plate separators or foam padding between stacked pieces to prevent stacking scratches — the most common condition issue with estate-found depression glass.
- Never use bleach on depression glass — it can cause surface etching and react with the selenium compounds in the glass.
Is Pink Depression Glass Safe to Use?
Unlike uranium glass (which does contain trace radioactive material) or old red/orange Fiestaware (which used uranium oxide in the glaze), standard pink depression glass made with selenium oxide is considered safe for most uses. However, there are some caveats:
- Very old pieces with significant lead content (primarily pre-1900 glass, not typical for Depression era) may leach lead into acidic foods and beverages.
- Pieces with cracks or crazing can harbor bacteria and are not food-safe regardless of glass type.
- For typical intact pink depression glass from the 1930s, occasional use for serving dry or non-acidic foods is generally considered safe. For daily drinking or acidic foods (juice, wine, vinegar-based dressings), most collectors prefer to display pieces and use modern tableware for eating.
Where to Buy and Sell Pink Depression Glass
Pink depression glass has a robust secondary market. Here are the best venues for both buyers and sellers:
Best Places to Buy
- Estate sales: The best source for underpriced pieces. Pink depression glass is among the most commonly found items at Midwestern and Southeastern estate sales.
- Antique malls and shops: Most antique malls in the US carry pink depression glass; prices vary widely by dealer knowledge
- eBay: The largest online market; buy it now and auction listings. Use completed sales to check current prices before buying or selling.
- Ruby Lane: Higher-quality dealer marketplace; generally better-described and priced pieces but often higher prices than eBay
- Replacements, Ltd.: The largest china and glass replacement service; great for completing partial sets but prices are at full retail
- NDGA (National Depression Glass Association): Membership brings access to shows, newsletter, and member sales — the best resource for serious collectors
Best Places to Sell
- eBay: Best for individual pieces or small lots to a nationwide buyer pool; use auction format for rare pieces and buy it now for common patterns
- Local antique dealers: Fast and easy but expect dealer pricing (40–60% of retail value)
- Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell groups: Good for large collections where shipping would be expensive
- Depression glass shows (NDGA and regional chapters): Best prices for rare pieces sold to knowledgeable collectors; NDGA membership required for show sales
- Replacements, Ltd.: Accepts consignments and buys outright for patterns they need
Other Depression Glass Colors
Pink is the most collected color, but Depression glass was produced in many other colors. If you have pieces in other shades, these guides cover each color’s patterns, values, and authentication:
- Green Depression Glass: Patterns, Identification & Value Guide
- Amber Depression Glass: Patterns, Identification & Value Guide
- Blue Depression Glass: Patterns, Identification & Value Guide
- Depression Glass: Complete Guide to All Colors, Patterns & Values
Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Depression Glass
What is the most valuable pink depression glass pattern?
Mayfair (Open Rose) by Anchor Hocking is arguably the most valuable common pattern, with rare pieces like the whiskey decanter ($200–$500+) and cookie jar ($75–$200) commanding the highest prices. American Sweetheart lamp shades ($400–$700) and Cherry Blossom child’s butter dishes ($400–$800+) are the highest individual values in the pink depression glass market.
How do I know if my pink depression glass is real or a reproduction?
Original depression glass is lighter weight than most reproductions, has crisp, sharp pattern details, and frequently contains small bubbles or surface imperfections from machine production. Check for the cherries on Cherry Blossom (originals have 2 bumps per cherry; reproductions have 3), and examine lids — original lids seat perfectly. When in doubt, check the National Depression Glass Association’s pattern guides or post photos to collector groups.
Does pink depression glass glow under black light?
Most pink depression glass does NOT glow under ultraviolet light. Pink depression glass gets its color from selenium oxide, not uranium. If your pink glass glows green or yellow-green under a blacklight, you may have a piece made with uranium oxide — this would likely be vaseline glass or uranium glass, not typical pink depression glass. Some pieces have mixed glass batches that may show faint fluorescence.
What makes a piece of depression glass valuable?
Value is driven by five factors: (1) Pattern — rare patterns command more than common ones; (2) Piece type — serving pieces (pitchers, butter dishes, cookie jars) are worth more than plates; (3) Color — pink and cobalt blue generally command more than amber and clear; (4) Condition — a chip reduces value by 50–80%; (5) Rarity — some pieces were produced in small quantities and are now genuinely scarce regardless of pattern.
Is pink depression glass safe to eat from?
Standard pink depression glass made with selenium oxide (not uranium) is generally considered safe for occasional use with dry or non-acidic foods. Most collectors recommend against using very old glass for daily eating or storing acidic foods (juice, vinegar-based foods). If pieces show cracks, crazing, or any damage, do not use them for food service.
Where can I find out what my depression glass is worth?
The best resources are: (1) Completed eBay sales for the specific pattern and piece — this shows actual current market prices; (2) The “Gene Florence” depression glass price guides (updated periodically and available on Amazon); (3) The National Depression Glass Association (ndga.net); (4) Replacements.com shows retail pricing; (5) Local antique dealers who specialize in depression glass can give in-person valuations.