13 Depression Glass Patterns Commonly Found In Illinois Thrift Stores
Depression glass treasures are hiding in Illinois thrift stores, just waiting to be discovered by savvy collectors. These colorful glass pieces were manufactured during the 1920s and 1930s when America was deep in economic hardship.
Companies mass-produced these affordable pretties to brighten homes during dark times, and today they’ve become highly collectible vintage items that tell stories of American resilience.
Let’s take a closer look at the Depression glass patterns and pieces you’re most likely to spot in Illinois thrift stores.
1. Cherry Blossom
If you spot a delicate pink piece with raised cherry blossom designs, grab it immediately! Cherry Blossom pattern is one of the most beloved Depression glass finds in Illinois shops.
The soft pink hue makes Cherry Blossom instantly recognizable among collectors. Manufactured by Jeannette Glass Company from 1930 to 1939, these pieces feature intricate floral motifs that dance across plates, bowls, and serving pieces.
2. Adam
How surprising to find this elegant pattern tucked between modern dishware at rural Illinois thrift shops? Adam pattern features a classical design with vertical ribs and scalloped edges that exude vintage charm.
Jeannette Glass Company produced Adam pieces from 1932 to 1934 in a lovely, crystal clear color. The pattern’s short production run makes these items particularly special finds for collectors hunting through Illinois secondhand stores.
3. Sunflower
Did you know Sunflower pattern pieces often hide in plain sight among ordinary glassware? This stunning yellow pattern features detailed sunflower motifs that catch light beautifully.
Indiana Glass Company created these sunny treasures between 1934 and 1943. The cheerful amber color brightens any collection and appears frequently in Central Illinois thrift shops.
Look for butter dishes, cake stands, and pitcher sets. They’re among the most commonly discovered Sunflower pieces.
4. Patrician
Though often mistaken for ordinary glassware, Patrician’s simple elegance makes it a frequent Illinois thrift store discovery. The pattern features subtle spoke designs radiating from the center of each piece.
Federal Glass Company produced Patrician between 1933 and 1937 in a beautiful amber color. The pattern’s understated design makes these pieces versatile additions to any collection.
Patrician cups and saucers appear most commonly in Springfield and Peoria area shops.
5. Cameo
Where vintage glass lovers gather, Cameo pattern is discussed with reverence! This exquisite design features delicate ballerina dancers encircling each piece in a graceful dance frozen in glass.
Hocking Glass Company created Cameo between 1930 and 1934 in green, yellow and crystal colors. The green variety appears most frequently in Chicago suburban thrift stores. Cameo’s distinctive dancing figures make it instantly recognizable even to novice collectors.
6. Royal Lace
Hence the excitement when spotting Royal Lace pattern hiding among ordinary glassware at Illinois thrift shops! This cobalt blue beauty features an intricate lace design that wraps around each piece like delicate frozen cobwebs.
Hazel Atlas produced Royal Lace between 1934 and 1941. The pattern’s stunning blue color makes it stand out dramatically from other Depression glass. Collectors frequently find cups, plates and occasional serving pieces in Bloomington and Champaign area stores.
7. Aurora
Are you lucky enough to spot the iridescent shimmer of Aurora pattern while thrifting in Illinois? This distinctive pattern features a beautiful crystal clear design with subtle iridescent qualities that seem to glow from within.
Jeannette Glass Company crafted Aurora pieces from 1937 to 1938. The pattern’s short production period makes these finds particularly special.
Aurora’s simple elegance appears most frequently in sherbets and dessert plates throughout Northwestern Illinois thrift establishments.
8. American Sweetheart
It’s impossible to miss American Sweetheart pattern with its distinctive scalloped edges and embossed floral design! This pink or white pattern features elegant swirls and delicate flowers that capture vintage charm perfectly.
MacBeth-Evans Glass Company produced American Sweetheart from 1930 to 1936. The pink variety appears most commonly in Illinois thrift stores.
Collectors particularly treasure the serving pieces and dinner plates which surface occasionally in Chicago’s North Shore suburban shops.
9. Doric (And Doric & Pansy)
When hunting through Illinois thrift stores, keep an eye out for Doric pattern’s distinctive column-like design elements! This elegant pattern features vertical ribbing reminiscent of classical Greek architecture.
Jeannette Glass Company produced Doric in pink, green and clear from 1935 to 1938. The related Doric & Pansy variant adds delicate floral motifs to the same columnar design. Both variations appear frequently in Rockford and Moline area thrift establishments.
10. Holiday (Buttons And Bows)
This playful pattern brings instant smiles when discovered in Illinois thrift shops! Holiday pattern (also called Buttons and Bows) features charming raised button-like circles connected by bow motifs across each piece.
Federal Glass Company produced this whimsical design from 1934 to 1940 in beautiful, crystal clear glass. The pattern appears most frequently in smaller serving pieces throughout Central Illinois thrift establishments.
Holiday’s distinctive raised elements make it easy to identify even for beginning collectors.
11. Horseshoe
Though less common than some patterns, Horseshoe design brings good luck to Illinois thrifters who discover it! This pattern features raised horseshoe motifs arranged in circular patterns across each piece.
Indiana Glass Company produced Horseshoe pattern between 1932 and 1939. The design appears in lovely green glass that catches light beautifully.
Southern Illinois thrift stores occasionally yield Horseshoe tumblers and small plates that delight collectors with their good-fortune symbolism.
12. Iris
However frequently Iris pattern appears in Illinois thrift stores, collectors still get excited! This beautiful design features herringbone patterns with raised iris flowers creating a stunning textural effect.
Jeannette Glass Company produced Iris pattern between 1928 and 1932 in crystal clear glass. The pattern’s distinctive floral elements make it instantly recognizable.
Iris pieces appear most commonly in smaller serving items throughout Quad Cities area thrift establishments.
13. Columbia
This patriotic pattern makes hearts race when spotted in Illinois thrift shops! Columbia features squared designs with distinctive vertical ribbing that creates beautiful light reflections.
Federal Glass Company produced Columbia between 1938 and 1943 in a lovely sapphire blue color. The pattern’s deep color makes it stand out dramatically among other glassware.
Columbia pieces appear occasionally in Chicago’s western suburban thrift establishments, especially smaller serving items and dessert dishes.
