12 Common Depression Glass Patterns To Look For In Texas Thrift Stores

Depression glass, those colorful and affordable dishes made during the 1930s, has become a treasure hunt staple for Texas thrift store enthusiasts. These beautiful pieces were often given away free with purchases during the Great Depression, making them both historically significant and surprisingly affordable today.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about vintage glassware, knowing these patterns will help you spot valuable finds on your next Texas thrifting adventure.

1. Cherry Blossom Pink Pattern

Delicate pink glass adorned with dainty cherry blossoms makes this pattern instantly recognizable in crowded thrift shelves. Manufactured by Jeannette Glass Company from 1930 to 1939, these pieces feature raised floral designs that catch the light beautifully.

Texas thrift stores frequently have Cherry Blossom pieces hiding in plain sight. The pattern comes in pink, green, and crystal clear, though pink remains the most coveted by collectors. Dinner plates typically sell between $15-45 depending on condition.

2. American Sweetheart Monax

Milky white with an elegant lace-like border, American Sweetheart Monax pieces bring vintage charm to any collection. MacBeth-Evans produced this sophisticated pattern from 1930 to 1936.

The creamy white color earned the name “Monax” and makes these pieces versatile additions to modern table settings. Texas antique malls often price these treasures affordably compared to online sources. Watch for the distinctive scalloped edges and intricate border design.

3. Madrid Blue Depression Glass

Cobalt blue pieces from the Madrid pattern practically glow when you spot them in a Texas thrift store! Federal Glass Company created this geometric pattern between 1932-1939, and the deep blue color remains particularly prized by collectors.

Madrid features distinctive button-and-arches designs that catch light beautifully. The pattern also came in amber, pink, and clear, but blue commands the highest prices. Rural Texas thrift shops sometimes overlook the value of these pieces, making them potential bargains for knowledgeable hunters.

4. Cameo Green “Ballerina” Pattern

Green Cameo glass features delicate etched dancers that seem to twirl across each piece. Hocking Glass Company produced these enchanting items between 1930-1934, creating an enduring favorite among Texas collectors.

The ballerina silhouettes are actually young girls in period dresses, but the nickname stuck. Look closely at the pattern – genuine pieces show fine detail in the etching. Houston and Dallas thrift stores occasionally yield complete sets that families donate without realizing their value.

5. Princess Amber By Hocking

Honey-colored Princess pattern pieces bring warmth to any Depression glass collection. The amber hue makes these Hocking Glass Company treasures (1931-1934) particularly desirable in Texas, where they complement southwestern décor beautifully.

Princess features vertical ribbing with scalloped edges that catch light dramatically. Collectors prize the pattern’s cream and sugar sets, which turn up surprisingly often in San Antonio thrift stores. The golden color resulted from adding uranium to the glass mixture – some pieces even glow under ultraviolet light!

6. Royal Lace Cobalt Blue

Hazel Atlas created the breathtaking Royal Lace pattern between 1934-1941, with cobalt blue pieces being the rarest and most valuable. The intricate lace-like pattern features scrollwork and tiny dots that create a jewel-like appearance.

Texas collectors compete fiercely for Royal Lace finds. The pattern’s cookie jars can fetch hundreds of dollars even in today’s market! Austin thrift stores occasionally receive estate donations containing these treasures. Look for the distinctive scalloped edges and the pattern’s characteristic medallion designs.

7. Miss America Pink Crystal

Sparkling pink Miss America pieces feature an eye-catching crystal-clear pattern that resembles cut glass. Hocking produced these stunning items from 1935-1937, creating an affordable alternative to expensive crystal during hard economic times.

The pattern’s distinctive square plates remain highly collectible. East Texas thrift stores occasionally yield Miss America treasures at bargain prices. Many pieces display a waffle-and-button design that creates dramatic light reflections.

8. Mayfair “Open Rose” Pattern

Soft blue Mayfair glass showcases delicate open rose designs that instantly transport viewers to Depression-era dining tables. Hocking Glass Company created this romantic pattern from 1931-1937, making it one of the longest-produced Depression glass styles.

Thrift hunters in Fort Worth and El Paso regularly discover Mayfair pieces. The pattern’s serving pieces – especially the covered butter dish – command premium prices. Blue pieces are most common, but the pattern also came in pink and yellow varieties.

9. Florentine #1 Poppy Yellow

Sunny yellow Florentine pieces brighten any collection with their cheerful poppy designs. Hazel Atlas manufactured this popular pattern from 1932-1935, creating instantly recognizable pieces that Texas collectors eagerly seek.

The pattern features raised poppy flowers and distinctive scalloped edges. Small Texas towns often yield Florentine finds when elderly residents downsize. Yellow was the original color, though the pattern later appeared in green, pink, and crystal.

10. Manhattan Crystal Clear Pattern

Elegant Manhattan pattern pieces showcase Art Deco geometry at its finest. Hazel Atlas produced these sophisticated clear glass items from 1938-1943, making them late-period Depression glass that bridges into early WWII era.

The pattern features bold rectangular blocks and clean lines that still look modern today. Dallas-area thrift stores occasionally receive Manhattan pieces from estate donations. Though created in crystal clear, the pattern’s distinctive geometric design makes it instantly recognizable to knowledgeable collectors.

11. Holiday “Buttons And Bows” Green

Cheerful green Holiday pattern glass features a whimsical design that lives up to its festive name. Federal Glass Company produced these charming pieces from 1934-1940, creating an enduring favorite in the Texas collecting community.

The pattern showcases alternating buttons and bows in raised relief. Corpus Christi thrift stores occasionally yield Holiday treasures at remarkable prices. Though green is most common, the pattern also appeared in pink, amber, and crystal clear varieties.

12. Patrician “Spoke” Amber Glass

Golden amber Patrician pieces feature a distinctive spoke design radiating from the center. Federal Glass Company manufactured this bold pattern from 1933-1937, creating instantly recognizable pieces that stand out in thrift store displays.

The pattern’s amber color ranges from pale honey to deep caramel depending on glass thickness. Waco and Lubbock thrift stores occasionally yield spectacular Patrician finds. The pattern’s distinctive spoke design creates dramatic light reflections that draw collector attention.