4 Depression Glass Patterns That Aren’t Worth Much And 6 That Could Surprise You

Depression glass, those colorful translucent dishes produced during the 1920s and 1930s, has become a beloved collector’s item.

Made cheaply during the Great Depression, these dishes were often given away as promotional items at movie theaters or packed inside food products. While some patterns have become quite valuable over time, others remain affordable for casual collectors.

Let’s explore which patterns might be hiding unexpected value in your cupboard!

1. Cameo Pattern – Not Worth Much

My grandmother always kept a few Cameo pieces in her china cabinet, but I never realized they weren’t particularly valuable. This delicate pattern featuring small flowers and scrolls was mass-produced by Hocking Glass Company.

You’ll find Cameo pieces in green, pink, and clear, with green being the most common. Despite its pretty appearance, most pieces sell for under $20 because they were so widely distributed during the Depression era.

2. Florentine #1 Pattern – Common Find

Remember finding those yellow dishes at nearly every antique store? That’s Florentine #1, one of the most abundant Depression glass patterns ever produced by Hazel Atlas between 1932-1935.

The sunny yellow color makes these pieces cheerful, but their widespread availability keeps values modest. Most dinner plates fetch only $8-15, while serving pieces rarely exceed $30. Beginning collectors often start with this pattern precisely because it’s affordable and easy to find.

3. Federal’s Patrician Pattern – Budget-Friendly Beauty

Walking through a flea market last summer, I spotted an entire set of Patrician pattern pieces for less than $100! This amber-colored pattern features simple spoke designs that radiate from the center of each piece.

Federal Glass Company produced these items in massive quantities. Even though they look elegant, most Patrician pieces sell for just $5-15 each. The amber color, while pretty, doesn’t command the premium that pink or green glass typically does.

4. MacBeth-Evans American Sweetheart – Affordable Classic

American Sweetheart pattern pieces grace many Depression glass collections, yet they won’t break your bank. MacBeth-Evans produced this pattern in a lovely monax (milky white) color that’s distinctive but not rare.

The delicate scalloped edges and subtle floral design make these pieces charming. Most collectors can pick up cups for $10-15 and plates for $15-25. Unlike some patterns that disappeared quickly, American Sweetheart was produced for several years, resulting in plentiful availability today.

5. Cherry Blossom Pattern – Surprising Value

Last year at an estate sale, I nearly passed over a pink Cherry Blossom cookie jar priced at $30. Good thing I didn’t, it later appraised for over $300! Jeannette Glass Company created this pattern featuring delicate cherry blossoms and branches.

Pink pieces command the highest prices, with rare items like cookie jars, covered candy dishes, and butter dishes often selling for hundreds. Even common pieces have steadily increased in value, with dinner plates now regularly fetching $40-60 each.

6. Madrid Pattern – Hidden Treasure

My aunt insisted her blue Madrid pattern pieces weren’t worth much, but she couldn’t have been more wrong! Federal Glass Company produced this pattern primarily in amber, but the blue version was made in limited quantities.

Blue Madrid pieces now command premium prices, with dinner plates selling for $75-100 each. The amber versions are more common but still valuable. The distinctive geometric pattern with its art deco influence has become increasingly sought after by serious collectors.

7. Royal Lace Pattern – Collector’s Dream

Finding a cobalt blue Royal Lace piece is like striking gold in the Depression glass world! Hazel Atlas produced this elegant pattern primarily in clear and pink, with cobalt blue being exceptionally rare.

Even common Royal Lace pieces command respect among collectors. A simple pink dinner plate might sell for $60-75, while rare serving pieces can fetch hundreds. The intricate lace design around the edges gives these pieces a regal appearance that continues to captivate modern collectors.

8. Miss America Pattern – Unexpected Gem

A friend inherited what she thought was just “old pink dishes” until I identified them as Miss America pattern pieces worth several hundred dollars! Hocking Glass Company produced this pattern from 1935-1937, a relatively short production window.

The distinctive cubic design creates a beautiful light reflection. Pink pieces are most valuable, with serving pieces like cookie jars and covered candy dishes reaching $200-300. Even a simple pink cup and saucer set can sell for $50-75, making this pattern a genuine surprise for casual collectors.

9. Normandie Pattern – Valuable Variation

Looking through a box of Depression glass at an auction, I spotted a distinctive bouquet and lattice design that made my heart race, Normandie pattern in iridescent! Federal Glass Company produced this pattern primarily in amber and clear, but the iridescent pieces are rare treasures.

Even standard Normandie pieces have climbed in value, with dinner plates selling for $40-60. The pattern’s nickname “Bouquet and Lattice” perfectly describes its elegant design. Collectors particularly prize the harder-to-find serving pieces like covered butter dishes and cake plates.

10. Poinsettia Pattern – Christmas in July Prices

While helping a neighbor clean out her basement, we discovered a complete set of Poinsettia pattern dishes that turned out to be worth over $1,000! Jeannette Glass Company produced this festive pattern featuring the Christmas flower from 1931-1935.

Green Poinsettia pieces command the highest prices, with dinner plates selling for $75-100 each. The holiday association makes these pieces particularly popular during Christmas, but serious collectors seek them year-round. Serving pieces like covered candy dishes can easily fetch $200-300.