Depression Glass -- How to Find Out Value?

[DemBones DemBones]

I have a collection that I inherited from my mother-in-law and I'd like to find out its value. I don't want to sell it at present, just thought someone might know of a good guide to prices.

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. So many patterns and colors, so rarity of pattern determines value, and color can drive the market

You will have to research it. There are several good books you can get to help you, suh as this depression glass encyclopedia

http://tinyurl.com/3bykpz

and a current price guide book

http://tinyurl.com/38frdc



Here are a couple of online sites with info for you.


http://www.drloriv.com/appraisals/depressionglass.asp

http://www.ehow.com/how_108349_evaluate-depression-era.html

[DemBones DemBones]

3. Thanks, I did know that color and pattern vary

and that some are worth more than others. The links should help.

Thanks again.

[grasswire]

2. can you safely assume that there are no

...reproductions? Depression glass has been widely reproduced for decades.

If you can comfortably know that she didn't buy any repros, then your task is easier.

A price guide is a good place to start, but remember that a seller often doesn't get the prices you'll see there, so the price guide value is not the same as what you'd ever be able to sell them for. Why? When selling to a dealer, he/she will want to buy at wholesale prices in order to make a profit. When selling to a collector, he/she may likely just want to buy a piece or two.

But a price guide or eBay research will give you a ballpark figure for insurance purposes at least.

[DemBones DemBones]

4. Yes, they're the real thing, and it's

insurance valuation that I care about. Everyone wants to buy low, sell high. ;-)

[Vinca]

5. If you can get a book about depression glass -

Gene Florence has written some very good ones - and can determine the maker and pattern, the best way to find the value is to look at ebay completed auctions. Like nearly everything else, depression glass doesn't have the value it used to because there are dozens of each piece available on ebay. EXCEPT the rare pieces! They can go very, very high on ebay.

[libnnc]

6. The Kovels put out good books on everything

Depression glass can be tricky. I never felt confident making offers on it.

Defer to the Kovels books IMHO.

[supernova]

7. Kovels' books are my suggestion as well.

You can also get some idea of the resale value by looking at places like Replacements Ltd.

In fact, here's a Depression Glass search from them:

http://search.replacements.com/texis/search?dropXSL=html&query=Depression%20Glass

[libnnc]

8. I would caution though that Replacements usually sells

a little bit below book value (that's their selling point) so I'd check both their price list and the book range.

[zabet]

9. I use the Gene Florence books another poster

mentioned. Kovels is good also. There is a multitude of patterns
and different colors can mean different prices. If you do not have
to worry if yours are repo - you are in good shape to start with.
I have some, tearoom by Indiana Glass, in green - this pattern brings
excellent prices in good condition.

Good luck IDing it.
Maybe you could post a pic of the pattern you have the most of?

[brer cat]

10. A couple of internet sites for you to check as well.

www.rubylane.com

www.tias.com

Both are internet "malls" with many dealers, and a large supply of goods for sell at current prices. Please note that buying price guides can get very expensive. Most libraries can get you a copy of many if you request. Good luck! You do need to know what your things are worth...or I will grab them up in yard sale someday for pennies on the dollar. lol