Hey there, glass lovers and treasure hunters! We are back with the third installment of our deep dive into the world of Depression glass manufacturers. It has been such a blast sharing these stories with you…. honestly, the history behind these pieces is just as beautiful as the glass itself!
If you have been following along, you know we’ve already chatted about some big names in the industry. But today, we are getting into the real "fancy" stuff. We are talking about patterns that feel like they belong in a royal palace but were made for everyday families looking for a little bit of sunshine during some pretty tough times. This week is all about Hazel-Atlas and Federal Glass…. and oh boy, do we have some goodies to show you!
Hazel-Atlas: The "Curtains of Lace"
When you think of Hazel-Atlas, one pattern usually jumps right to the front of the line: Royal Lace. If you’ve ever seen this pattern in person, you know exactly why it’s a fan favorite. The design is so delicate and fine that collectors often describe it as looking like "curtains of lace" draped over the glass. It’s absolutely stunning when the light hits it just right.
Hazel-Atlas produced this beauty between 1934 and 1941, and they really hit the jackpot with their color choices. You can find Royal Lace in crystal, pink, green, and even a rare burgundy (amethyst)…. but the absolute showstopper is the RITZ BLUE.
Now, most of us just call it COBALT BLUE, but "Ritz Blue" was the official name back in the day. Let us tell you…. if you find a piece of Royal Lace in COBALT BLUE, you are looking at some serious value! This color is highly sought after by collectors everywhere. While a crystal plate might be a lovely addition to your table, a cobalt blue dinner plate or a butter dish can be a real game-changer for your collection. Speaking of butter dishes…. did you know a genuine cobalt Royal Lace butter dish can sometimes fetch over $600? Talk about a special find!
Federal Glass: Art Deco and Cabbage Roses
Next up on our tour of elegance is the Federal Glass Company. These folks were based out of Columbus, Ohio, and they gave us some of the most recognizable patterns of the era. If you like a bit of structure and style, you are going to love their Madrid pattern.
Madrid is a quintessential example of the Art Deco style that was so popular in the 1930s. It features geometric motifs, stylized scrolls, and clean panels that give it a very sophisticated, "big city" look. It was mostly made in amber, but you can also find it in green, pink, and crystal. The amber pieces are especially warm and inviting…. perfect for a cozy Sunday brunch or a special holiday dinner!
If you prefer something a bit more floral, Federal Glass also produced the Sharon pattern, which many collectors affectionately call "Cabbage Rose." When you look at a Sharon plate, you’ll see these large, beautifully embossed rose motifs that cover the surface. It’s a very "romantic" pattern and looks absolutely incredible in pink!
Why We Love These Patterns
Whether it’s the fine "curtains of lace" from Hazel-Atlas or the bold Art Deco lines from Federal Glass, these pieces represent a time when people truly valued craftsmanship and beauty, even when things were a bit lean. At our auctions, we see these items come through all the time, and it never gets old watching the excitement when a rare cobalt piece or a pristine pink rose plate pops up on the screen!
We love the way these patterns mix and match. You don’t have to have a perfectly matching set to make your table look awesome. In fact, some of the coolest collections we’ve seen are a mix of different patterns and colors all brought together by a love for vintage glass.
Spring is coming…. honest! And there is no better time to brighten up your home with some of these vintage treats. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, there is always something fun to discover in the world of Depression glass.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for These Goodies!
At Funky Junk Auctions, we are always on the hunt for the best collectibles to bring to you. You never know what’s going to show up in our next online event! We might have….
- COBALT BLUE ROYAL LACE DINNER PLATES
- Royal Lace pitchers and creamers
- Madrid amber serving bowls
- Sharon "Cabbage Rose" pink saucers
- Green uranium glass that glows under a blacklight
- Crystal dessert sets
- Vintage tumblers and juice glasses
- Art Deco style candy dishes
- Pink Sharon butter dishes
- Amber Madrid salt and pepper shakers
- …and so much more!
Each auction is a new adventure, and we love being your guides through the world of unique finds and vintage treasures.
How to Get Your Treats
Participating in our auctions is super easy and a total blast. Since we are an online-only auction house, you can bid from the comfort of your own couch (pajamas encouraged!). When you win those awesome items, we make the fulfillment process a breeze.
We offer scheduled curbside pickup for all our local friends in the Barrie and Orillia areas. It’s a great way to get your goodies quickly and safely. Just check your winning email for all the details on how to book your time slot. We love seeing your friendly faces (at a distance, of course!) when you come by to collect your new favorite things.
Make sure you keep an eye on our current auctions so you don't miss out on the next big find. And if you want to see the kind of cool stuff we've sold in the past, you can always browse our past auctions for a little inspiration!
Stay tuned for the next part of our series, where we’ll keep exploring the wonderful world of Depression glass. There are still so many patterns and stories to share!
Happy bidding, everyone!
Team Funky
