Hey there, fellow treasure hunters! We are so excited to keep this glass train rolling…. it’s been such a blast diving into the history of these colorful kitchen gems with you all. Hopefully, the weather is finally deciding to behave itself (it's about time, right?!) so you can come by and see some of these goodies in person during our scheduled curbside pickups.
Today, we are looking at some of the real heavy hitters of the era…. the pieces that brought a bit of high-fashion Art Deco style into everyday homes during some pretty tough times. We’re talking about the bold lines and geometric shapes from the Indiana Glass Company and the classic, regal looks from the U.S. Glass Company.
If you’ve been browsing our recent auctions, you might have spotted some of these treats already…. vintage jewelry, colorful tumblers, geometric plates, green serving bowls, pink creamers, amber candy dishes, yellow sherbet cups, ruby-rimmed goblets, and so much more.
Indiana Glass: The King of Deco
Indiana Glass really knew how to make a statement. They weren't afraid of bold designs that looked like they belonged in a fancy skyscraper or a posh city hotel. One of their most famous patterns is the Tea Room (often called #600).
We absolutely love the Tea Room pattern because it was actually made for places like soda fountains and ice cream parlors back in the day. Can you imagine getting a sundae in one of these?! It has those strong, vertical Art Deco lines that make it look super sophisticated. If you find one in pink or green, you’ve got a real winner.
Then there’s the Pyramid pattern (or #610). People call it the "Great Pyramid" for a reason…. it’s got those amazing tiered, geometric shapes that just scream 1920s glamour. It was mostly an "entertainment" line, so you’ll find lots of cool serving pieces but not a lot of standard dinner plates. Keep an eye out for the yellow ones: they are AWESOME!
We also can't forget the Lorain pattern, which many folks know as the "Baskets" pattern. It’s got a much more delicate, flowery feel compared to the blocky Deco stuff. And if you’re looking for the "O.G." of the glass world, you’ve gotta find some Avocado. It was one of the very first patterns Indiana put out back in 1923, right before the Depression really hit. It’s got a chunky, textured feel that collectors still go crazy for today.
U.S. Glass: Royalty in the Kitchen
Now, if Indiana was about the "new" look, the U.S. Glass Company was often about that classic, royal vibe. You’ve probably heard names like Aunt Polly or Primo…. these are old-school patterns that have been favorites for generations. They have that "Early American" feel that looks great on a wooden farmhouse table.
But the real star of the show for U.S. Glass has to be King’s Crown.
King’s Crown is a total icon. It’s famous for those big, round "thumbprint" ovals and that crown-like band around the top. Now, here’s a little pro tip from Team Funky…. there’s a big difference between the original U.S. Glass pieces and the later reissues made by Indiana Glass!
If you want the real-deal original, look at the mold seams. The U.S. Glass Company used 3-part molds, which means you’ll see three little lines running down the side of the glass. When Indiana Glass started re-making it later on (they often called it their "Tiara" line), they used 2-part molds. So, if your goblet only has two seams, it’s a younger cousin of the original! Still beautiful, especially in those funky colors like amber or olive green, but the 3-part ones are the true vintage treasures.
The Hunt is On!
Whether you’re looking for the sharp lines of a Tea Room creamer or the dainty charm of a Lorain basket, there is always something special waiting to be discovered.
We are constantly finding new (well, old!) items to add to our auctions, so make sure you’re checking back often. It’s such a thrill when a "new" box of glass arrives and we get to see what’s inside…. it's like Christmas every week!
If you win something in our latest auction, remember that we do curbside pickup by appointment only. It’s super easy: just pick a time that works for you, roll up to the curb, and we’ll bring your new goodies right out to your car. No fuss, no muss, just great finds!
We can’t wait to see what you bid on next. Good luck, and happy hunting!
Team Funky
