Well hello there, fellow treasure hunters! We are so glad you’re back for more glass goodness…. it’s finally starting to feel like spring is peek-a-boo-ing through the clouds, and honestly, we couldn’t be happier! To celebrate the return of the sun (hopefully!), we’re diving back into our "Glassware Chronicles" series. Last time we chatted about the heavy hitters like Hocking Glass, but today we’re getting a little more delicate…. a little more "floral" you might say!
We’re taking a deep look at two absolute legends in the world of Depression glass: Jeannette Glass and MacBeth-Evans. These folks knew how to make dinnerware that wasn’t just a plate…. it was a piece of art! If you’ve ever spotted a piece of glass that looked like it belonged at a fancy tea party in a secret garden, you were probably looking at one of these beauties.
The Sweetness of Jeannette Glass and Cherry Blossom
First up, let’s talk about the Jeannette Glass Company from Pennsylvania. These folks were busy, busy, busy during the 1930s! They created what is arguably one of the most beloved patterns ever made: CHERRY BLOSSOM.
This pattern is just pure JOY…. it features these absolutely stunning molded-etched cherry blossoms all around the rims, and if you flip a plate over, you’ll see those cute little cherries and leaves tucked away on the base. It’s got a real Art Deco vibe with those scalloped edges that look like flower petals and those cool vertical ribs…. and don't even get us started on the handles! They have these little pointed "nubs" that make them so easy to recognize once you know what to look for.
Now, let’s talk colors! Jeannette didn’t hold back….
- PINK: This is the most common and probably the one you’ll see most often in our auctions. It’s a soft, rosy hue that makes any table look like a million bucks.
- GREEN: This was only made for a few years, so if you find a green piece, you’ve got something SPECIAL! It’s that classic, vibrant Depression green that we all know and love.
- DELPHITE: Oh man, this one is AWESOME! It’s an opaque, light blue glass that looks almost like a Robin’s egg. It’s much rarer than the pink, and collectors go absolutely wild for it!
- JADEITE: Yes, they even did some opaque green pieces that look like creamy jade!
We often see these pieces coming through the shop and they are always such a treat…. they’re sturdy enough for a real family dinner but pretty enough to keep in a display cabinet forever. Speaking of cherries…. why did the cherry go to the doctor? Because it wasn't peeling well! (Okay, okay, we’ll stick to the glass talk, we promise!)
The Lacy Elegance of MacBeth-Evans
Next, we have to talk about MacBeth-Evans. If Jeannette Glass was the "everyday pretty" glass, MacBeth-Evans was the "fancy lace" glass! Their most iconic pattern is AMERICAN SWEETHEART, and boy, is it a stunner.
The first thing you’ll notice about American Sweetheart is how THIN it is…. it’s almost like holding a piece of light! It’s very lightweight and has this incredibly delicate, lacy look. It’s covered in scrolls, tiny flowers, and curving vines that radiate from the center. It’s the kind of glass you’d expect to find on a wedding table…. it’s just that elegant.
MacBeth-Evans was famous for a very specific type of glass called MONAX. This is a beautiful opaline white glass that is translucent…. so when you hold it up to the light, it has this ethereal, milky glow. They also made it in a lovely, transparent pink and a very rare clear crystal.
- MONAX (WHITE): This is their signature look. It’s milky, translucent, and looks like a cloud on your table.
- PINK: Just like Jeannette, their pink is soft and welcoming, but because the glass is thinner, it has a totally different feel!
Because this glass is so thin, it can be hard to find pieces without chips or cracks, so when a "mint" piece shows up, it is a BIG DEAL!
Fun Stuff to Keep an Eye Out For….
Whenever we get a new batch of vintage goodies in, we’re always on the hunt for these patterns. You never know what might show up in one of our online auctions! We see everything from the basic dinner plates to the "hard-to-find" treats that collectors really crave.
Here’s a little taste of the fun stuff you might find in these patterns….
Dinner plates, salad plates, bread and butter plates, soup bowls, berry bowls, cereal bowls, large serving platters, scalloped fruit bowls, lacy sherbet cups, footed tumblers, juice glasses, sugar bowls with lids, creamers, covered butter dishes, salt and pepper shakers, large pitchers with ice lips, divided grill plates, oval vegetable dishes, cups and saucers, cake plates, sandwich servers, candlesticks, flower frogs, and so much more!
Why We Love These Patterns
We love these pieces because they tell a story…. they were made during a tough time in history to bring a little bit of beauty and color into people’s homes. Whether it’s the bold cherries of Jeannette or the lacy scrolls of MacBeth-Evans, these pieces are a reminder that a little bit of "funky" style can make any meal feel like a special occasion.
We are always adding new treasures to our upcoming auctions, so make sure you keep checking back! You never know when that one missing piece of your collection is going to pop up…. maybe a PINK CHERRY BLOSSOM PITCHER or a MONAX CAKE PLATE is waiting for you right now!
If you’re local, remember that we make things super easy for you. Once you win your favorite goodies, you can just schedule a time for our curbside pickup and we’ll have everything ready for you…. easy peasy!
We can't wait to see what you find in the next auction! Happy bidding, everyone!
Team Funky
