Posts about Newport
Newport Hairpin Depression Glass in Amethyst and Cobalt
Glass Pick of the Week: Newport Amethyst Depression Glass Sugar Bowl
Ribbon Depression Glass from Hazel Atlas – a somewhat similar pattern
Blue and Amethyst Depression Glass Tablescape Thursday
Depression Glass Guide – Blue Depression Glass
Collectible Glassware Terms and Colors
Basic Information about Newport Depression Glass
Hazel Atlas made Newport from 1936 to 1940, the time when companies introduced patterns with geometric designs instead of the lovely mold-etched flowers or scrolls. The design is very simple, sets of molded in swooping curves that look like arches and scalloped rims. Early collectors nicknamed this “Hairpin”.
Besides blue, Hazel Atlas made full sets in amethyst, a rather dark purple, some pieces in pink, and a few in platonite white and white with fired on colors. The blue is the same color as in Moderntone, Aurora and Royal Lace. It’s beautiful. Here is the amethyst for comparison.
Newport Pieces Available
Newport is a dinnerware set with one tumbler and only basic serving pieces. There are three plates supposedly although the luncheon and dinner plates are almost the same size, 8 1/2 and 8 13/16 inches, across. For place setting bowls you can choose a small berry bowl, 2-handled cream soup or larger cereal bowl.
There is a cup and saucer, sherbet and one flat water tumbler that holds about 9 ounces.
The serving pieces are limited to a round sandwich plate, oval platter and one serving bowl, plus creamer and sugar and salt and pepper. There is no pitcher.
Reproduction, Availability and Damage Concerns
To the best of my knowledge Newport has never been reproduced. You can purchase with confidence that you are getting the authentic depression glass.
In our 20 years shopping for depression glass mostly in Michigan and nearby states we saw very few pieces of Newport. It’s easy to recognize and the colors stand out. As you can see from the photos I took at the National Depression Glass Association show in 2016 it is possible to find pieces from dealers and you may find pieces at the usual fun places like estate sales, antique malls or flea markets. Given the colors, even casual sellers will likely realize Newport is depression glass and price accordingly.
Checking just now (April 2024) on eBay it looks like you can find most pieces with cups and saucers, creamer and sugar, berry bowls and some plates being the most common. I saw a lot of amethyst, some blue, even pink, Platonite white and Platonite with fired on colors so you likely can find what you want if you are patient.
We had so few pieces of Newport it’s hard to talk about damage. Plates have plain centers so be very careful to check for scratches and wear and nicks on rims. One thing you notice in my photos is that dust shows up on the dark amethyst!
I noticed that the prices on eBay seemed about in line, of course be aware of shipping costs, especially if you buy one or two pieces at a time.
If you like Newport’s graceful style and colors then it is a good pattern to collect and easy to use for your table settings. And as always, enjoy your glass!