- Posts about Old English Depression Glass
- Basic Information
- Pieces Made
- Availability and Pricing
- Damage and Look Alike Concerns
Posts about Old English Depression Glass
Old English Depression Glass from Indiana
Indiana Glass from the Depression Era: Old English Pattern
Indiana Depression Glass Patterns – Old English Availability and Pricing
Lesser Known Depression Glass from Imperial – Olive aka Old English (different pattern with same name)
Decorate with Warmth and Style – Vintage Candle Holders
Cup Plates – American Glass Collectibles
Basic Information about Old English Depression Glass from Indiana
Indiana made this gorgeous pattern in the late 1920s, in amber, green and selected pieces in pink with some crystal, and some crystal with flashed decoration. Before collectors discovered the original Indiana pattern name they called it “Threading”. I have seen amber and green, never pink, crystal or the other colors. Both the amber and the green are rich colors, somewhat deeper in tone than other companies’ shades.
This glass is more finished than many depression patterns and the design is done thoughtfully to combine elegant shapes with simple fine horizontal ribbing. The photo below shows how fine the ribs are, although they do not feel rough to the touch.
This lid might be for the candy jar or powder jar. Note the trim around the edge, it looked like black paint, not tarnished silver.
The lids on sugar, pitcher, candy, powder all have the trefoil finial like the lid just above. It is unique and adds charm. The handles all have the unusual double curve like those on the comport at the page top. The handles plus finials combined with extra curves on some piece shapes and simple motif give this pattern its appeal.
Old English Pieces Indiana Manufactured
Old English pattern line combines decorative/accessory items with beverage service. It is not dinnerware as there is no plate nor cup and saucer. The one small bowl could be a nut dish or meant for condiments.
The pattern includes 2 large, somewhat fancy bowls, 1 footed and 1 flat, and 4 comports. The largest comport is the one shown just below in amber and in green at page top with 2 handles; it is about 6 1/2 inches across and 3 1/2 inches tall but appears bigger with the handles. The smallest comport is about the same height but narrower and has a ruffled rim. The other comports include a shallow, flat cheese holder and one without handles but otherwise like the one shown above. There is a very wide, footed bowl called a fruit stand that is 11 inches across and rather magnificent.
Look for 3 Old English vases, a fan vase, an 8 1/4 inch vase and a very tall (12 inches) footed vase, a flat candy jar with a lid and a footed, cone shaped candy jar also with a lid. The candle holder is this next photo.
Replacements shows a small candy jar that to me does not have the Old English shape. It is round, lid finial is a knob and the concentric ribs are larger, it looks like a sherbet with a lid. I’ve seen this item and thought it might be Hazel Atlas. Gene Florence mentions an egg cup available only in crystal made by Hazel Atlas that could be similar and we know Hazel Atlas made shakers with narrow horizontal/concentric ribs. There are several of these on eBay in pink or crystal.
There are three service plates, one indented to hold the cheese comport, one with a round finger holder and a center handled server. Also look for a creamer and sugar with lid. I have not seen any of these.
Old English has two pitchers, one with a lid, and two tumblers, both footed, one is 5 1/2 inches tall, likely holds about 9 ounces and the other is 4 1/2 inches tall. There is also an attractive water goblet and a sherbet. The goblet has the same rippled shape on the bottom of the bowl as the comports shown, but it also has a wide knop on the stem.
Availability and Pricing
I had 2 pieces of amber Old English, the 2-handled comport and the candle holder, and two green, a lid probably for the candy dish and the same 2-handled comport. I happened to luck across these at a flea market a couple months apart and of course, bought them. Other than those I do not recall seeing any pieces in any color in 20 years glass shopping.
I do not believe this pattern was ever found in abundance, which is a shame because it is exceptionally attractive. You most likely will need to shop online.
Just now on eBay I saw several of the said-to-be Old English candy dishes that ranged from $10 to $55 (and labeled either a sherbet or a candy dish) along with a pitcher in the same go-with design, and 2 pieces that are definitely Old English, a set of tumblers, 2 pitchers and a sugar bowl.
Based solely on the pieces I see today, and without confirming condition, the prices appear roughly about what Florence shows in his 2010 Collector’s Encyclopedia. I recall the ones I were very easy to sell despite the trim wear on the lid.
Most likely if you decide to collect this wonderful early depression pattern you will have hours of happy shopping awaiting you!
Damage and Reproduction Concerns
The handles on Old English have sharp edges, always check those for rough spots or nicks. The busy center design would obscure most usage marks – and since this is not dinnerware you would have limited need for utensils that could scratch.
The lid I showed above has wear on the trim around the edge of the rim, which is typical of trims from the era. Remember, Indiana made Old English nearly 100 years ago.
About the only damage we found to the glass was an odd manufacturing flaw, a blurred spot on the side of the amber comport that looked like it touched something while the glass was quite soft. You would spot that easily just by touch or visually.
This pattern has not been reproduced and Indiana has not reissued it. The only concerns are possible misidentifications with look alike patterns or from other glass that shares the name “Old English”.
Most ribbed patterns either have vertical ribs or the ribs are much wider than with Old English. For example, Manhattan from Hocking has wide concentric/horizontal ribs but notice they are much wider and the shapes and colors are very different.
Hazel Atlas made Fine Rib glass pitchers and the like; ribs are quite narrow but pieces are rounded and ribs are vertical.
Probably the closest in appearance pattern is Whirlpool or Spun, Line #701 from Imperial Glass. Shapes and colors differ from Old English but the narrow concentric ridges are similar. Here is a Whirlpool bowl from Imperial for comparison.
Imperial Olive depression glass looks nothing like Old English but another, possibly more correct name for the pattern is Old English. Here is an Imperial Old English piece. Do be aware of overlapping names when you buy online and always verify photos before purchase.
Summary
Old English is a lovely pattern in amber or green with interesting decorative accessory pieces you can enjoy. It is not easy to find so if you like it, keep your eyes open when you shop antique malls, flea markets, estate sales or glass shows.