We did a lot of antiquing the last two weeks! Even though I’ve been blogging for several years I still have a hard time remembering to take pictures – too busy oohing and aah-ing – even though I took the camera and had my cell phone. Darn, you’d think I’d know by now to photograph more. Of course, we’d still be at the first mall in Arkansas instead of safely back home if I’d photographed every piece of beautiful glass.
These pictures are from an antique mall in Michigan City, Indiana, only a couple hours from home. It was hard to stop since we were so close but I knew we’d find something here – and we did!
This first one is an uncommon piece, the green soup bowl with Royal etch from Fostoria. You don’t see Royal all that often, which is odd since Fostoria made it for several years, 1925-32, and in green, amber, plus blue and ebony with many pieces. Royal has a band around the rim with a stylized lotus flanked by two plumes (at least that’s my interpretation of the design). It’s easy to mistake for Seville which has a round daisy-like flower instead of the lotus-like one.
Fostoria Royal Green Etched Soup Bowl at Antique Mall March 2014
The bowl was only $8 and not identified. I probably should have bought it but passed.
This next one is also Fostoria, the Seascape pattern in pink, also called Coral Sand. Seascape is the Contour pattern but in pink, blue, green or clear with white opalescent rims. It’s a modern design, pure 1950s style. This seller did not identify the bowl, which was about 8 inches across, and priced it at $24.
Fostoria Seascape at Antique Mall March 2014
I was surprised to find several pieces of this next pattern, scattered across different booths, all accessory pieces like bowls or handled cake plates. I don’t think I’ve ever seen stemware or place setting pieces in this design. It is Flower Basket by New Martinsville, and Replacements doesn’t list dinnerware or stemware, maybe they did not use this etch for stems.
New Martinsville Flower Basket Etched Footed Bowl at Antique Mall March 2014
I’m not wild about most New Martinsville glass. The etches don’t seem as well-designed or beautiful as ones from Fostoria, Cambridge or Heisey. Nonetheless they made some pretty pieces and it’s always fun to spot something unusual. Prior to this mall I think we’ve come across this etch maybe twice before.
Some dealers grouped glass by color. Love this shelf of green depression glass!
Green Depression Glass at Antique Mall March 2014
Depression glass prices have slipped the last several years, even for popular patterns like Sharon. Back around 2001 we had Sharon pink candy jars that sold for $60 – plus shipping – and this one was only $22. I didn’t inspect it carefully to see whether there were any nicks on the inside edge of the lid but it looked to be the authentic depression glass, not the reproduction. (Sharon fakes are easy to spot.)
Sharon Pink Depression Glass Candy Dish at Antique Mall
Last picture to show you is a shelf of Rosemary amber depression glass. Federal originally had a pattern called Mayfair that had a more intricate design and modified it, then renamed it to Rosemary. It’s not the most popular pattern but it sells and I was intrigued by the price list. Dinner plate at $3.50 is a good buy.
Rosemary Amber Depression Glass Lot Priced to Sell at Antique Mall March 2014
Unfortunately the pieces were badly worn. I left them there.
Rosemary Amber Depression Glass Lot at Antique Mall March 2018
No matter how inexpensive glass is, I won’t buy worn pieces. Remember, I’m buying for resale. If you want glass to use for dinner without worrying about getting a few scratches, or have kids and want to protect your best glass, then plates with wear would be just fine.
We did buy a few pieces at this mall. I found a gorgeous blue stretch glass bowl, a Floral Poinsettia creamer, sugar with lid set and an Apple tea pot that came home with us!