Federal Georgian Lovebirds Green Depression Glass Big Creamer
Depression glass is colored glass, right? Yes, well mostly. As we talked about recently clear depression glass has its own charms. Clear glass aside, when we think depression glass we think colors. And green is right up there. I did some quick checking and 21 of the first 25 patterns I checked came in green.
The creamer on the left is Georgian by Federal Glass, also called Lovebirds. This particular pattern has mold-etched birds and baskets and was made in green with just a bit of amber and clear production. It is slightly more green in person than in the photo. (Green is hard to get just right.)
Most green depression glass is crayon green. Think back to your trusty box of crayons and the green you used for grass. That’s green. You will find paler and darker colors, but the green is almost always grass green.
Fenton and New Martinsville made a luscious jade green and US Glass’ green has a tinge of blueish aqua, but the vast majority is plain green. Olive green or avocado green are later, usually 1960s-early 80s, when the darker tones were in vogue. (Not all colored glass is depression glass!)
So, what to look for in green glass? Personally I like the Georgian pattern shown and Patrician Spoke from Federal, Cameo from Hocking, Cherry Blossom from Jeannette and Florentine Poppy from Hazel Atlas. Any of these would be a great pattern to collect, or consider Block Optic as a good pattern that’s available and fun, especially in green where there are so many pieces to pursue.
Green isn’t just for St Patrick’s or Christmas. It is a cheerful color and the depression green glass blends well and plays nicely with other dishes and colored glass.