Let’s continue our series on depression glass patterns that are fun to collect with Block Optic depression glass from Hocking. Remember we have 5 criteria for collectability:
- Pattern attractiveness and how much you can enjoy using it
- Pieces in the pattern
- How available the pattern is. Ideally you want a mix with some easy pieces and some that take hunting to find
- Overall price concerns
- Durability
Block Optic is a huge pattern that Hocking made from 1929 to 1933 in a rainbow of colors. Green, yellow and pink are the most common and you might find crystal or some uncommon pieces of blue, amber or clambroth (translucent cream).
Block Optic Yellow Fancy Handle Cup
Block Optic Green Depression Glass Sherbet
Satinized pieces look smooth and soft from the frosted appearance and some may be decorated. Some of the first pieces of depression glass I bought were a set of cups and saucers in frosted green Block Optic.
Block Optic Green Satin Cup and Saucer
There are so many pieces and colors to choose among that I’ll start with the pink and treat it separately. Hocking’s pink depression glass is a light, pretty color, so appealing and fresh.
This photo shows a dealer display that includes pink and green Block Optic plus Blue Mayfair and Colonial. The Block Optic plates are on the left with pink in front. So pretty!
Block Optic, Colonial and Mayfair Depression Glass
Next post we’ll look at the overall appeal of this Art-Deco inspired pattern.