Depression or Elegant Glass? Art Deco Center Handled Server

Here’s an interesting center handled server from the early 1930s.

I can tell this is Paden City from the handle. The glass is nice but not great quality, a clear light green. What makes this one special is the painted designs – pure Deco in color and style.

You could use this to display or serve candy, nuts or for something different, how about crackers or cookies? It’s shaped like a shallow bowl with the center handle to make easy to pass around and special.

Would you call this depression glass or elegant glass?  Gene Florence includes Paden City’s best known patterns like Crows Foot or Peacock and Wild Rose in his depression glass books.  Debbie Coe includes several etched patterns in her elegant glass book.

In my mind it’s on the border but in the elegant group.  This server shows touches of hand work; seams are polished down and it looks finished.  Of course artisans applied the Deco design and the gold rim by hand.   Paden City made some exciting patterns that are sought after so it is always fun to find a piece like this that’s unique, charming and affordable.