Those Elusive Pieces – What To Do About Rare Depression Glass

Brenda posted a question about the ultramarine Swirl pitcher from Jeannette Glass.  This is a rare piece, not likely one you’ll stumble upon by chance.  What to do when you want a piece that’s rare?

Just for reference, this is what the pattern Swirl or Petal Swirl looks like in the luscious ultramarine teal glass.

And what it looks like on the table.  Gorgeous!

The first thing is to do a bit of research. There isn’t much about Brenda’s pitcher, but here is what I did find. Gene Florence in his Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass, 19th Edition says this: “A footed Swirl Ultra Marine pitcher s unavailable at this time. So far we know of only three that have turned up since the first one was found in 1974, and all are residing in collections.” Florence goes on to say that some people purchase the Jennyware kitchenware 36 ounce pitcher that is also from Jeannette and in the same gorgeous color.

I checked Hazel Marie Weatherman’s books, both volume 1 and 2, and neither mention the pitcher. Replacements has a listing but no inventory or pitcher. There are no listings for Swirl or Petal Swirl pitchers, nor Jennyware or Jenny Ware pitchers on eBay.

I found a picture of the Jenny Ware pitcher here at Replacements, but again, none in stock. At least we can see the piece! (Remember this is the go-with that Gene Florence mentioned, not the Swirl pitcher Brenda seeks.)

At this point we can conclude that Brenda’s pitcher is rare! As in, very rare, not likely something she’ll find by chance. What can she do?

1. Brenda can find a pitcher in a similar color that isn’t from Jeannette.  I found some teal glass pitchers on eBay, including some with a swirl type design.
2. Or she could expand her search and look for the Jenny Ware pitcher.  This might be easier to find.
3. She could find a pretty pitcher that she loves, that isn’t part of the Swirl pattern or possibly not even in the same color family.  (This is the option I would choose.)
4. She could try to find the collectors who own the pitchers and offer to purchase from them.  This is not easy nor inexpensive.
5. She could contact the major glass dealers by looking at the people who exhibit at the national glass shows and send each of them a letter asking for them to please let her know of any Swirl or Jenny Ware pitchers.  Most likely if any of the collectors decide to sell they would contact one of the big dealers.

You’ll see the choices come down to accepting a pretty substitute or patience – lots and lots of patience!  What would you do?