Last post we looked at Frances, a molded elegant depression glass pattern from Central Glass. Frances has lovely curved shapes and a simple molded design of interrupted ribs. I own a couple pieces, one purchased at an antique mall in Grand Rapids and one from a depression glass show in Dearborn.
In the over 20 years I bought and sold glass I saw fewer than a dozen pieces of Frances. Does this dearth accurately represent the availability? Is Frances truly hard to find?
On eBay I searched for Frances depression glass and found 340 results today. Of these most were the Rosaline or swirled pink glassware from Arcoroc of France. This is not depression glass and not Central’s Frances.
There were 10 pieces of Central Frances, the center handled serving tray, 3-footed wavy bowl, rolled rim console bowl and the vase. Most prices were reasonable, assuming the pieces have no damage:
One seller had a pink center handled serving tray, $25 with free shipping. (Seller called it Frances in title but Cubist in description. Title is accurate.)
Two sellers have an amber 3-footed triangular bowl like mine below, one listed for $81 (all prices shown here include shipping to Michigan) and the other $30.
The piece I drooled over is a gorgeous green 3-footed bowl for $110. This is the same bowl as the amber one shown, but in Central’s lovely clear green. Yum!
There are several rolled rim console bowls; in pink ranging from $46 to $128, amber for $48, and in green for $44.
There are two vases, pink for $80 and green, just like mine, for $109.
To summarize, you can find several pieces on eBay in amber, pink or green. I didn’t see any plates or the tumbler, pitcher, creamer or sugar. Of course they could be hiding under different titles that didn’t come up in my search.
Replacements has listings for amber, pink, green and crystal but no pieces in stock.
Etsy shows a green vase for $117, a green 3-footed wavy bowl for $115 and a large pink footed serving plate for $69.
That means Etsy has similar selection to eBay. If you keep your eyes open you can find the lovely decorative accessory pieces online in this elusive pattern. If you truly want some of the more rare pieces then I suggest you look online and attend glass shows. Talk to dealers who specialize in elegant depression glass and perhaps they can look out for pieces you want.