Posts about Frances from Central Glass
Frances Central Glass Works Geometric Molded Elegant Depression Ware
Frances by Central Glass – Availability and Pricing – Elegant Depression Glassware
Central Glass Frances Green Elegant Depression Glass Vase – Antiquing Find!
Whatchacall It? Frances Pink Elegant Depression Glass from Central
Central Glass – Frances Amber Elegant Depression Glass
Five Tips to Enjoy a Depression Glass Show – Tips #1 and #2
Conversion Time! From Dealer/Aficionado to Collector – Gasp!
Central Glass made Frances from about 1928 until they closed. It’s mostly a decorative accessory pattern, with center handled server, vase, candle holder, and pretty bowls although you may be lucky enough to find a tumbler, creamer and sugar. Look for amber, pink, green plus black, blue and crystal. We saw pink, amber and green when I shopped for glass – several pieces ended up in my personal collection – and no black, crystal or blue.
I got the amber tricorn bowl at a depression glass show in Dearborn, Michigan and the vase from an antique store in Grand Rapids. Both have a lot of looks, Frances is not a shy pattern!
Frances looks substantial and sturdy but it is not overly heavy nor clunky. It’s not as thin as is, for example, American Sweetheart, but it is not all that thick. The design is a series of vertical columns with notched diamonds. It is attractive – one of my favorites – and has a lot of looks and style.
In my experience Frances is a pattern you may find by luck but you aren’t likely to find a big stash. I got my pieces over a 5 year period, mostly from antique dealers. Just now (January 2024) eBay has several listings in pink, green and amber, no blue. Of course there are likely many pieces that are listed without the “Frances” name.
I did not find chips or wear on the glass we had. True, I was always careful when I bought, but I think Frances may be less susceptible to wear or nicking than many patterns. This looks like “good glass” and I think owners tend to be careful and treat it gently.
If you like Frances then this is a good time to start looking for the pieces you like. I can attest that the vase is an excellent size and shape to use with large bouquets and the other pieces we have had are likewise both beautiful and useful.
Remember, always use your glass and enjoy it!