Frosted glass from the depression era looks so soft and appealing that you want to touch it. Back in the day the glass companies treated glass with camphoric acid that left the surface frosty and smooth, visually looking like velvet.
Block Optic Green Satin Sugar
Several Hocking depression glass patterns have frosted pieces, notably Mayfair and Block Optic. Often the satinized Mayfair pieces have painted flower decorations like this pretty creamer, sadly many are faded from use.
Mayfair Satin Pink Depression Glass Creamer with Painted Flowers
We’ve had Block Optic satin cups, saucers, sherbets and the creamer that matches the sugar, always in green. I don’t think you can get a full lunch set in the frosted glass.
Block Optic Green Satin Cup and Saucer
The color on the cup and saucer is a bit brighter than the glass appears in person; the frosting treatment makes the color look stronger yet more pastel than the clear glass. These sherbets are close to the true color.
Block Optic Green Satin Sherbets
Some of my depression glass books from the late 1990s mention the satin Mayfair and Block Optic are less sought after than the clear, but I’ve found appreciative collectors for almost all the pieces we have had. It’s a matter of personal preference and I for one enjoy the contrast of the visually soft texture with the lovely colors and styles.
Besides Hocking, I’ve seen Tiffin and Lancaster frosted pieces, and a few cake plates which we’ll show in future posts.