Indiana didn’t name their patterns beyond a line number. Number 612 has a big semi-circle surrounding flowers, swags and scrolls. That semi-circle inspired the nickname “Horseshoe”. If you only see the top of the arc it looks more like a horseshoe than if you see the full motif – especially with the lovely rest of the design.
Horsehoe Green Depression Glass Cup Indiana Glass
Indiana Glass made Horseshoe in green, most pieces also in yellow. According to Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence there are a few pieces of clear and only one piece in pink, a covered candy dish.
Horseshoe is fairly popular and priced accordingly. The basic pieces are reasonable, which is true in most patterns, but some of the tumblers, the butter, pitcher and grill plate are scarce and more costly. When you see this you’ll know why it’s so popular: It is one of the prettiest patterns.
Like most Indiana Glass depression ware Horseshoe suffers from raised seams that can get nicked. It’s not a terrible problem as normally the edges simply feel a little rough. But if you dislike glassware with any damage then I recommend you avoid Horseshoe and choose a pattern less likely to scuff.
I’ve only seen a few pieces of Horseshoe, mostly cups, saucers, small plates. A few years ago we found a very nice yellow platter at an antique mall and this winter found the bowl, creamer and sugar at the antique store in downtown Kalamazoo.
Yellow Depression Glass Horseshoe Bowl, Creamer and Sugar