We’ve been looking at Normandie depression glass for its collecting fun, so far covering its beauty (yes!), piece selection (OK), availability (fair) and now its pricing over time. I feel that prices at a moment don’t give as good a sense of the popularity and overall cost for a pattern as looking at the price trends. And with the help of some pricing guides we can do just that!
One thing you’ll notice is that amber prices have been remarkably steady from 1980 to now for common pieces but have zoomed for scarce pieces. Also the price difference between pink and amber has increased substantially. If you like the iridescent Sunburst then you are in luck as far as cost. Pieces averaged $4-10 in 1981 and are $6-10 today, although Replacements dinner and salad plates are over $50.
What this tells me is from a collecting standpoint that we could accumulate amber Normandie set enough for dessert or dinner for about the same as many popular pink or green patterns. Pink Normandie is so costly that it’s basically outside most budgets. I have to give Normandie a fairly low score for price, about a 6 for amber and a 2 for pink.
Please note that pricing is never an exact science and book values refer to glass in perfect condition and are only a best guess as when written.
My sources are:
1981: Depression Glass Price Trends 1981 by Hazel Marie Weatherman
2000: Collectors’ Encyclopedia of Depression Glass 14th Edition by Gene Florence
2010: Collectors’ Encyclopedia of Depression Glass 19th Edition by Gene and Cathy Florence
2016: Current values on Replacements.com or range on eBay including shipping
Item Color 1981 2000 2010 2016
11 inch Dinner Plate Amber $8-10 $33 $22 $20-35
8 inch Salad Plate Amber 3.50-5 8.50 8 8-26
10 inch Oval Vegetable Bowl Amber 8-10 20 16 20 (Replacements)
9 ounce Flat Tumbler Amber 8-10 22 18 15 (Replacements)
12 ounce Iced Tea Amber 10-12 40 32 36 (Replacements)
Sugar Bowl Amber 3.50-4 9 7 6 (Replacements)
Sugar Lid Amber 60 95 75 None (chipped one available on eBay)
11 inch Dinner Plate Pink $9-11 $115 $120 None
8 inch Salad Plate Pink 6-6.50 14 12 18
10 inch Oval Vegetable Bowl Pink 10-12 45 33 47
9 ounce Flat Tumbler Pink 10-11 55 50 60 (Replacements)
12 ounce Iced Tea Pink 12-14 110 90 140 (Replacements)
Sugar Bowl Pink 5-6 12 11 220 (Replacements)
Sugar Lid Pink 70 195 165 None