Isn’t “Pineapple and Floral” a better name for a pretty glass pattern than “Number 618”? Most glass lovers agree and you’ll almost always see this attractive depression glass from Indiana called by its nickname.
The “floral” part of the name is easy to see. Plate rims and upper parts of cups and bowls all have the molded-in flowers. The “pineapple” part is the center wheel with the arches. We crocheters are familiar with crocheted pineapple motifs that have similar pointed arches.
Indiana made a full line of crystal from 1932 to 1937, including dinnerware, a few accessories – a vase, ashtray and two tier tidbit – and serving pieces like this relish tray.
Besides crystal, which is sparkly and pretty, Indiana made most dinnerware pieces in a lovely medium amber color, crystal with fired on red and a few pieces of pale green during the depression. Indiana re-released this pretty design in the 1960s in crystal and avocado green and again in the 1980s in other colors. Luckily the avocado and other colors are easy to spot. By far the most common piece that Indiana produced later is this diamond-shaped comport.
I’ve seen the comport in white, crystal, this avocado color and blue several times; the white seems to be the most common. Per my reference book, Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass Indiana re-made only the comport and the 7 inch round salad bowl in crystal. I don’t know any way to distinguish the re-issued crystal comport and bowl from the original depression-era pieces.
Crystal Pineapple and Floral is moderately available and not expensive. If you enjoy this pattern it’s a fun one to collect or perhaps to get a piece or two to add sparkle to your table.