- Posts about Vernon depression glass
- Basic information about Vernon
- Vernon pieces made
- Availability and Pricing
- Reproduction and damage concerns
Posts about Vernon Depression Glass
Indiana Vernon Depression Glass – A Less Well-Known Pattern – Availability
Look at an Uncommon Pattern: Vernon, Number 616 from Indiana Glass
Movie Time – How to Tell Depression Glass from Elegant Glass
Basic Information about Indiana Number 616, Vernon
Indiana Glass made several patterns they sold only by their line number, number 616 in this case. Hazel Marie Weatherman named many patterns, some which later found their manufacturer’s name, and others like 616 where her name stuck. She honored her husband, Vernon, with this lovely small depression glass.
Indiana made Vernon 1930 to 1932 in crystal, green and yellow. Both green and yellow colors are pastel, much lighter tone than Indiana’s Lorain. The vertical pieces are round, with round feet and nipped-in waist. They have the pretty floral and swag motif above the waist and a floral and trellis design below and plain feet. Plates have the floral swag on the rim and an intricate floral trellis design in the middle.
Be aware that Indiana made a similar-sounding Mount Vernon pattern much later, 1968-1980, and it is definitely not the same pattern. You won’t mix them up if you see them as Mount Vernon is heavier with geometric pointy design, square feet and made in the darker colors such as olive and amber so popular at the time. Several glass companies made patterns called “Vernon” or “Mount Vernon”; in this page we will look at only this delicate depression line from Indiana.
Pieces of Vernon Indiana Produced, Availability and Prices
Vernon is a very small pattern and from what I can tell, Indiana made all pieces in the three colors, green, yellow and crystal. Of course you could mix the colors or choose just one.
Vernon is a small dessert set pattern. Look for an 8 inch luncheon plate, cup and saucer, creamer and sugar, 11 1/2 inch serving plate (called a sandwich plate) and tumbler. There are no bowls, no sherbet, no pitcher. You could use it for lunch too, but with no bowls you would have a limited menu.
The serving/sandwich plate is plenty big enough for a dinner plate, in fact a little too big for a small table. The pattern is delicate and disappears on a tablecloth that has any design.
Availability and Pricing
Vernon was not easy to find when we were glass shopping. I got one piece from the lady who sold me her enormous collection. Despite the dozens of banana boxes she had filled with depression glass, she had only one crystal creamer in Vernon. I found the cup later. As with other crystal depression patterns, people don’t always recognize the clear glass as depression ware and might have it stuck in a corner in their store.
On eBay just now there were listings for green and yellow cups, saucers, creamer, sugar and plates. I didn’t see tumblers nor many listings for crystal. You will have to wade through umpteen listings for Mount Vernon or glass from other makers that might have “Vernon” in the name, plus the usual jumble of miss-listed glassware. But you could assemble enough to use online.
I don’t recall seeing Vernon at glass shows, although I could have overlooked it or the dealers could have it stashed in a box under the table. (They naturally put the most desirable pieces out.)
Prices varied in the online listings but Vernon is not a pricey pattern. In 2010 Florence listed the luncheon plate at $4 to $6 depending on color, the eBay listings today were generally higher. Cups and saucers and creamers and sugars listing prices were about what Florence suggested. If you like this, take time to get familiar with the listings, maybe check for a couple weeks, before you decide to buy.
Reproduction and Damage Concerns
Vernon has not been reproduced, so no worries there. The main condition worries would be nicks on rims or on the sharp-angled handles. Always check handles and seams. I don’t think either of our pieces had extra glass in the seams, but that is a common flaw in Indiana’s glassware.
The plates have such an intricate center design that your eye may skip past light scratches and wear. The glass is soft and will show utensil wear though, so do check.
Vernon is a light, delicate design in green, yellow or crystal depression glass that might make a pretty set for dessert.