History and Overview of the Depression Glass Sandwich Pattern

A History and Overview of the Depression Glass Sandwich Pattern

Depression glass refers to a particular style of affordable, mass-produced glassware that was made in the United States and Canada during the Great Depression era of the 1920s to 1940s. The sandwich pattern is one of the most popular and iconic designs of Depression glass tableware.

The sandwich pattern features a decorative design with two contrasting colors layered to create a three-dimensional "sandwich" effect. It typically consists of a transparent glass base color with an opaque white glass overlay. Various etched designs and patterns were created using the two layered glass colors.

In this article, we'll explore the origins and history behind the Depression glass sandwich pattern. We'll look at popular glassware pieces, manufacturers, colors, and values for this collectible glassware today.

The Origins of Depression Glass

Depression glass first emerged in the late 1920s as a promotional tactic used by manufacturers to help boost sales during the economic downturn of the Great Depression. Glass companies decided to give away free glass tableware as an incentive with the purchase of more expensive products like flour, soap, and toothpaste.

At the time, producing glass tableware and dishware was relatively inexpensive due to advances in glass-making technology. The brightly colored glassware proved to be an effective promotional strategy. This marked the rise of Depression glass in the American home, with over 20 million pieces produced from the 1920s through the 1930s.

The Development of the Sandwich Pattern

The sandwich pattern of glassware originated in the mid-19th century with glassmakers in England and other parts of Europe. The earliest sandwich glass featured a clear crystal base with an overlay of colored glass twisted into spiral and floral patterns.

By the 1920s and 30s, American glass manufacturers adapted the sandwich technique using pressed, molded, and etched glass to create affordable Depression glass table sets. Opaque white glass was usually used for the top layer over a transparent colored base.

The sandwiching technique allowed for beautiful decorative patterns to be etched into the glassware. The contrast of the white top layer over colors like green, pink, and crystal clear became iconic of Depression glass style and aesthetics.

Common Patterns and Motifs

Some of the most popular patterns created with the Depression glass sandwich technique include:

• Daisy - Etched daisies and floral motifs on plates, saucers, and serving platters.
• Wildflower - Delicate etched flowers and leaves.
• Sunburst - Rays or sunbeams radiating from the center.
• Circle - Rings, dots, and circular designs.
• Georgian - Elaborate, ornate etched patterns.
• Mayfair - Stylized floral and scroll designs.
• Park Lawn - Abstract geometric shapes.

The sandwich pattern also commonly incorporated popular themes like sailing ships, landscapes, animals, Greek motifs, and Art Deco elements into the etched designs.

Colors and Glass Types

The most prevalent base glass colors used for Depression era sandwich glassware were:

• Crystal clear
• Pale green
• Ambler green
• Pink
• Yellow
• Ultramarine blue

The opaque white glass layer provided a nice contrast against these lighter base colors. Heavier glassware pieces sometimes used amber, jadeite, or opaque blue as the base color as well.

Depression glassware was made from soda-lime glass, which was cheap to produce. The sandwich effect was achieved by overlaying a thin top layer of white glass in the mold before the clear glass base was poured in to fuse together.

Flaws like bubbles and imperfections are common in Depression glass. Its affordability and mass availability made it popular dinnerware and serving ware for American families in the 1930s.

Popular Pieces and Patterns in Sandwich Glass

Many types of glassware and serving pieces were produced in the iconic sandwich pattern style. Some of the most popular Depression glass pieces with the sandwich effect include:

Dinnerware

Complete dinnerware place settings were made in matching sandwich pattern glassware, including:

• Dinner plates
• Bread and butter plates
• Bowls
• Saucers
• Tumblers and water glasses

Plates and saucers often featured etched glass floral designs like Daisy, Mayfair, and Wildflower patterns sandwiched between white and green, pink, or clear glass.

Serving Dishes

Larger serving pieces were also commonly produced in sandwich glass:

• Platters
• Cake stands
• Candy dishes
• Relish trays
• Bowls
• Pitchers and glasses

Serving trays and bowls regularly displayed popular patterns like Georgian and Circle sandwiched on pale green, pink, or crystal. Many include glass lids as well.

Kitchenware

In addition to tableware, kitchenware like:

• Salt and pepper shakers
• Canisters
• Cooking bowls
• Refrigerator dishes

Were produced in sandwich glass to match dinner sets. Mixing bowls and refrigerator sets often featured floral designs like Mayfair etched in white over green and pink bases.

Barware

Sandwich glass barware included:

• Tumblers
• Whiskey glasses
• Decanters
• Pitchers

These glasses were often paneled or etched with geometric Depression glass patterns sandwiched on crystal clear, amber, or jadeite glass bases.

Major Glassware Manufacturers

Most major American glass companies produced extensive lines of sandwich pattern Depression glassware to meet consumer demand in the 1920s-40s, including:

Federal Glass Company

Federal Glass was a major producer of sandwich pattern glassware in colors like pale green, pink, and clear. Popular patterns include Mayfair, Bulls Eye, Brocaded Daisy, Georgian, and Circle.

Hazel Atlas Glass Company

Hazel Atlas made some of the most prized sandwich glassware in colors like teal blue, pink, and ultra marine blue. Patterns include Floral, Polka Dot, and cubes.

Hocking Glass Company

Hocking Glass released entire dinnerware lines in the sandwich style, like their popular pink "June" pattern glassware. They were known for high quality glass.

Indiana Glass Company

Indiana Glass produced extensive sandwich glassware in clear and pale green. Popular patterns include Mayfair, Crest, Bullseye, and Diamonds and Dots.

Jeanette Glass Company

Jeanette created beautiful pale green sandwich glassware etched with elegant patterns like English Hobnail and Hex Optic. Their glass is thinner and delicate.

Other Companies

Other companies like Anchor Hocking, Westmoreland Glass, and Imperial Glass also created both common and rare Depression glassware in the popular sandwich pattern style.

Collectability and Values

Due to its mass production, most Depression glass sells for reasonably affordable prices in today's market. However

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.