Depression Glass Whiskey Tumblers
Whiskey tumblers range in height from one and three-quarter inches to three inches tall and generally hold from one to two ounces of liquor. The basic shape is round and they do not have stems or are footed. Crystal was the most popular, with some patterns adding colored trims. Green and pink glass were second and third in popularity. However, a full rainbow of colors can be found ranging from amber to red to blue to cobalt to amethyst.Two patterns, Block Optic and Moondrops, had more than one size of whiskey tumbler. The Block Optic pattern had one and two ounce sizes, which were both made in the colors pink and green. The Moondrops pattern had three different whiskey tumblers: a regular two ounce tumbler, a handled two ounce tumbler, and a double shot tumbler. Although blue and red were the primary colors, other colors were made as well.
Even though prohibition was in effect in the United States from 1920 to 1933, depression glass whiskey tumblers were being made and sold. Although it is difficult to determine with exact certainty, pattern production dates would indicate that about half were manufactured during the prohibition years. Generally, the depression glass patterns that were made in multiple colors are much easier to find today. Some of the patterns that are more difficult find and thus command higher prices are: Mayfair Open Rose, Peacock and Wild Rose, Moondrops double shot, Springtime, American Pioneer, and Ardith.
One pattern, Mayfair Open Rose, by the Hocking Glass Company has been reproduced. To tell an original from a reproduction, look carefully at the bottom of the rose stem. If it is an original, the stem should be split. If the stem is straight, it is a reproduction. Use this information to help in your search for depression glass whiskey tumblers.