Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a beautiful stack of six green Depression-era glass plates in the iconic 'Block Optic' pattern. Made with a small amount of natural uranium dioxide in the glass mix, these plates possess a distinct, vibrant green hue that glows brilliantly under a blacklight.
Story
During the Great Depression, American glass companies added trace amounts of uranium to their batches to achieve this glowing green color. These cheerful, affordable plates brought a splash of hope and modern style to families facing tough economic times.
Maker / Origin
The Hocking Glass Company, founded in 1905 in Lancaster, Ohio, became one of the most successful producers of Depression glass. They specialized in mass-producing colorful, pressed tableware that was often given away in cereal boxes or at movie theaters, eventually merging to become Anchor Hocking in 1937.
Condition & Value
The plates appear to be in very good vintage condition with no major visible chips or cracks. Minor surface scratches or 'straw marks' (cooling lines from manufacturing) are common in glass of this era and do not significantly hurt the value, but chips on the rims would reduce the set's value by 50%.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.