Why NOT reproductions? (Depression glass in particular...)

I was boggled by a gorgeous display of depression glass wares recently at an antique shop, and maybe that was a good thing because I didn't buy any. I was sure some of it was modern and could be bought at a better price elsewhere, like the purple Dahlia set I see in the Victorian Trading Co.'s catalog every other month...no way was THAT antique.

So anyway, I went home and started looking up depressionware and was astounded by the number of snotty sites that say you should never EVER buy the modern replicas no matter what. I can understand not wanting to pay antique prices for modern glassware, but other than that, why not? I'm going to use it all the time, not just hide it in a cabinet. Nobody said the replicas were of inferior glass quality, with the exception of the vaseline glass which is now made with depleted uranium instead of the full-power stuff, hence a weaker glow, and that hardly counts. But, the pieces were so beautiful, and I would love to have some of it, and there's a glass company out there making swell repros, not trying to fake anybody out...so, why not?

Any collectors here? Can you tell me why not?

I don't see why not in the case of something like glasswear (as opposed to, say, clothing, which frequently looks OTT and costume-y, and/or doesn't have a true vintage fit). The only thing I'd be really concerned about is that it seems a lot of repro glass is passed off, either unwittingly or not, as The Real Deal. So I just have to do a lot of research to be sure you're not getting ripped off, if you see something on someplace like e-bay, as opposed to a store/catalogue what states outright that the stuff's repro. Well, and also, a lot of the repros are made in Asia, so it depends on how you feel about buying anything made in China, etc.

On the other hand, there's absolutely nothing wrong with using the vintage stuff everyday. That's what it was meant for, not to sit in a cabinet and get dusty. Even though it was orginally cheap, it all stands up to time like crazy, because it is actually really good quality glass. Much more so than a lot of contemporary items (in general, I mean, not specifically repro depression glass.)

I agree...no problem with buying repro if you're more comfortable with that and can't find the Real Thing at an affordable price. Especially with stuff like Fiestaware when the original mfg is still making it. I mix my old and new Fiesta on a daily basis and it all frequently ends up in the dishwasher together!

I agree with BK, tho, and make sure you're getting something decent for the money and not buying too cheap a fake that won't hold up to the daily wear and tear...because, you know, whatever it is, they probably don't make it like they used to!

I know -- that Fiesta is sturdy stuff! I don't know why a lot of people think it needs to be treated with white gloves. (not to mention never use it!) Our everyday glasses are Fostoria Jamestown in ruby, and they stand up to the dishwasher just fine -- and, guess what -- unlike EVERY set of contemporary everyday glasses we've always had before, they NEVER break/chip/crack!

One must be very careful with vintage china, however. Many of the old pieces from the thirties and forties are metalware, that is to say the slip was placed over a metal frame to add strength. They look like the stuff from before and after the metalware craze, but they are dangerous. Naturally these pieces are not microwave safe and can cause severe burns when warmed in the oven for serving. Also, be sure you test all china and glass for lead before serving anything acidic like fruit or juice in them particularly to children.

How do you test it? Magnets?

I'm afraid it's just a question of knowing your maker and it's marks. My beloved Edme from Wedgwood was done in metalware for about a decade. After my first burn, I learned to look for the marks from those years before buying. My sister will not buy antique Fiesta Ware for everyday use because of the same problem, but she still enjoys her vintage "pretties".

As for lead testing (for those who don't know), test strips are available for about 99 cents at most groceries and 5 & Dimes.

I've never had any problems with my old Fiestaware.

We don't have a microwave anymore, but when I did, it went in there all the time.

TXPoppet! My fam's everyday china is Edme! Isn't it lovely? It goes with absolutely everything, and is equally at home on a formal table, or leftovers in the kitchen. I can't believe they discontinuted it.

Personally, I don't put ANY china in the microwave at all. For one thing, on high-quality stuff like Wedgwood/Royal Doulton/Lenox/etc, it (eventually) causes severe crazing, discoloring, and hairline cracks.

Would you believe that we've had people over for casual dinners who decide that thier dinner isn't hot enough, and without a word, leap up, run into the kitchen, and toss thier plate in the microwave? If nothing else, is that The Height of Rudeness (THOR), or not? On all counts.

PS: They probably believe in putting the Waterford and the sterling and anything hand-painted or gilded in the dishwasher, too.

The orange fiestaware and yellow Depression glass is radioactive because of Uranium. Speaking as a chemist - I would give it to the EPA.