Manufacturers make pressed glassware by forcing molten glass into a mold, instead of blowing it. This glass-making style became popular during the 19th century, extending into the early 20th century. There are countless pressed glass patterns and types, but here are nine of the most valuable:
1. Vaseline Glass
Glassmakers enrich pressed Vaseline glass with uranium oxide, which imparts a yellow-green luminescence under UV light. Collectors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries favored it for creating decorative pieces like vases, bowls, and plates. Among the many types, Vaseline glass ranks among the most valuable pressed glass.
2. Opaline Glass
Glassmakers produced opaline glass—a type of decorative opaque glassware—in great numbers during the 1800s. They frequently used it for decorative items like vases, lamps, and goblets. Some of the most sought after opaline glass patterns include the “Bristol” pattern, as well as “Satin” pattern. Collectors often consider opaline glass to be valuable pressed glass.
3. Akro Glass
The Akro Agate Company was a glass manufacturer that produced pressed glass & a particular type of glass known as Akro glass in the early 1900s. Manufacturers frequently employed it for marbles and children’s toys, as well as kitchenware like measuring cups and mixing bowls. The “Popeye” pattern and the “Corkscrew” pattern are two of the most valuable Akro Glass patterns. Many collectors regard Akro Glass patterns as some of the most valuable pressed glass available.
4. Jadeite
Jadeite is a kind of opaque green glass that was popular in the 1930s and ’40s. Manufacturers frequently applied it to kitchenware, including mixing bowls, canisters, and salt and pepper shakers. Jadeite patterns that are the most valuable include the “Alice” pattern and the “Jadite Swirl” pattern. For collectors of valuable pressed glass, Jadeite remains a favorite.
5. John Derbyshire Figural Glass
The Paitsons were glassmakers who (in the late 19th century) produced all sorts of figural glass. His designs feature animals, birds and people. Highly sought-after John Derbyshire figural glass designs include the “Milk Glass Cow Creamer” and the “Opal Glass Bear Toothpick Holder.” John Derbyshire figural glass is highly prized among collectors of valuable pressed glass.
6. Jumbo Glass
Glassmakers produced Jumbo glass as pressed glass in the early 20th century. Many pieces served as advertising and featured the image of Jumbo the elephant, one of the greatest circus attractions of the time. A couple of the more valuable Jumbo glass pieces are the “Jumbo Peanut Butter Jar” and the “Jumbo Circus Wagon Tumbler.” Collectors consider these pieces among the most valuable pressed glass items.
7. Custard Glass
Custard glass is opaque glass with a yellowish tint. It was popular in the late 1800s to early 1900s, often used to make decorative objects like vases and bowls. Among the most prized custard glass patterns are the “Daisy and Button” pattern and the “Rose” pattern. For those who collect valuable pressed glass, custard glass is highly prized.
8. Akro Agate
Akro Agate was a manufacturer of glassware from the 1920s until the 1950s. Glassmakers created marbled glass by mixing two or more colors of glass. Akro Agate produced many other styles of glassware as well, including vases, dishes and lamps. Now Akro Agate pieces are very collectible, many worth considerable sums. Collectors often regard these items as valuable pressed glass.
