Mount Pleasant Depression Glass made by L.E. Smith Glass Company. Here’s a bit of its history:
Mount Pleasant Pattern & L.E. Smith Glass Company
• Production Period: The Mount Pleasant pattern was introduced in the 1930s and was made primarily from 1930 to the early 1940s.
• Maker: L.E. Smith Glass Company, founded in 1907 in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, was known for producing high-quality Depression Glass and elegant glassware.
• Color: Though often referred to as “black Depression glass,” this glass is actually deep amethyst. If you hold it up to bright light, you’ll likely see a purple hue.
• Design Features: The Mount Pleasant pattern is recognizable for its scalloped edges, ornate handles, and Art Deco influences.
Why Is It Called Depression Glass?
• Depression Glass was mass-produced during the Great Depression (1929–1940s) and was often given away as a promotional item in stores, gas stations, and movie theaters.
• Unlike the more common transparent pink, green, or amber Depression Glass, black (or amethyst) glassware was considered more elegant and sophisticated.
Value & Collectibility
• Black Depression Glass is rarer than other colors, making pieces like this more desirable among collectors.
• L.E. Smith reissued some pieces in the 1970s and 1980s, so looking for authentic early 20th-century versions can be important for collectors.
Would you like tips on identifying whether yours is an original 1930s piece or a later reproduction?