If you want to collect genuine antique glassware, then it is important to make sure that you know what you are collecting and can determine genuine from reproduction antiques. One way to learn about collecting antique glassware is to study the excellent antique glassware guides by author Gene Florence.

Gene Florence is the author of the best antique glassware guides in the industry. He is an expert on antique glassware companies, patterns, colors, and styles. Any of his books is a great place to start your collection. Gene Florence has been a collector of interesting things since his boyhood in Lexington, Kentucky. He taught school for nine years, then turned his career into pursuing his interest in Depression glassware. His first book was published in 1972, and later opening his own Grannie Bear Antique Shop in 1976 which specialized in Depression glassware. He has now written over 80 books on collectibles including numerous books on Depression glassware.

There are many collectible antique glassware companies that produced interesting and unique handmade glassware. One of the most collected is Depression glassware. If you are a collector, study the company or style that you are interested in before you start buying. Consult other collectors, and antique shops that have an excellent reputation to learn about the glassware that you want to collect.

The most avid collectible antique glassware types often have collector organizations that can help you learn the ins and outs of collecting that particular type of glass. Some of the companies have museums with samples of their glassware.

Salt and pepper shakers are my favorite antique glassware item to collect.  The reason is that they can be really fun and different in how they look, as well as the fact that they are small and don't take up much room.

I love the colors and reflective qualities of all types of glass, and antique glassware has colors and patterns that cannot be made today.  It is also possible to find salt and pepper shaker sets that do not break the bank to buy, and at least for now, that limits my own personal collecting.  Gene Florence has a wonderful book about salt and pepper shakers which includes Depression glass but also many other types of collectible glass salt and pepper shaker sets.

Antique glassware vases are another popular item to collect, especially since they are very useful even today. There is nothing that brightens up a room more than a beautiful vase filled with colorful fresh flowers.

There are so many styles of antique glass vases to choose from to collect. The vase pictured above is from the 1950's made by the Jeannette Glass Company, but it is only one of many. I am partial to Depression glassware but there are many other eras of antique glassware that are just as enticing.  For more information on antique glassware collecting and resources, follow the links below.