The Plate
A graceful piece of American Depression-era etched glass, this clear sandwich or luncheon plate was produced by the Cambridge Glass Company of Cambridge, Ohio, circa 1935–1940. Decorated with a delicate “frosted fern and scroll” etching on crystal-clear glass, the plate captures the refinement and optimism of pre-war American design — elegant enough for formal dining, yet affordable for everyday use.
This pattern belongs stylistically to Cambridge’s etched glass lines from the mid-1930s, including the Elaine, Chantilly, and Portia series, each featuring botanical flourishes etched with acid-stencil precision.
Design & Construction
→ Pattern: The etched motif features stylized acanthus-like scrolls and fern plumes, symmetrically placed around the rim with alternating curvilinear flourishes. The design is produced via acid-etching over a resist stencil, leaving a satiny, frosted design in relief against the clear polished background.
→ Glass Type: Fine pressed crystal (non-leaded), hand-finished and fire-polished to achieve optical clarity.
→ Form: Circular plate with a shallow well and narrow inner ring border, designed to accompany matching etched glass stemware and serving pieces within the same pattern suite.
→ Edge: Smooth-cut rim with a faint rolled edge — characteristic of Cambridge’s Elaine and Diane shapes of the late 1930s.
Dimensions
Diameter: 8¾"
(Measurements within ¼ inch)
History & Provenance
The Cambridge Glass Company, founded in 1901, became one of America’s premier producers of high-quality pressed and blown glass during the first half of the 20th century. By the mid-1930s, their etched glass patterns defined the aesthetic of Depression-era dining — accessible luxury made possible through precision manufacturing.
The “frosted fern” style, similar to Cambridge’s Elaine (introduced in 1934) and Wildflower (introduced in 1940), exemplified the company’s mastery of intricate surface decoration. Such designs were typically sold in department store bridal lines and popular as wedding gifts from 1935 through the wartime years.
Condition
In excellent vintage condition, with no chips, cracks, or clouding. The etched pattern remains crisp and luminous, with only faint utensil wear visible under close inspection.
Value & Collectibility
→ Collector Market Value: $25–$35 per plate
→ Design / Styling Value: $40–$55
Etched Depression glass from Cambridge continues to appeal to both collectors and interior stylists for its ability to bridge Art Deco geometry and classical ornamentation. When layered over linen or wood, the frosted etching catches the light beautifully, making it ideal for elegant table settings or wall-mounted glass displays.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | Cambridge Glass Company |
| Origin | Cambridge, Ohio, USA |
| Year | Circa 1935–1940 |
| Pattern | Frosted Fern (Elaine-style etch) |
| Style | Depression Era / Art Deco Revival |
| Material | Pressed crystal glass |
| Technique | Acid-etched design with fire-polished finish |
| Diameter | 8¾ inches |
| Condition | Excellent, light wear consistent with age |
| Provenance | Cambridge etched glass line, 1930s–40s |
Why It’s Special
This etched glass plate embodies the quiet sophistication of Depression-era craftsmanship — a balance of artistry, affordability, and precision. Its frosted scrollwork, luminous transparency, and impeccable symmetry make it as compelling on a modern table as it was in the 1930s, an enduring testament to American glass design at its finest.