Pink Depression Glass Nappy or Bonbon Dish (Old Cafe Pattern)

This is a small, hand-held serving dish known as a nappy, bonbon, or candy dish, crafted from translucent pink depression glass. The piece is characterized by its distinct shell-like or scalloped rim and a singular molded 'D-loop' handle situated on one side. The base features a sunburst or pinwheel radiating geometric motif composed of several wedge-like sections emanating from a central circular hub. The side walls are decorated with molded vertical ribs that transition into leaf-like flares near the fluted edge. This specific design is highly consistent with the 'Old Cafe' pattern produced by the Hocking Glass Company between 1936 and 1940. The color is a classic rosy-pink hue achieved by adding selenium or manganese to the glass batch during production. In terms of condition, the glass retains a high degree of clarity and luster without significant clouding or heavy scratching, though minor manufacturing inclusions like air bubbles (seeds) or mold harvest lines may be present. There are no large visible chips or cracks. This piece represents the machine-pressed mass production of the Great Depression era, designed to provide affordable elegance to American households during economic hardship.

I have conducted a visual examination of this pink depression glass bonbon or nappy dish. The piece exhibits the characteristic design elements of the 'Old Cafe' pattern produced by the Hocking Glass Company (circa 1936–1940), including the signature vertical ribs and scalloped rim. Based on the photographic evidence, the glass displays excellent clarity and the period-correct 'Rosalee' pink hue. The luster suggests minimal dishwasher damage, which is a common detractor for this era of glass. The 'D-handle' appears structurally sound with no visible stress fractures at the join point. Current market conditions for Depression-era glass remain soft as the primary collector base has aged, leading to a surplus of common serving pieces like nappies. 'Old Cafe' is a well-documented and appreciated pattern, but it is not considered rare. Comparable sales on secondary platforms like eBay and Etsy consistently fall within the $8 to $18 range depending on regional demand. The value is primarily driven by the condition of the edges, as the fluted rims are prone to 'flea bites' or micro-chipping. It is important to note that this appraisal is based solely on digital imagery. A definitive authentication would require a physical inspection to verify the tactile 'seam' quality and to check for subtle grinding or repairs. To confirm the piece is an original 1930s pressing rather than a later 20th-century reproduction, I would need to observe its reaction under a long-wave UV light (checking for the faint glow of manganese) and confirm the hand-weight of the piece against known manufacturing standards.