About 22 years ago I decided that replacing the everyday china would be a nice change to a dreary life style. So we looked at the department store offerings of Mikassa, Noritake, etc. I noticed that most of the stuff was made overseas and as soon as you took it out of the show room, down went the value...just like a new car. There had to be a better way to dine and yet keep the value of what was purchased. Enter the collectible marketplace. Depression glass and American dinnerware had all the depreciation beaten out of it, as it was created in the 20's, 30's and 40's. To my amazement, this stuff was increasing in value! In the 80's and 90's it would appreciate at about 4-6% a year. We could follow the trends in the research books and substantiate this phenomenon. After 2001, things changed. Many owe the slightly downward trends to web marketing, many say 911 changed it and others use various marketing voodoos. For me, I say that the market was flooded with goods. Years ago we shopped in antique stores and then antique malls. There was only a relatively short supply available to an increasing demand for product. Prices rose. Now, electronic marketing literally makes everyone an antique dealer. Where there used to be only one rare piece of depression glass...now there are 4 of them on line for sale. Prices fell. It is possible now, with certain web strategies, to never leave your home and find what you want to add to your collection by leaving a wish list. People will fill it! Of course, scarcity, condition and demand still define the price of any antique...not age. You be the judge. The Staley Concern is here for the discerning buyer. I have spent 20 years learning depression glass and American Dinnerware. Unfortunately, American Dinnerware had to be omitted. I still admire it and would like to have it, but there just is not enough money or space to go around.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

It is my opinion that e-bay is the single most pervasive selling and buying tool in the world today. Nothing can match it. That is why you will find our depression glass goods on line on e-bay. This web site is to give you an idea about the people behind the glass (and in few instances my hobby of toy trains). When you select an item on e-bay with the handle cambridged you know you can trust who you are dealing with. My wife Carol and I hope you are pleased with your selections. They all come from my home where over 10,000 pieces of glass and toy trains are displayed. (notice I did not say stored in boxes). Please enjoy our web site here and our auctions on e-bay. We operate our sales from The Staley Concern offices in Modesto, California. My office manager, Camille Gasper will help you if you need help and assist you in your purchases.

Ed and Carol Staley

Read more about us from this Modesto Bee Article