The Timeless Charm of Vintage Green Depression Glass Footed Pedestal Bowl – FTd Oak Leaf Pattern

I was at one of my favorite thrift stores in the town I live in, and I came across this beautiful Federal Glass Company footed pedestal bowl in oak leaf pattern. Below is a photo of it, I snapped it inside my hutch, I thought the brown and the green looked great next to each other and you could really see the detail of the bowl.

Beautiful Green Depression Federal Glass Company Footed Pedestal Bowl that I found at a thrift store on the store shelf, notice how beautifully green and ready for spring decor this piece is.

I must say, as soon as I saw it, I just stared at it. I remember just being puzzled, like, am I really seeing this.

I first noticed the color, I saw the leaf and expected it to be plastic, touched it and realized it was glass.

I had never seen anything like it. I picked it up, it's pretty heavy, turned it over, looked on the bottom of it, and saw FTD written on the bottom. I put it down on the shelf and took out my cellphone and did a quick google search, I saw that it was potentially from the 50's, so I decided to buy it and take it home with me.

Bottom of the Beautiful Green Depression Federal Glass Company Footed Pedestal Bowl, with the thrift store sticker and price on it.

It wasn't until I got it home that I realized it was the coveted Depression Green Federal Glass.

I love the color green and right now it is spring, so this will fit in really good with my decor.

I love finding vintage things. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you how much I paid for it; it was $3.99.

I didn't know too much about Federal Glass Company nor the vintage item, so I decided to do a little bit more research for you, see below.

A Glimpse into Depression Glass

Depression glass was mass-produced in the 1920s through the 1940s, primarily in the United States and Canada. Given away as premiums in cereal boxes, sold at affordable prices in dime stores, or used as promotional items, this glassware became a staple in American households during tough economic times. Despite its humble origins, Depression glass is now prized for its delicate beauty and historical significance.

The green hue is one of the most iconic colors of Depression glass, ranging from pale mint to deep emerald. The shade was achieved using uranium oxide in some cases, giving certain pieces a faint glow under UV light—a fascinating feature for collectors.

The FTd Oak Leaf Pattern

The Oak Leaf pattern (sometimes marked as FTd, indicating Federal Glass Company’s trademark) is a beloved design featuring intricate oak leaves and acorns, often arranged in an elegant, symmetrical motif. This pattern was primarily produced in the 1930s and is admired for its detailed etching and Art Deco influences.

The footed pedestal bowl is a standout piece in this pattern. Its raised base adds height and elegance, making it perfect for displaying fruit, serving salads, or simply adding a touch of vintage charm to a dining table or display cabinet.

The green Depression glass footed pedestal bowl with the FTd Oak Leaf pattern is more than just glassware—it’s a piece of history. For collectors, it’s a must-have; for vintage lovers, it’s a timeless treasure. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you hold a fragment of the past that continues to captivate with its enduring beauty.

Do you have a favorite piece of Depression glass? Share your finds in the comments!