Umair Gaines
Carnival glass is a type of moulded or pressed glass that features a distinctive iridescent sheen. This effect is achieved by applying metallic salts to the surface of the glass while it is still hot, with the final firing bringing out the iridescent, shimmery look. The most popular colour for carnival glass is known as '
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Glass | Moulded or pressed glass |
| Sheen | Iridescent |
| Other Names | Aurora glass, dope glass, rainbow glass, taffeta glass, poor man's Tiffany, Iridill |
| Purpose | Functional and ornamental |
| Patterns | Simple, geometric, cut styles, pictorial, figurative |
| Colours | Wide range, including marigold, moonstone, milk glass, amethyst, blue, green, red, amber, aqua opal, amethyst opal, peach opal, etc. |
| Rarity | Scarce designs are highly sought-after |
| Value | Determined by limited supply of rare colours, patterns, pieces with original Fenton authentication, and condition of the glass |
| Manufacturing Process | Application of metallic salts to hot glass, followed by a final firing |
| Manufacturers | Fenton Art Glass Company, Northwood, Dugan, Millersburg, Indiana Glass Company, Corning Glass Works, Hemingray Glass Company, Mosser Glass Company, Webb & Sons, Harry Northwood |
| Products | Dishes, bowls, compotes, vases, electrical power line insulators, mugs, plates |
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What You'll Learn
- Carnival glass is a type of pressed glass with an iridescent glaze
- The iridescent sheen is caused by metallic salts applied to the hot glass
- Carnival glass was popularised as prizes at carnivals and fairs
- It was also purchased from retail outlets to brighten homes when only the wealthy could afford electric lighting
- Carnival glass is now a sought-after collector's item
Carnival glass is a type of pressed glass with an iridescent glaze
Carnival glass is a type of pressed glass with a distinctive iridescent glaze. It is a popular antique collectible, with a sophisticated aesthetic that was originally designed to mimic the look of more expensive blown iridescent glass. Carnival glass was originally known as 'Iridill', produced by the Fenton Art Glass Company from 1908 onwards. The name 'carnival glass' was adopted by collectors in the 1950s, as these items were often given as prizes at carnivals, fetes, and fairgrounds. However, most carnival glass was purchased by households to brighten homes, as its finish catches the light even in dark corners.
Carnival glass gets its iridescent sheen from metallic salts that were sprayed onto the surface of the glass while it was still hot. The final firing of the glass enhances the iridescent, shimmery look. This glaze could range from a subtle satin finish to a bright, radium sheen. The Fenton Art Glass Company, the largest manufacturer of carnival glass, used a process of spraying iron chloride onto hot glass, followed by a spray of stannous chloride, to achieve their distinctive iridescent effect. This process is known as 'double doping'.
The base colour of the glass also affects the final iridescent shade, with the most popular colour being known as 'marigold'. Marigold carnival glass has a clear glass base, with shades of orange-gold and copper, and rainbow or 'oil slick' highlights. Other popular colours include blue, green, red, amber, and amethyst. Carnival glass was produced in a wide variety of shapes and items, from utilitarian to decorative, including dishes, bowls, vases, and electrical insulators.
Today, carnival glass is a sought-after collector's item, with rarer pieces selling for thousands of dollars. The value of a piece is determined by various factors, including the condition of the glass, the quality of the iridescent glaze, the age of the piece, the shape, size, colour, and pattern. The most reflective pieces, often called 'electric' carnival glass, are highly prized.
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The iridescent sheen is caused by metallic salts applied to the hot glass
Carnival glass is a type of pressed glass with a distinctive iridescent glaze. It is referred to as carnival glass because it was often given as prizes at carnivals, fetes, and fairs. The iridescent sheen is caused by metallic salts applied to the hot glass. This process is called doping. The salts are sprayed onto the glass while it is still hot from the pressing, and a final firing brings out the iridescent, shimmery look. The final surface shades vary according to the depth of the base colour, the type and amount of salts used, and other treatments.
The iridescent sheen is a hallmark of carnival glass, and it is this quality that determines its value. The more reflective the sheen, the higher the value. Carnival glass in a rainbow or 'oil slick' of colours is particularly prized. The most popular colour for carnival glass is known as 'marigold', a bright orange-gold with rainbow highlights. The iridescent effect also changes according to the colour of the base glass. For example, spraying iron chloride onto hot glass, followed by a spray of tin solution, creates a pastel marigold effect.
Carnival glass was originally produced to mimic the look of more expensive blown iridescent glass by makers such as Tiffany. It was produced in a wide array of colours, shades, and combinations, as well as utilitarian and ornamental items. Carnival glass was at its most popular in the 1920s, although it is still produced in small quantities today.
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Carnival glass was popularised as prizes at carnivals and fairs
Carnival glass is a type of moulded or pressed glass with an iridescent surface shimmer, achieved by applying metallic salts while the glass is still hot from the pressing. The Fenton Art Glass Company first produced this type of glass in 1908, calling it 'Iridill'. The Fenton Art Glass Company was the largest manufacturer of handmade coloured glass in the United States.
Iridill was inspired by the fine blown art glass of makers such as Tiffany and Steuben, but it did not sell at the premium prices anticipated and was subsequently discounted. After these markdowns, Iridill pieces were used as carnival prizes, and this is how the glass got its name. Carnival glass was popularised as prizes at carnivals, fetes, and fairs, but most of it was actually purchased from retail outlets, including general stores, variety stores, department stores, and 'dime stores'. The glass was also given away as premiums to encourage the purchase of various products.
Carnival glass was produced in a wide array of colours, shades, colour combinations, and variants. The most popular colour is now known as 'marigold', which has a clear glass base and is the most easily recognisable carnival colour. The final surface colours of marigold are mostly a bright orange-gold, turning perhaps to copper with small areas showing rainbow or 'oil slick' highlights. Other base colours include amethyst, a reddish purple; blue, green, red, and amber. These basic colours are then further delineated by shade, depth of colour, colour combinations, colour patterns, special treatments, and luminescence. Carnival glass was made in a wide variety of items, from utilitarian to the purely decorative.
Carnival glass was mass-produced worldwide from the beginning of the 20th century, but largely and initially in the U.S. It reached the height of its popularity in the 1920s, although it is still produced in small quantities today. Once it became a mainstream trend, many manufacturers began producing their own lines of iridescent glassware, creating a wide range of patterns that were often culturally significant. Experts estimate that there are about 2,000 different motifs in circulation today, and some of the more unique and scarce designs are highly sought-after by collectors.
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It was also purchased from retail outlets to brighten homes when only the wealthy could afford electric lighting
Carnival glass is a type of moulded or pressed glass with an iridescent surface shimmer that is created by applying metallic salts to the glass while it is still hot. The glass gets its name from the fact that it was often given as prizes at carnivals, fetes, and fairs. However, it was also purchased from retail outlets such as general stores, variety stores, department stores, and "dime stores".
Carnival glass was originally produced as a cheaper alternative to expensive blown iridescent glass by makers such as Tiffany & Co. of New York. It was designed to look like the much finer and more expensive blown iridescent glass, but at a more accessible price point. This made it affordable for households to brighten their homes at a time when only the wealthy could afford electric lighting. The iridescent finish of carnival glass catches the light even in dark corners, making it a popular choice for those who could not afford bright electric lighting.
Carnival glass was produced in a wide array of colours, shades, colour combinations, and variants. The most popular colour for carnival glass is known as "marigold", which has a clear glass base and is easily recognizable. Other base colours include amethyst, a reddish-purple; blue, green, red, and amber. These basic colours are then further delineated by shade, depth of colour, colour combinations, colour patterns, special treatments, and luminescence.
Carnival glass was produced in a variety of shapes and patterns, ranging from simple to geometric and "cut" styles to pictorial and figurative. Many types of dishes, bowls, compotes, and vases were made in carnival glass. Its mass appeal in the early 20th century has led to its survival in the market today, with many people still owning pieces of carnival glass or knowing someone who does.
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Carnival glass is now a sought-after collector's item
Carnival glass is now a highly sought-after collector's item, with a prominent place in the market for vintage glassware. Its unique appearance, characterised by an unmistakable iridescent glaze, has attracted many collectors. This style of glassware was wildly popular in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s, when it was mass-produced and affordable.
The value of a piece of carnival glass is determined by several factors. Firstly, the condition of the glass is important, as chips, cracks, or other forms of damage can significantly devalue it. The quality of the iridescent glaze is also crucial, as it should be uniform and free from any worn or uneven sections. The age of the piece is another factor, with items made before 1940 generally considered more valuable due to their limited quantities. Certain shapes and sizes are also rarer and more desirable, such as bowls, plates, and platters.
The colour and pattern of carnival glass are key components in determining its value and rarity. The most common colour, known as 'marigold', is usually affordable and widely available. However, variants of marigold, such as those based on 'moonstone' or 'milk glass', can be more sought-after. Other colours like amethyst, blue, green, red, and amber also exist, and the combination of colours creates further variation. The pattern of the glass can also impact its value, with some unique and scarce designs highly prized by collectors.
The manufacturer of carnival glass is another factor considered by collectors. Pieces with original Fenton authentication, the largest manufacturer of carnival glass, are particularly valuable. Other notable manufacturers include Northwood, Dugan, Millersburg, Imperial, and many others. The sheer number of manufacturers, colours, patterns, and shapes available makes determining the rarest pieces a challenging task.
In conclusion, carnival glass has become a highly desirable collector's item due to its distinctive appearance, historical significance, and the wide variety of styles available. Its accessibility and affordability in the early 20th century have contributed to its prevalence in the market today, with rarer pieces commanding high prices.
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Frequently asked questions
Carnival glass is a type of moulded or pressed glass with an iridescent surface shimmer.
The iridescent effect is created by applying metallic salts to the surface of the glass while it is still hot. A final firing of the glass brings out the iridescence, which is caused by the presence of the salts.
Carnival glass comes in a wide array of colours, shades, and colour combinations. The most popular colour is known as 'marigold', which has a clear glass base and bright orange-gold surface shades with rainbow or 'oil slick' highlights. Other base colours include amethyst, blue, green, red, and amber.
To identify carnival glass, look for its characteristic iridescent shimmer. You can also check the base of the glass, which usually lacks the iridescent shimmer and may have a maker's mark. Hold the glass up to the light to determine the base colour, which is usually a clear indication of the surface shades.
