Collecting American Antique Carnival Glass

Carnival glass was first produced in the early 20th C by several North American glass manufacturers in competition with Tiffany. Tiffany had already marketed beautiful, iridized glass, but it was very expensive and beyond the reach of most people. Recognising the demand for cheaper, but equally attractive glass, the manufacturers produced the iridized effect by spraying the hot, pressed glass with minerals. Although sold as pressed, iridized glass it later became known as carnival glass when it was given away as fairground prizes. By about 1918 its popularity was fading and it was not until after World War II that collectors began to recognise the beauty of the intricate patterns and colors. Now it is widely collected, particularly in the US where it is thought of as an American collectible, although several other countries have produced small quantities.

Some manufacturers are particularly sought after, probably the best known being Fenton. Initially two brothers, Frank and John Fenton, started their glassworks in 1905 and by 1908 were beginning to produce iridized glass. After a quarrel John left to form his own Millersburg Glass company. He developed a beautiful radium finish and produced some of the finest carnival glass, but he was not a good business man and the company only survived until 1913. Today the highly distinctive Millersburg pieces are eagerly collected.

Harry Northwood produced his first iridized glass in 1908 and continued until his death in 1919. Carnival glass lettering is rare and one of the most collectible Northwood patterns is the “Good Luck” range. Harry was closely related to the Dugan family, another well known name that produced carnival glass, and in the early years the two names worked together. The Dugan plant burned down in 1931 and was never rebuilt.

Imperial Glass, which began in 1901, started producing carnival glass in 1909. Numerous patterns were produced and the plain design of their Imperial Jewel pattern, compared to the intricacy of most other patterns, is one of their most popular designs.

Apart from condition, the value of carnival glass depends on rarity and color. Marigold and amethyst are the two most commonly seen colors. However many people wrongly think pieces in those colors have little value. When only a few pieces of a pattern were produced in a particular color the value increases. Dealers without an expert knowledge of the patterns often underpriced and real bargains can be found. For that reason it is well worth having an current price book. Most red carnival glass is rare because it was expensive to produce.

In recent years some of the earlier carnival glass patterns have been reproduced by Fenton and Imperial Glass. These have been clearly marked on the back to indicate they are a later issue. Modern pieces are collected because they are less expensive than the originals, however most collectors prefer to buy the earlier pieces if they can afford to. A few patterns have been faked and if you are unsure, it is worth checking whether any forgeries of a particular pattern are known.

Different antiques go in and out of fashion, but carnival glass is very much an American collectible and as such remains a firm favorite with buyers.

About the Author: Margaret Tye runs the Carnival Glass for Sale web page.