What kind of carnival glass do I have?

What kind of carnival glass do I have?

Carnival glass should have a shimmery quality to it, especially when you hold it up to the light. The effect should look somewhat like the rainbow iridescent swirls you see when oil is introduced to water.

Are there markings on carnival glass?

Carnival glass made by this company includes not only table or dinnerware sets, but berry sets, and other useful items imitating cut glass patterns. Marks vary on Imperial carnival glass pieces, but to identify it, look for the familiar “iron cross” mark.

When did they stop making carnival glass?

Most U.S. carnival glass was made before 1925, with production in clear decline after 1931. Some important production continued outside the US through the depression years of the early 1930s, tapering off to very little by the 1940s.

Does carnival glass have seams in it?

Taking its roots in America, carnival glass is simply press-molded glass with an iridescent finish. First manufactured in early 1905, the intricate pattern work and stunning colors captured the Art Nouveau aesthetic perfectly. Most patterns were inspired by nature or geometry, detailed to hide the seams from the mold.

Does anyone buy Carnival Glass?

The primary ones are Carnival Glass auctions, Carnival Glass conventions, direct purchase from another collector, from specific sellers who have web sites specifically set up to display and sell Carnival, from eBay or other on-line electronic auction sites, and from Antique Malls, estate sales, etc.

What is vintage Carnival Glass?

The process involved spraying a pressed glass piece with metallic salts when it was hot from the mold and then re-firing it. Even though carnival glass was made in molds, it was often hand-finished by artisans—those pieces are more sought-after today.

Is all Fenton carnival glass marked?

Yes, Fenton did not start using molded marks in their glass until the 1970’s. The majority of Fenton was only marked with a sticker. Most of the stickers have been lost or removed over time.

How can you tell if Fenton glass is unmarked?

Check the bottom of the glass for a pontil mark, which Fenton doesn’t have.

1. Pontil marks might look like a chip in the glass, a bumpy lump, or a dimple in the bottom of the glass.
2. Fenton has created some offhand glass pieces which do have a pontil mark.

Does carnival glass have seams?

Why is carnival glass called carnival glass?

Its current name was adopted by collectors in the 1950s from the fact that it was sometimes given as prizes at carnivals, fetes, and fairgrounds.

Can you eat off carnival glass?

7) Uranium Glass As part of the carnival glass craze, these pieces were often given as prizes at fairs in the 1930s. Other colors like blue, aqua, and even red have been found to contain uranium. The EPA does not recommend you use these dishes to eat or drink off with.

How can you tell Fenton Carnival Glass?

How can you tell if a glass is pressed?

The tell-tale sign of pressed glass is the seam where the glass was pressed together. A mark on the glass such as an impressed mark, lozenge, diamond, trade or maker’s marks, or registration number can tell you the date that your piece of glass was made.

What makes carnival glass so valuable to collectors?

The biggest factor that determines carnival glass value is the limited supply of particularly rare colors, patterns, and pieces with original Fenton authentication. Iridescent sheen is a hallmark of all carnival glass, meaning that any piece, regardless of shape or color, must have this glimmering glaze to classify as carnival glass.

How many different colors of carnival glass are there?

However, experts on carnival glass have categorized almost 50 different colors that the vintage pieces can have. For an initial look at a piece, you only need to describe the basic color. You may want to compare pieces to get a more nuanced sense of the color.

How much does Iron Cross carnival glass cost?

Marks vary on Imperial carnival glass pieces, but to identify it, look for the familiar “iron cross” mark. This piece was selling for $35 to $50 in 2006. In 2018, this piece sold between $20 to $90. The vast difference in price reflects a verifiable age of the glass piece and the condition of it.

Why was carnival glass originally called Iridescent Ware?

Originally called “iridescent ware,” its makers had hoped the product would provide an affordable competition to Tiffany and Steuben, allowing housewives to furnish their homes without spending large amounts of money. It did not sell as they hoped, however, but the glass soon found a new booming market: carnivals.