At the time of introduction in late 1907 the
At the time of introduction in late 1907 the carnival glass was called as Iridescent Ware. However, people started using the name carnival glass only after collectors in the 1950s began to refer to it as such. This innovative glassware made in highly patterned moulds had a vivid metallic sheen of changing hues on pressed glass articles. Iridescent Ware got the metallic sheen from a special spray of metallic salts on the glass while it was very hot.
Made as both functional and ornamental objects and found in a wide array of colors, carnival glass is an inexpensive pressed glass, often called dope glass by glass factory workers because of the process of applying the iridescent coloring, which is known as doping. Its production can be traced back to as early as 1907, with many, many different pieces in over 150 distinct patterns. It did not, however, command the expected prices, and was subsequently discounted heavily.
This glass is made in many translucent colors like primarily amethyst, marigold, cobalt, green, and red. It is also made in opaque white, which is referred to as milk glass. Before the hazards of radiation were well known, the glass was also made in semi-transparent or translucent pale green and was named as Vaseline or uranium glass. Vaseline glass and uranium glass contain traces of uranium salts in the glass which can make a faint green glass glow in reaction to UV light.
One of the largest producers of this kind of glass was Millersburg glass Company, Ohio. The first glass products of the company were crystal, but the Millersburg plant decided to ride the wave of enthusiasm for iridescent glassware. Thus, in early 1910, the Millersburg Company brought out its line of Radium glassware
Carnival glass has become a popular item for collectors. Some pieces are worth pennies, but hard-to-find pieces can bring in hundreds or even thousands of dollars, making for a wide range in prices. The market is jumping for this antique glass collectible.
It is very hard to identify carnival glass. Most of the time, the makers didn’t mark their work, others only marked them part of the time. To figure out who made the glass one has to match, patterns, colors, sheen, edges, thickness and some other factors from old trade catalogs, examples of prior work or a reference material. Many manufacturers made close copies of rivals popular works to. So even for an experienced expert this is a hard task.
Carnival glass is made as both functional and ornamental objects. This innovative glassware made in highly patterned moulds has a vivid metallic sheen of changing hues on pressed glass articles. This glass is available in many translucent colors like primarily amethyst, marigold, cobalt, green and red. It is also made in opaque white, which is also referred to as milk glass. Prices vary widely depending on their quality and availability. It has become an antique glass collectible. To figure out who made the glass one has to match, patterns, colors, sheen, edges, thickness etc. One of the biggest producers is millersburg glass company in Ohio.