The Description

Carnival glass is pressed glass that has undergone an iridized treatment to its surface. Newly formed hot pressed glass is exposed to sprays, fumes and vapors from heated metallic oxide. This process results in a beautiful lustrous coating forming on the glass. It is often described as looking similar to the rainbow colours that appear on a soap bubble. Photographs of carnival glass do not reveal this magical effect.

What’s With the Name

The term carnival glass was coined because this type of glass was often awarded to winners of games-of-chance at carnivals.

Poor-man’s Tiffany Glass

Carnival glass was sometimes referred to as poor-man’s Tiffany glass because Tiffany & Co. produced an expensive hand blown iridized glass that looked similar to the modestly price machine-made carnival glass. This similarity to Tiffany's glass made carnival glass widely popular from the onset of its introduction.

Unfortunately, carnival glass’ popularity led to Tiffany glass going out of favor with its well-heeled buyers. Once an inexpensive substitute was available to all, Tiffany glass became less desirable to those who could afford it.

The History

Manufacture of carnival glass began in the United States around 1908 to 1918. In the 1920s and 1930s it was produced in Australia, Europe and South America. Production stopped in the 1930s; very little, if any, was known to be produced in the 1940s or 1950s.

The Makers

Fenton, Northwood, Imperial Glass, Westmoreland and Dugan are just a few companies that manufactured carnival glass. Northwood Glass Company marked their work with a circle surrounding a capital N. Most other manufacturers did not mark their goods.

Dazzling Colours

Carnival glass was made in a variety of luminous colours. Marigold (orange) is the most common colour and pastel colours including aqua are the most rare.

Popular Patterns

Some popular patterns are Poppy Show/Rose Show, Peacock on the Fence, Peacock at the Fountain, Grape and Cable, Good Luck, Acorn and Burrs and Dragon and Lotus.

A Resurgence

Demand for carnival glass resurged in the 1950s and companies began to make it again for the collector market. Other designs were resurrected and new designs were introduced.

Identifying Reproductions

Anything produced after the 1950s is considered a reproduction. Some manufacturers have distinctive marks to identify the age. Some reproductions are made from original molds from the pre-1930s so it can be tricky identifying old from reproductions.

What’s it Worth

Condition and colour play a large role in determining value. Chips, cracks, mold marks, repairs reduce the value. If an item is a rare colour like aqua it is of more value than an item in marigold that is plentiful. Look for it in antique shops, fairs, flea markets. Ebay is a good resource to determine price. Pricescan range for a few dollars to much more.