Once cheap and dismissed by collectors of glass, carnival glass is now a cherished vintage glass collectible. This cheaply produced molded glass was produced in a number of base colors, to which metallic salts were added as the piece was removed from the mold. The metallic salts produced an iridescent finish on the glass object, giving it a sheen somewhat like the fancy glass being produced by Tiffany and other fine glass manufacturers in the early twentieth century.
Since it was molded with the same mold used for clear and colored glass objects, the same piece can be found in all three variations. The popular patterns of one manufacturer were frequently emulated by others, so identifying the exact pattern can be tricky. In addition, makers marks are seldom used, so the source of any piece can only be established through the original makers sales catalogs, known examples or through the collectors literature that has been published in the area.
The shapes of the antique carnival glass pieces include plain shapes where the iridescence is the attraction, geometrical shapes derived from cut-glass styles, and the myriad styles of pressed and molded glass. The base colors, determined by looking at an un-salted section held up to the light, include: clear, amethyst, reddish-purple, blue, green, amber and red. The color of the base can vary considerably in shade within each color. The application of the mineral salts was not a well defined process, so the variation in the final product varied from batch to batch as well as from manufacturer to manufacturer. Special combinations of base color and iridescence have been given names that are used by collectors to described these objects.
Many utilitarian pieces were made from carnival glass, including kitchen items like butter dishes, cruet sets and celery vases. Plates, bowls, tumblers, and pitches or jugs for the table are common. More ornate or larger decorative items are less common, including jardinieres, float bowls and statuettes.
The name carnival glass is predicated on the cheapness of the glass, the showy nature of the finish, and the fact that some pieces were given away as prizes in hopes the winner would be moved to buy more to match it. Made all over the world, the total number of pieces made is staggering, but the loss rate is equally large. Not valued, pieces were used daily and broken, thrown out by one generation after another, and probably used for target practice. Still, common pieces are readily available and the sheen on older pieces has not lessened with the passage of time.
Look at resale shops, thrift stores and country flea markets for the beginnings of your collection. Then do some reading and decide on your approach or specialty. Even if you never get past the early buy-what-you-like stage, looking for carnival glass can be a fun way to traverse commercial premises and a way to strike up conversations with strangers, friends and family. Ask around and you will probably find some in your own family that can be had for the asking. And, while one piece may look cheap, a cluster of antique glasses and other pieces can be quite impressive. Display your carnival glass with pride.
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