Antique Carnival Glass

Early carnival glass is not as badly finished as the name suggests. Intricate patterns were made into moulds and a base color glass pressed into them. After an initial firing minerals were added and the glass was re-fired to produce an iridescent finish. Often the only way to see the base color is to hold it up to the light.

In 1905 two brothers, Frank and John Fenton opened a glass making factory in Ohio and by 1908 their iridized glass was starting to captured the imagination of the American people. Less expensive than Tiffany glass, yet just as beautiful,it would remain popular until about the 1920 depression.
It is the early pieces of carnival glass, produced in those years that are eagerful sought by collectors.
This is my favorite piece of Fenton glass. The Dragon & Lotus pattern is not rare, but it is crisp and intricate and I love the copper iridescence.

In 1908 the Fenton brothers fell out and John Fenton left the company to open the Millersburg carnival glass factory in 1909.
John was a brilliant glassmaker and a year later he produced his first radium carnival glass. Iniatially the factory was a success but, unlike his brother, John was not a business man and by 1913 the company had gone out of business. Millersburg glass is always highly prized and priced!
The Cosmos pattern was only made as the green 6" dish shown but it is a beautiful piece.

Harry Northwood was an Englishman who came to America in 1880. After working for several companies Northwood established his own and in 1908 he produced his first carnival glass. For the next ten years, until his death in 1919.
Lettering on carnival glass is rare, making this Northwood Good Luck piece highly collectible.
I believe that Good Luck bowls have been reproduced.

The Imperial Glass Company started in 1901, but it was not until 1909 that they began producing carnival glass. Many collectors feel that they are second only to Millersburg in quality.
The Fashion pattern, shown here on a punch bowl and six cups, was one of their most popular designs.
Imperial Glass continued until 1973 when it became a subsidiary of the Lenox Company.

Although not as well known as Fenton and Northwood, the Dugan factory produced some lovely glass. The Cherry pattern shown here is a peach opalescent bowl. The exterior is decorated with the Jewelled Heart pattern.
Thomas Dugan was a cousin of Harry Northwood and in 1904 he purchased a factory from his cousin to form the Dugan Glass Company. He immediately started producing carnival glass but for a long time it was thought to have been Northwood glass, as Thomas had purchased molds from his cousin. He is particularly known for the his peach opalescent pieces like the one shown here.