Carnival Glass

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About Antique Carnival Glass

Carnival glass was a cheap, iridescent glass often given away as promotions at carnivals, movies, and grocery stores in the early 20th Century (its heyday being roughly 1907-1925). It was produced in over 60 colors (including the best known, an orange-ish marigold), by well-known manufacturers such as Northwood, Fenton, Imperial, Millersberg, Dugan-Diamond, and others.

Carnival glass is essentially patterned glass that has been press-molded and sprayed with metallic solutions to produce an iridescent effect. The glass was pressed with a mechanical process, but then subsequently hand-fashioned into final shapes by craftsmen. Consequently, most pieces have their own unique characteristics.

Carnival Glass was originally sold for a few cents per piece (or given away), and advertised with names like "Pompeiian Iridescent," "Venetian Art," and "Mexican Aurora." It later spread around the world and has been called names ranging from "Nancy glass" to "Baking Powder glass" to "Poor Man's Tiffany."

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Interviews & Articles

Guest Column: What is Carnival Glass?

Guest Column: What is Carnival Glass?

What exactly is Carnival Glass? To the non-collector, it might be dismissed as “that orange stuff” bu…  [more]

An Interview With Early American Pattern Glass Collector Elaine Henderson

An Interview With Early American Pattern Glass Collector Elaine Henderson

My mother was our inspiration for collecting pattern glass. She collected it, and she died at a very young ag…  [more]



Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)

David Doty's Carnival Glass Website

David Doty's Carnival Glass Website

David Doty's incredible, comprehensive and colorful Carnival Glass reference site, with over 1,600 pages and 4,000 …  [more]

Carnival-glass.net

Carnival-glass.net

This extensive reference on 'carnival glass,' which became popular in the early 1900s, is divided into three sectio…  [more]

National Depression Glass Association

National Depression Glass Association

A great starting point for collectors interested in Depression glass. Features in-depth reference articles on topic…  [more]

Milk Glass Collectors Society

Milk Glass Collectors Society

This excellent milk glass reference site is definitely not for the lactose intolerant. Includes seven high resoluti…  [more]

American Cut Glass Association

American Cut Glass Association

A great reference on ‘American Brilliant Cut Glass’ (produced between 1876 and 1914), this site features a stri…  [more]

Pattern Glass School

Pattern Glass School

If you need schooling on Victorian-era pressed glass tableware aka EAPG (Early American Pattern Glass) aka Pattern …  [more]


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Recent News: Carnival Glass

Source: Google News

The Ohio Glass Museum to host Fenton Art Glass Co. historian

Lancaster Eagle Gazette, OH - Dec 1, 2008
LANCASTER- Jim Measell will present his knowledge concerning art glass, in particular, Fenton Carnival Glass on Dec. 6, 2008 at The Ohio Glass museum, ...

Mark Your Calendar

Lancaster Eagle Gazette, OH - Nov 27, 2008
What: The Ohio Glass Museum will feature Carnival Glass. Where: Ohio Glass Museum, 124 W. Main St., Lancaster. What: Enjoy cider and cookies at the center ...

Curious Cargo hosts Fenton Glass signing

DeRidder Beauregard Daily News, LA - Nov 12, 2008
One kind of glass the company has become known for is called Carnival Glass. The Fenton company was the first ever to make carnival glass, which is a blend ...

Canton Barn Auctions

Antiques and the Arts Online, CT - Nov 28, 2008
... early 8" Philadelphia cut decanter; small lot of Carnival glass; luncheon set of Lustre Tea Leaf ironstone; 8" amethyst slag glass obelisk; ...

kravetz auctions

Antiques and Arts Weekly, CT - Nov 29, 2008
... Lladros, Disney figurines, clocks, small furniture, Tiffany & Co.ladies 14k gold wristwatch, carnival glass compote, depression glass tri-cornered bowl, ...

On With The Show

Aurora Advocate, OH - Dec 3, 2008
... "Edward Curtis and the Legacy of Collectors," Carnival Glass: The First Decade," "Art of Needle and Bobbin" and "Japanese Men's Haori," Kent State Univ. ...

Bloomington Auction Gallery

Antiques and the Arts Online, CT - Nov 27, 2008
Carnival glass. Cut glass. Bronzes: Several bronze scupltures including Auguste Moreau, Frederick Remington & others. Fine handmade Oriental Persian Rugs ...

Deer Lick Springs Auction Serv

Antiques and Arts Weekly, CT - Nov 22, 2008
Carnival glass. Toys, dolls, & Childrens items: Structo trucks to include Auto Transport, Trans Continental Express, & log carrier. Structo No. ...

Olde Tyme Stuffe, Inc.

Antiques and Arts Weekly, CT - Nov 19, 2008
Pitchers, Candy Dishes & Tumblers, Carnival Glass incl. Beautiful Fluted Center Bowl, Large Vase, Fruit Bowls & More, Selection of Bone China Cups & Saucers ...

Penny Lane Fine Arts & Antique

Antiques and Arts Weekly, CT - Nov 23, 2008
... majolica, unusual Gorham sterling repousse piece, Satsuma, porcelains by Limoges, Nippon, Noritake, Wedgwood, etc., cut glass, carnival glass, Fenton, ...

Top eBay Auctions    (get weekly Carnival Glass email)

Status       Display       How this works
Northwood Hearts And Flowers Bowl Sapphire Blue $355.35 Ends Saturday 15 bids
Northwood Amethyst Carnival Glass Punch Bowl $237.50 Ends Saturday 13 bids
Blue Carnival Northwood Poppy Show Plate $229.50 Ends Sunday 9 bids
Vintage Fenton Blue Carnival Kittens Cup $177.51 Ends Sunday 6 bids
Northwood Oxblood Greek Key Bowl $138.50 Ends Sunday 12 bids
*rare* Northwood Green Good Luck Plate $122.50 Ends Sunday 7 bids
Northwood Blue Good Luck Bowl $114.50 Ends Sunday 7 bids
Northwood Ice Blue Tree Trunk Vase $103.00 Ends Monday 8 bids
Fenton Marigold Leaf Chain Plate $100.00 Ends Sunday 2 bids

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