Clear glass dinnerware remains a collectible niche to this day. The most popular of the iridescent glass patterns for collectors is the Fenton carnival glass that reached the height of popularity in the 1900’s. Collectors also remain interested in Northwood Glass pieces. Northwood began introducing their iridescent glass in 1908 and became a major competitor in the market.
The Fenton carnival glass was introduced in a trade magazine in October 1907 with production beginning shortly thereafter. Over 2,000 different patterns have been made. About 1,000 patterns are best known, with the other 1,000 patterns being more rare. Kitten and rabbit patterns were popular with children.
Iridescent glasses were quite unique in appearance, as they looked to have a metallic sheen and luster. Different pieces were produced, including mugs, bowls, vases, plates and full table settings. These pieces were in many colors, with cobalt, marigold and amethyst being the most sold.
Fenton carnival glasses are created by the pressure of liquid glass in hot metal molds. It will take the form of the molds as it gets colder, and being hot the glass is spray’d with a unique mix of metallic salt in liquid. This action will produce the iridishing sheen. To avoid cracks, it is cooled quite slowly and glass takes up to 24 hours to gain room temperatures.
After sales decreased and popularity waned, the pieces were sold in bulk to carnivals who gave it away on the midway, but they were sold to begin with in dime stores across America. Not surprisingly, it gained the name “carnival” glass as a consequence, a fitting name as the rainbow colors were well-suited to the carnival setting.
Many people around the country collects Fenton Carnival glass just like clear glass dinnerware. They can usually be seen for sale at online auctions like eBay, yard and estate sales and antique shops. There are many live auctions which feature carnival glass only because it is popular. You can search auctions near you at the web.
Glassware is always fragile, so always treat it carefully. even a very small bump can affect the play of light on the glass, ruining the shine, as can extended exposure to direct sunlight. FIne glassware should never be place in the dishwasher, but should only be washed by hand and dried with very soft cloth so as not to cause abrasions.
Clear glass dinnerware remains a collectible niche to this day. The most popular of the iridescent glass patterns for collectors is the Fenton carnival glass that reached the height of popularity in the 1900’s. Collectors also remain interested in Northwood Glass pieces. Northwood began introducing their iridescent glass in 1908 and became a major competitor in the market. It can also fade in sunlight, so it should be stored appropriately. It should never go in the dishwasher, and should be washed carefully with a soft cloth and dish soap by hand.