Posted on March 17, 2010.
Fenton Carnival Glass The popularity of carnival glass collection is distributed in recent years. Contemporary pieces are readily available at cheap prices. However, the vintage Carnival Glass is really what is popular with collectors. To provide you with useful information on this form of American art, I will discuss the history, manufacture, and the value of this art in colored glass.
History Carnival Glass
In the late 19th century, Tiffany & Company and Steuben Glass Art has produced an expensive hand-blown glass iridized which was very popular among their wealthy clientele. This glass was hand made and commissioned extremely high prices. In 1907, Fenton Art Glass Company began to mass-produce a high quality and low cost of glass iridized, similar in appearance to objects made by Tiffany and Steuben. Fenton Glass iridized was available in many colors, including a single red. Fenton was not the only manufacturer of glass iridized, but it was the largest production of colored glass in more than 150 models.
Due to economic hardships of the Great Depression, glass iridized lost its popularity. The inventory of this glassware was then greatly reduced and often given in cereals and promotions in supermarkets. In addition, the glassware was sold in the carnival games, hence the name carnival glass later.
The popularity of glass iridized has resurfaced in the 1950s with collectors and antique dealers and it was during this period that the glass become known as carnival glass. Today, Carnival glass is still made by Fenton and several other companies.
Other producers of Carnival Glass
Fenton, Northwood, Imperial Glass, Westmoreland and Dugan are only a few companies that manufacture glass carnival. Some of these manufacturers stamped their pieces with a distinctive mark. However, most other manufacturers do not label their products, leaving a few vintage impossible to authenticate. Today, because of high manufacturing costs, few of these manufacturers remain.
What is the value of carnival glass?
The vintage carnival glass built in the early twentieth century is by far the most valuable and sought after pieces. Color and condition play an important role in determining the value. Chips, cracks, signs of mold, reduce the value of repairs. If an item is a rare color as Aqua, it is of more value than an element of concern which is abundant. Red Carnival Glass made by Fenton is very rare, and often commands a high price. Carnival glass bowl set, punch, because they consist of several components, sell for a premium if complete with all parts.
traditional sites, such as flea markets and antique shops have been the main source of vintage carnival glass. Now, take a look on eBay for thousands of listings of vintage and carnival glass at great prices. Remember, garbage is another persons treasure people.
It is therefore ironic that at least one point in time Fenton carnival glass was so common, it could hardly be given. Today, a few vintage pieces to sell thousands of dollars. However, if you spend some time looking for this beautiful glass, you're likely to find real bargains.
