| This is a type of pressed glass that has an iridized | | | | determined by the iridized coating but by the base |
| coating and was manufactured by a number of | | | | color under the coating. In some instances, it is |
| different companies, both domestic and | | | | hard to determine the actual base color. In most |
| international. Probably the largest manufacturer of | | | | early pieces, the bottoms were not iridized, which |
| carnival glass was Fenton right here in America. It | | | | would certainly help with color identification. Some |
| was mainly produced between the 1900s and the | | | | of the colors you will find in early carnival glass |
| 1920s. Although not high-end at the time, much of | | | | are amethyst, blue, green, red, peach opalescent, |
| the original carnival glass is stunningly beautiful in | | | | pastel and marigold - the most common. |
| its numerous colors, intricate patterns and varied | | | | In addition to being manufactured in a number of |
| shapes. | | | | colors, it was also manufactured by a number of |
| Back at the height of production, it was relatively | | | | different companies over the years. Quite a bit of |
| cheap to make. This glass got its name "carnival" | | | | the older carnival glass is not marked. The |
| because it was actually given away as prizes at | | | | company of origin can usually be identified by the |
| local carnivals. Today, depending on the rarity of | | | | look of the pattern. Some companies had similar |
| the pattern and color, many pieces sell for | | | | patterns but the differences are noticeable |
| hundreds and, in some cases, even thousands of | | | | enough to identify the maker. A carnival glass |
| dollars. There are a number of different reference | | | | reference book will help you do this. |
| books available and it is worth owning one of | | | | Other companies in the United States beside |
| these books just for the four-color pictures. | | | | Fenton that made this fabulous glass were Dugan, |
| Some of this glass is truly remarkable. | | | | Imperial, Millersburg, Northwood, Cambridge, |
| If you are in a position to see a lot of carnival | | | | McKee, Westmoreland and Jeanette. Since carnival |
| glass and handle it over a period of time, the | | | | glass was popular all over the globe, it was also |
| good vintage carnival glass is easily identifiable. The | | | | produced in countries such as France, Germany |
| quality of the early pieces is far superior to that | | | | and England. |
| which was made in the 1970s during its mini | | | | Carnival glass is only one of a number of items |
| rebirth. Although carnival glass is still being made | | | | from our past that was given away as a |
| today, you will find it is distinctly inferior to both | | | | premium in laundry detergent, at carnivals and at |
| of the previous versions. | | | | gas stations. Although no longer used as prizes |
| This outstanding glass was produced in many | | | | today, this glass is greatly prized by thousands of |
| different colors. The real color of each piece is not | | | | collectors all over the world. |