| Carnival glass bowls form a part of a larger set | | | | during this period. |
| of collectibles called carnival glass. Carnival glass is | | | | "Carnival glass" refers to glass bowls given as |
| an inexpensive pressed glass to which an | | | | carnival prizes in the early part of the 20th |
| iridescent coating is applied or sprayed on, giving it | | | | century, as well as reproductions made by several |
| an oil-like sheen. The process is known as doping, | | | | companies in the 1950s, thanks to renewed |
| and hence the term "dope glass" was given to | | | | popularity at that time. Today, both the antique |
| this particular form of glass. Being initially produced | | | | Fenton style and the later styles are prized by |
| in the early 1900s the sales started to fall in the | | | | collectors. |
| late thirties. | | | | If you're looking for carnival glass, your best bet |
| The company Fenton was the first and largest, | | | | presently would be auctions, antique shops or |
| widely recognized carnival glass producer. Fenton | | | | online for various prices. Fenton antique glass in |
| initially began life as a company which decorated | | | | particular fetches high prices, along with other |
| blank glass produced by other companies. In 1907 | | | | popular carnival glass. Marigold and dark hues - |
| it started creating carnival glass. When production | | | | such as blue and green - are some of the most |
| started, Fenton glassware was marketed as "Iridill" | | | | common colors. Red pastel colored carnival glass |
| or "iridescent ware". This was an instant hit and | | | | bowls are the most prized and expensive variety. |
| several other companies began producing and | | | | One rare ice-blue colored plate in particular sold |
| marketing their own carnival glass bowls. | | | | for an amazing $16,327.55 on a popular auction |
| In the late twenties, demand for their products | | | | website! |
| began to wane. This was due to the decrease in | | | | For the would-be collector, there are many |
| sales during the Depression, and also in part to | | | | resources full of information available. Many |
| the saturation of the market by glass companies. | | | | websites and books are available for information |
| To get rid of stock, companies began selling their | | | | on the many shapes and sizes these antiques |
| wares at deeply discounted prices to carnivals, | | | | come in. There are even organizations for |
| which the carnivals then used as prizes for their | | | | would-be enthusiasts, which is a great way to |
| games. Several companies went out of business | | | | learn more. |