What is carnival glass?
It's pressed glass that got a spray of metallic salts while still hot and was then reheated, which leaves that oily, rainbow sheen. It was made to look like expensive art glass for a fraction of the price.
Fenton introduced it around 1907. Northwood followed in 1908 with a color it called Golden Iris, which collectors now call marigold, and Imperial had its own colors out in 1909. Dugan and Millersburg joined soon after. Those five are considered the major American makers. The name came later, once collectors started calling it carnival glass.
How to identify the color
Collectors name carnival glass by its base glass, not the shimmer on top. Hold the piece up to a bright light: clear glass with an orange sheen is marigold, while purple, blue or green base glass makes it amethyst, cobalt or green. Rarer bases include aqua opalescent and red.
Then look at the pattern. Many makers copied each other's popular designs, so the pattern, the shape and the color together are what point to a maker.
Marks and newer carnival
Most early carnival glass isn't marked. Northwood is the exception collectors know best: an underlined N in a circle on some pieces. A missing mark doesn't make a piece new.
Carnival glass came back in the 1960s and 1970s. Imperial reissued patterns, and Fenton returned to it in 1970 with its logo in the glass, and other companies followed. Those pieces are collectible too, but they're not the early stuff, so check for a later mark before paying antique prices.
What is carnival glass worth?
Most carnival glass is affordable. Value comes from the maker, the pattern, the base color and how strong and even the iridescence is. Rare colors and sought-after patterns bring the most, and chips or worn iridescence pull the price down. Recent sold listings beat any price chart.
Carnival Glass FAQ
How do I identify carnival glass?
Look for pressed glass with an iridescent, rainbow sheen. Hold it up to a bright light to see the base color, then match the pattern. Pattern, shape and color together point to the maker.
Who made the first carnival glass?
Fenton, around 1907. Northwood, Imperial, Dugan and Millersburg followed and are counted with Fenton as the five major American makers.
Is carnival glass marked?
Most early pieces aren't. Some Northwood pieces carry an underlined N in a circle, and newer carnival from Fenton, Imperial and others often has a maker's logo.
Is carnival glass worth money?
Most pieces are affordable. Rare colors, sought-after patterns, strong iridescence and perfect condition bring the most.
Why is it called carnival glass?
The name came later, from collectors. It was first sold under makers' own names such as Golden Iris. The popular story is that leftover pieces ended up as fairground prizes.