Ageless Carnival Glass

Fenton first introduced its carnival glass to the public with an article in a trade magazine in October 1907. Within months, Fenton started production of the first of over 2000 patterns. About 1000 of these patterns are well known, especially kitten and rabbit patterns which have always been 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.

Clear glass dinnerware is a popular collector's item all over the nation. Fenton carnival glass is no exception, and because of this, it can often be found at garage and yard sales, flea markets, antique stores, and auctions. Fenton glass also has a following in the live auction market. Details for local auctions can be found online.

Do not forget that glassware are fragile and should be treated properly. Slight bumps are enough to cause damages to their special shine. It may also fade out if exposed to sunlight- so it must be stored properly. Never put it in a dish washed, and wash carefully with a soft piece of clothing and dish soap by hands.

One of the earliest and well known of the iridescent glass patterns is called fenton carnival glass, that enjoyed its sales heydays in the 1900's. Many other types of clear glass dinnerware remain a collectible niche to this day. Collectors also pay attention to the product of a competitor, northwood glass. Known for their iridescence, these appear to have a metallic luster and sheen and was very unique in appearance. The pieces were initially available in dime stores all over America, but when sales dipped together with interest, it was sold in bulk to carnivals.

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Ornamental and other heirloom glasswares have held countless families spellbound. We are struck by the genius and skill that went to these colorful pieces which can either be used for meals or for decoration. And who doesn't know one of the famous among them, carnival glass. Those who think they are inexperienced to appreciate them will quickly realize they are holding a winning genius, given the iridescence and wide range of colors that these practical ornaments are capable of displaying.

Ageless Rainbows on Glass

Carnival glass consists of near-transparent colors, for instance amethyst, marigold, cobalt, green, and red, among others. It has also been produced in opaque white, called milk glass, and semi-transparent or translucent pale green, called uranium glass since traces of the element uranium are actually present. Vaseline glass and uranium glass—the greenish variety reminiscent of kryptonite in “Superman”—really has traces of uranium salts (uranium dioxide) in the glass, and can glow with a faint green hue if exposed to UV light.

Carnival glass was made in large volumes by established brands such as Fenton, Northwood, Imperial, Millersburg, Westmoreland, Dugan/Diamond, Cambridge, and U.S. Glass, as well as smaller quantities courtesy of smaller producers. In addition, third parties were around to iridize simple pressed glass.

Collectables Market

Carnival glass has a large global following, and is esteemed by collectors. Prices cover a wide range, with some pieces’ worth not adding up to very much, while other rare items are able to fetch thousands of dollars. Samples of carnival glass can be found in most antique stores nowadays, and it is actively transacted in eBay.

Gauging the quality of carnival glass is always difficult. A lot of glassmakers did not put in a maker's trademark in their product, and some did half of the time as they temporarily devoted their efforts on glassmaking. Telling carnival glass quality draws upon skill gained in matching patterns, colors, sheen, edges, thickness, and other subtle signs sourced from old manufacturer's trade catalogs, or other reference material. It is common knowledge that a lot of the glassmakers duplicated their competitors’ popular designs, which makes carnival glass appraisal a fine time indeed for many an expert.

• Fenton Art Glass Company—before its unexpected closure in the middle of 2007—was the largest maker of handmade colored glass in the United States.

• The Fenton Art Glass Company was put up in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton and his sibling John W. Fenton in a former glass factory building in Martins Ferry, Ohio.

• Frank L. Fenton’s first job was as a glass decorator at age 17 his hometown, Indiana, PA, in 1897.

• Frank L. Fenton was at the helm of designing most of Fenton's products until his death in 1948.

• In late 1907, Fenton was behind "Iridescent" glass. This glass, now known worldwide as "Carnival" glass, is a timeless collectible today.

• From 1905 to the 1920's, Fenton design was almost reliant on inspiration from the artists at Tiffany and Steuben.

• Fenton's opaque Venetian Red Glass was first received by the public in 1924.

• During the 1930's and 1940's, Fenton came up with practical items like mixing bowls and tableware to hurdle the depression and WWII shortages.

• Fenton's first Connoisseur Collection items were offered to the public in 1983.

• A batch is the raw materials of glass, specifically consisting of silica sand, soda ash and lime.

• Around 71% of a batch of glass is made up of silica sand.

• There are around 14 components used in making Fenton Glass.

• The melting point for a batch of glass is around 2500 degrees F.

• The Fenton cranberry glass color arises from its pure gold content.

• Glass colors (yellow or green) with uranium content will glow if exposed to black light (or UV rays).

• Each Fenton piece is totally unique, with no exact replica.

• Molds for glassmaking are made of cast iron.

• Fenton Art Glass is available at QVC in London, England.

• The biggest container at Fenton Art Glass can accommodate at least 9,000 pounds of glass.

• Fenton glassworkers form teams known as shops.

• The term for the artisan who removes the molten glass from the furnace is a 'gatherer'.

• Gatherers, or the craftsmen who take out the glass from the furnace, use an ancient tool known as a 'punty'. A punty is almost 6' long and is useful for gathering pressed glass.

• To collect glass for a blown piece, a 'blow pipe' is the handy tool for a gatherer. A blow pipe reaches a length of nearly 5' long and has an airway in the middle like a straw.

• Colorists employ a formula of oil base paint and turpentine to come up with their paint.

• To slowly cool Fenton Art Glass, artisans used a device which resembled a big pizza oven that slowly lowers the temperature of the glass.

From: http://www.fentonartglass.com/aboutus/quickfacts.htm