FACT 1: Carnival glass is considered a pressed glass, meaning hot molten glass, which may or may not contain color of its own, and which is poured into metal molds and conforms to the shape of the mold.
It is pressed glass that comes in about 2,000 different patterns.
After removal from the mold, it is coated with metallic salts and then re-fired giving it an oil-like rainbow iridescent sheen.
It is an American invention, first introduced in 1903.
FACT 2: Carnival glass is usually listed in identification books by its pattern and then by manufacturer.
FACT 3: The highly collectible carnival glass is made in an amazing variety of patterns, geometric and naturalistic, formed in a mold and then hand finished and decorated.
It was an inexpensive pressed glass to manufacture.
It was pressed, then shaped (crimps, ruffles, flared edges, etc.
) and is the artistic glassware which was mass produced from 1907 through to 1925.
This line is referred to as vintage.
FACT 4: Carnival glass pieces in black have the highest value, closely followed by the blue, due to the fact that these colors are much harder to find.
Red is also highly priced, with green being significantly lower in value than the black, blue, and red.
Black amethyst is a rare color; there were very few pieces made, some people think the black amethyst itself was an accident.
Because of its rarity it has some value but because of the motley looking gold, it actually looks more like rust and it is offered at a greatly reduced price.
FACT 5: Fenton carnival glass is considered to be the most popular among all.
The Fenton Art Glass Company of Williamstown, West Virginia was the first to produce a dime store alternative to the more expensive art glass of the time.
It first introduced its carnival art glass to the public with an article in a trade magazine in October 1907.
FACT 6: Based on the individual unique design of the glass, each pattern was given a name, such as leaf and beads, starfish, pineapple and bow, beaded cable, peacock tails, Persian medallion, open rose and fluffy peacock.
Popular designs included, flowers, fruits, leaves, pansies, roses, water-lilies, blackberries, grapes, cherries, oak and vine leaves.
Carnival glass patterns will also often appear in the form of opalescent, custard, crystal and depression glass.
Opalescent, crystal and custard glass production preceded and overlapped that of carnival glass.
FACT 7: Collectors tend to distinguish between glass produced in the 'golden era' of 1907 - 1925, known as 'Prime', and glass produced from the mid 1920s to the late 1930s, known as 'Secondary' carnival glass.
Prime carnival glass was produced by leading US manufacturers such as Fenton, whose pieces are typically unmarked, and Northwood, whose pieces often bear an underlined 'N'.
FACT 8: Another well known producer was Northwood.
They produced some of the finest antique carnival glass and they began production shortly after Fenton.
Northwood glass is usually marked on the bottom with a capital "N" surrounded by a circle.
Northwood glass made in the classic era can be is identified by an underlined "N" in a circle.
Generally, this is a good guide to the authenticity of a Northwood piece, and makes it a desirable collectible.
Northwood proved to be a very productive factory, introducing designs such as grape and cable, fine cut and rose, beaded cable, wild rose, singing birds, peacock at the fountain, leaf and beads, nippon and rosette.
Of all its designs, grape and cable was the most popular, and at one time could be obtained in over seventy shapes of dishes, vases, plates and bowls.
Northwood and other glass manufacturers including Imperial, Westmoreland, and Dugan also produced Carnival Glass from the early 1900's.
FACT 9: Due to resurgence in its popularity, Fenton produces carnival glass today.
Production after 1969 has an oval mark with Fenton inside it, differentiating this later production from original period pieces.
Other marks developed in subsequent years, and some pieces are hand decorated and signed by the artist.