Carnival glass all started with Louis Comfort Tiffany and his Favrile glass. Fredrick Carter founded the Steuben Glass Company and started making Aurene glass, which took on a passion of its own. Tiffany and Steuben glassware was hand blown, with metallic oxides carefully added to the hot glass, and then sprayed onto the surface while it was being heated. Both Tiffany and Steuben glassware was iridescently beautiful and highly prized by the rich upper class.

Then the Fenton Glass Company began producing its own iridescent glassware and several other companies soon followed suit, like many have done over the years. This glassware was cheap and wildly popular with the poorer common people because of the lower price. It was collectively called carnival glassware because it was given away at carnivals.

The Heyday of Carnival Glassware

Most carnival glassware was produced in America between 1908 and 1918. Some carnival glass was manufactured in this country after that, but most mid-century carnival glass came from Europe. If you are thinking about collecting carnival glassware, then you will want to know that it became popular in the latter half of the twentieth century. American manufacturers once again began producing it for collectors.

Carnival glassware is thick, pressed glass. It comes in various colors and patterns. One of its best characteristics is the sheen that is created by spraying the hot glass with metallic oxides. The metallic oxides create light interference patterns that make the glass iridescent and catches your eye.

Collecting Glassware

The best way to learn more about collecting carnival glassware is by joining a collectors group. You can also get online to find out more about this type of glassware and what could help you one your search for that perfect piece to display.

You will find many different companies made carnival glassware, but only the Northwood Company marked their products, with an underscored N within a circle. Many collectors concentrate on Northwood carnival glass because it is more easily identifiable than other brands. You will also know that it is the real thing.

Others choose to collect only a certain carnival glassware pattern or a certain color. There are hundreds of patterns, but colors fall into three categories: marigold, dark, and pastel. Marigold colors are the most common, while pastels the least common (and most valuable). It s hard to determine the value of any one piece of carnival glassware, which is why a collector s club is so helpful. Value depends on many factors like: the condition of the piece, the age, who made it, the color, and the rarity. Some pieces are worth very little and some are worth thousands of dollars.

Working 16-pc. Glassware Set

Working 16-pc. Glassware Set As the name suggests, these glasses work with any occasion. This Furio set has a rugged but classic look. The sides are beveled for an easy grip, and the lip is heavy and pronounced. Perfect for fine dining as well as everyday meals. The 16-pc. set has eight 21-oz. coolers and eight 14-oz. beverage glasses. Dishwasher safe. Made in USA.
Customer Review: Attractive and durable
We have had these glasses for several years. I like the look, the size, and the heavy durability. I also love the fact that they are readily available in open stock from many stores–I have managed to chip a couple over the years, but when it's happened I just go around the corner and pick up a new one! They are the right size for using a stick blender in, and you can even get lids for them, so they're handy for storage of small leftovers.
Customer Review: Great Glasses!
These glasses are great! I bought them in the store, and unfortunately the first two sets I got had broken/chipped glasses. But once I got a good set, I have been so happy with my purchase! It totally outweighs the bad luck I had with the first two sets. These glasses are a great size, and surprisingly durable. They've been dropped, banged up, went through the dishwasher numerous times, and are still in great shape. I've even bought this set as a gift for my dad! He loves them too.