When you hear the term "carnival glass," you might imagine cheap, gaudily-colored dishes handed out as trinkets at a state fair. But don‘t be fooled – some of the rarest and most intricately crafted pieces of carnival glass are worth more than their weight in gold to discerning collectors. In fact, a single vase or bowl could easily fetch six figures at auction.
So what exactly is carnival glass and why have certain pieces become so valuable? Let‘s dive into the colorful history of this unique form of glassware and explore some of the most expensive examples ever sold.
A Brief History of Carnival Glass
Carnival glass first emerged in the early 1900s as a more affordable alternative to expensive iridescent art glass from elite manufacturers like Tiffany and Steuben. The shimmery, multicolored finish was achieved by spraying the pressed glass with metallic salts before firing, creating an eye-catching rainbow effect.
In the early days, carnival glass was often given away as prizes at carnivals, movie theaters, and fairgrounds – hence the name. It quickly became popular as cheap but attractive decor for average American households. The peak of carnival glass production occurred from around 1905-1930.
The major pioneering manufacturers of carnival glass included Fenton Art Glass Company and Northwood Glass Company in the United States and Sowerby in England. Other notable makers were Imperial Glass Company, Dugan Glass Company, Millersburg Glass Company, and Cambridge Glass Company.
While most carnival glass was mass-produced and designed to be affordable, some manufacturers made special limited-edition pieces with intricate patterns to display at exhibitions or fairs. The artistry and rarity of these high-end works elevated carnival glass from its humble origins to become a prized collectors‘ item.
Qualities of the Most Valuable Carnival Glass
The value of a piece of carnival glass today depends on several key factors:
Rarity: One-of-a-kind, limited edition, or hard-to-find pieces from major manufacturers command the highest prices. Complete sets in good condition are also coveted.
Condition: Wear, chips, and cracks significantly reduce value. Mint condition pieces are most desirable.
Color: Certain colors like yellow, orange, red, aqua, and purple were more difficult and expensive to produce, so they are rarer and more valuable than common colors like marigold and amethyst.
Iridescence: Pieces with a particularly vivid and even iridescent effect are prized. Stretch iridescence, with a band of color that appears to stretch across the surface, is especially sought-after.
Pattern: Complex, detailed, and unusual patterns tend to be worth more than simple or common motifs. Desirable patterns include peacock tail, grape and cable, farmyard, and open rose.
Maker: Pieces from top manufacturers like Northwood, Fenton, Dugan, and Millersburg are generally most collectible.
Shape: Certain shapes like round bowls, IC shaped bowls, and vases with dome feet are rarer and more valuable.
Most Valuable Carnival Glass of All Time
Now let‘s look at some of the most expensive carnival glass items ever sold and what makes them so special:
1. Millersburg Peoples Vase in Blue
Auction price: $155,000 (2018)
This stunning electric blue vase features a dancing Indian figure motif and is believed to be one of only 5-10 in existence. It was made by Millersburg Glass in 1910 and given to Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands to commemorate the birth of her daughter.
2. Northwood Wisteria Vase in Emerald Green
Auction price: $140,000
Arguably the finest piece ever made by renowned manufacturer Harry Northwood, this exquisite emerald green vase is the only known example in this striking color. Its gracefully shaped body is adorned with an intricate wisteria flower and leaf design.
3. Northwood Tornado Vase in Celeste Blue
Auction price: $60,000
With its distinctive swirled ribbed pattern resembling a tornado, this unique vase appears to be the only one of its kind in the rare Celeste Blue hue. The rich, vibrant coloration makes it a standout treasure.
4. Northwood Peacock and Urn Master Punch Set
Auction price: $50,000 (2023)
This complete 7-piece punch set in green is considered one of the finest Northwood sets known. The detailed peacock tail pattern and scale of the pieces make it exceptional.
5. Fenton Stork and Rushes Vase in Aqua Opalescent
Auction price: $22,000 (2023)
A fabulous example of the artistry of Fenton, this delicately crafted vase depicts a stork in a pond surrounded by cattails. The gorgeous aqua opalescent color is highly sought-after.
6. Millersburg Hobstar and Feather Vase in Marigold
Auction price: $20,000 (2022)
Millersburg glass is known for its ornate patterns, and this stunning marigold vase showcases an eye-catching geometric star and feather design. It‘s one of only three known examples.
7. Imperial Rippled Vase in Purple
Auction price: $14,000 (2022)
This extremely rare Imperial vase features a unique rippled diamond design and a rich, dark purple hue that appears almost black. Only two in this color are known to exist.
Other Notable Valuable Pieces:
- Northwood Peacocks on the Fence Master Berry Set in Blue: $40,000
- Fenton Pineapple Swirl Vase in Red: $30,000
- Dugan Farmyard Bowl in Purple: $25,000
- Northwood Hearts and Flowers Master Ice Cream Set in Marigold: $35,000
Advice for Collecting High-End Carnival Glass
If you‘re interested in starting a carnival glass collection or hunting for valuable pieces, here are some tips:
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Educate yourself on the top manufacturers, patterns, shapes and colors. Consult collectors‘ guides and price lists.
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Examine pieces closely for damage, wear, and signs of authenticity. Many fakes and reproductions exist in the market.
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Focus on rarity and quality over quantity. One exceptional, high-value piece is a better investment than many lesser examples.
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Buy from reputable dealers and auction houses that specialize in carnival glass and guarantee authenticity.
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Consider building relationships with other serious collectors who may become aware of rare pieces for sale.
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Be prepared to pay a premium for ultra-rare, mint condition pieces from major manufacturers. Values have steadily risen in recent years.
Some of the most serious carnival glass collectors today are willing to pay astronomical sums for the right piece. Rarities like the Millersburg People‘s Vase draw international interest when they come up for sale.
Major auction houses like Sotheby‘s and Heritage Auctions have sold several pieces for over $100,000 in the past decade. Private sales for undisclosed sums are also known to occur between top collectors.
Museums with exceptional carnival glass collections include the Fenton Art Glass Museum in Williamstown, West Virginia, the Dunkirk Glass Museum in Dunkirk, Indiana, and the Carder Steuben Glass Museum in Corning, New York. These institutions often display one-of-a-kind treasures not seen anywhere else.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as fairground prizes to one of the hottest niches in the antique glassware market, carnival glass has a fascinating history. Today, the most valuable pieces are true works of art, with dazzling iridescent colors and intricate handcrafted designs.
For collectors with a keen eye and deep pockets, hunting for ultra-rare carnival glass is an exciting treasure hunt with the potential for jaw-dropping finds. With certain vases, bowls, and sets regularly selling for five or even six figures, the market for these stunning iridescent masterpieces shows no signs of slowing down.
While most of us can only dream of owning a six-figure carnival glass vase, it‘s still fun to admire these incredible pieces and appreciate the artistry behind them. Who knows – maybe you‘ll spot a rare beauty hiding at your local antique shop or flea market. If you do, just be prepared to pay a pretty penny to bring that carnival prize home!
