Carnival glass originated in the early 1900s, and production waned in the mid to late thirties. The bowls of carnival glass are part of a larger collection of collectable items known as carnival glass. Carnival glass is coated with iridescent, giving it an oil-like sheen and this glass is inexpensive. This process is known as doping and hence many leading glass manufacturers call it “dope glass”.
The Fenton company is largely recognized as the first and largest producer of carnival glass. Fenton began life as a company that decorated blank glass produced by other companies. In 1907 they began creating their own carnival glass, which was initially marketed as “Iridill,” or, more simply, iridescent ware when Feton glassware began production. It was an overnight hit and many other companies began turning out and marketing their own carnival glass bowls.
During the Depression in the late 1920s, demand on products began to decrease which impacted to sales reduction and partly dissemination of the market of glass companies. Because of this, some companies started selling merchandise to extremely low prices, which led to closure of business, just to get rid of stocks to carnivals which they use as prizes on games.
In the fifties, carnival glass bowls experienced a resurgence in popularity. Glass collectors coined the term “carnival glass” for these creations after learning of their term as carnival prizes. Several companies began making reproductions, and to this day carnival glass, especially antique Fenton glass, is a prized collectable.
Presently, carnival glass can be found in auctions, antique shops, and online for various prices. Fenton antique glass fetches high prices, as well as other well-known carnival glass. Some of the more common colors are marigold, as well as dark hues like blue and green. The most prized and pricey kinds of carnival glass bowls are red or pastel colored. One rare ice-blue plate even sold for $16,327.55 on a popular auction website!
For the would-be collector, there are many resources full of information available. Many websites and books are available for information on the many shapes and sizes these antiques come in. There are even organizations for would-be enthusiasts, which is a great way to learn more.
One great collectible is carnival glass bowls. These are produced by pressing the glass and coating it which gives it shiny look. This process is known as doping, hence this glass is also sometimes referred to as dope glass. Adopted in the early 1900s it lasted only till the mid to late thirties, and today is extinct. One company, fenton glassware was marketed as “Iridill” or iridescent ware. It quickly became a hit and many other companies began copying them. The demand for their products began to decline in the late twenties. Today, both the antique fenton glass and the later styles are prized.