Over a century old and withstanding the test of time, carnival glass bowls are a collectors delight. First introduced by Frank L. Fenton in 1905 he had no idea that his production of this item would become so noted. The metallic salts used while the product is being made gives it a sheen that has remained unparalleled to this day.
The original thought behind the manufacture of these bowls was practicality. They were meant to be used throughout the home in numerous ways. They could be functional and used as serving dishes at the dining room table or sit alone adding a bit of decor to the living room.
In the early 1920's the Fenton Art Glass Company began its production of these bowls in red. It was an instant hit with the public and this color is the most coveted by collectors today on a world wide basis. High volume sales continued until the United States was hit by depression. With work and wages hard to come by, money was spent only on items needed to exist in such a difficult time.
The many pieces that had already been produced were quickly purchased in bulk at a much lower price. Low end stores and carnivals in particular bought up the many pieces that were still in stock. Hence, the name 'carnival glass' was born and in time this name was used worldwide by collectors to distinguish this type of bowl from any others.
Red may be the color of choice for many collectors but there were a number of other colors produced to satisfy the fancy of the buyers. Green, marigold, and cobalt are a sampling of the others being made. Even an opaque white known as milk glass became widely popular in the general public.
It was not long before others jumped on the band wagon and began making carnival glass copying the ideas of Mr. Fenton. Cambridge, U. S. Glass, Westmoreland, and Northwood are some of the companies that were soon in production of these magnificent bowls and the many other pieces being made. Small, unknown establishments also joined in while there was money to be made.
Putting a value on a collectible find is no easy task. During the days of its earliest manufacture, none of the pieces made were given markings to indicate the place where it was produced or the year it was made. A truly old piece will show some wear and tear and that is to be expected. Yet to find a bowl that is as close to perfect as possible will have a much higher value than one that is cracked or chipped.
There is no doubt that carnival glass bowls are works of art. You do not have to be a collector of old pieces when modern reproductions offer both elegance and functionality. If you do happen across a piece that you feel is a collectible, making the purchase is your wisest choice. The value of a piece is in the heart of its owner.
The original thought behind the manufacture of these bowls was practicality. They were meant to be used throughout the home in numerous ways. They could be functional and used as serving dishes at the dining room table or sit alone adding a bit of decor to the living room.
In the early 1920's the Fenton Art Glass Company began its production of these bowls in red. It was an instant hit with the public and this color is the most coveted by collectors today on a world wide basis. High volume sales continued until the United States was hit by depression. With work and wages hard to come by, money was spent only on items needed to exist in such a difficult time.
The many pieces that had already been produced were quickly purchased in bulk at a much lower price. Low end stores and carnivals in particular bought up the many pieces that were still in stock. Hence, the name 'carnival glass' was born and in time this name was used worldwide by collectors to distinguish this type of bowl from any others.
Red may be the color of choice for many collectors but there were a number of other colors produced to satisfy the fancy of the buyers. Green, marigold, and cobalt are a sampling of the others being made. Even an opaque white known as milk glass became widely popular in the general public.
It was not long before others jumped on the band wagon and began making carnival glass copying the ideas of Mr. Fenton. Cambridge, U. S. Glass, Westmoreland, and Northwood are some of the companies that were soon in production of these magnificent bowls and the many other pieces being made. Small, unknown establishments also joined in while there was money to be made.
Putting a value on a collectible find is no easy task. During the days of its earliest manufacture, none of the pieces made were given markings to indicate the place where it was produced or the year it was made. A truly old piece will show some wear and tear and that is to be expected. Yet to find a bowl that is as close to perfect as possible will have a much higher value than one that is cracked or chipped.
There is no doubt that carnival glass bowls are works of art. You do not have to be a collector of old pieces when modern reproductions offer both elegance and functionality. If you do happen across a piece that you feel is a collectible, making the purchase is your wisest choice. The value of a piece is in the heart of its owner.
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