Introduced as Iridescent Ware in 1907, carnival glass acquired that name unofficially from collectors in the 1950s. This marvelous glassware acquired its nickname from the metallic layer on its outside, which constantly changed colors. Iridescent Ware was made in ornately patterned molds, and was sprayed with a mixture of metallic salts before it had started to cool, which allowed for the color-changing effects that gave the glass its fame.
Carnival glass is made as both functional and ornamental objects. This is an inexpensive pressed glass and found in a wide spectrum of colors. Sometimes glass workers refer this as dope glass because the process of applying the iridescent coloring to the surface is called doping. This was made in over 150 patterns and many different pieces from the year 1907 but since it did not command the prices expected it was subsequently discounted.
The glass is produced in various translucent colors. Primarily amongst these are amethyst, marigold, cobalt, green, and red. Sometimes it is also made in opaque white which is called milk glass. A semi-transparent or translucent pale-green hue was also available before the widespread knowledge of radiation hazards. this glass was called Vaseline or uranium glass. Both of these contain traces of uranium salts which gives the glass a faint green glow when exposed to UV light.
Among the greatest producers of this type of glass was Millersburg glass Company in Ohio. The first glass products by that company were crystal however the Millersburg plant decided to follow success for iridescent glassware. So in the beginning of 1910 the Millersburg Company started its line of Radium glasswares
Carnival glass has become a popular item for collectors. Some pieces are worth pennies, but hard-to-find pieces can bring in hundreds or even thousands of dollars, making for a wide range in prices. The market is jumping for this antique glass collectible .
The identification of the glass of carnival is, as an operation, a very difficult one. Great part of the suppliers has not included the mark of the creator in their product, while the others have made therefore only for the part of the time that have produced the glass. In order to identify this glass, one must bind together the models, colors, splendor, edges, thickness and other factors from catalogue of the old supplier, other known examples, or the other material of reference. From many suppliers the produced near copies of the popular models of theirs available again, identifying it are a challenge also for an expert.
At the time of introduction in late 1907 the carnival glass was either called Iridescent Ware, or among others, carnival glass. However, people started using the name carnival only after collectors in the 1950s began to refer to it as such. Among the greatest producers of this type of glass was Millersburg glass Company in Ohio. The first glass products by that company were crystal however the Millersburg plant decided to follow success for iridescent glassware. There is a very active market for this item since it has become an antique glass collectible. So even for an experienced expert this is a hard task.