Fenton carnival glasses are iridescent glass pattarns which were very popular in the beginning of the 1990s, and niche interest is continuing nowadays. More companies made similar clear glass dinnerware at other times, but Fenton carnival glass was far more popular usually. A major competitor was Northwood glass as far as the iridescent glass fabrication is concerned - they started in 1908.

The Fenton carnival glass was introduced in a trade magazine in October 1907 with production beginning shortly thereafter. Over 2,000 different patterns have been made. About 1,000 patterns are best known, with the other 1,000 patterns being more rare. Kitten and rabbit patterns were popular with children.

The iridescent glass appeared to have a metallic luster and sheen and was very unique in appearance. Items such as bowls, mugs, vases, plates, and entire table settings are produced using this glass. Popular colors in which the pieces were made were marigold, cobalt, and amethyst and these were the best sellers.

Fenton carnival glasses are created by the pressure of liquid glass in hot metal molds. It will take the form of the molds as it gets colder, and being hot the glass is sprayedwith a unique mix of metallic salt in liquid. This action will produce the iridescent sheen. To avoid cracks, it is cooled quite slowly and glass takes up to 24 hours to gain room temperatures.

After sales decreased and popularity waned, the pieces were sold in bulk to carnivals who gave it away on the midway, but they were sold to begin with in dime stores across America. Not surprisingly, it gained the name “carnival” glass as a consequence, a fitting name as the rainbow colors were well-suited to the carnival setting.

Fenton carnival glass, like other clear glass dinnerware, is collected by many people around the country. It’s not rare to see items at yard sales, estate sales, antique shops, and for sale at online auctions such as eBay. Because of the popularity, there are also many live auctions for carnival glass only. Search online for such auctions near you.

If you treat your glassware with care, it will serve you for many years to come. It’s fragile, so protect it from being jostled, as that can cause damage to the surface shine. Store it away from sunlight to preserve the rich color. Do not put it in the dishwasher; rather, wash the pieces by hand with a soft cloth and dish soap.

Clear glass dinnerware has been a popular collectible for over one hundred years. Two of the most popular patterns for collectors are the Fenton carnival glass and the Northwood glass. As the years have passed by, Fenton glass has evolved from being originally sold in dime stores to being sold in present day online auctions like eBay, but you can still find the pieces at antique auctions as well. Glassware, like any other fragile antique, must be specially cared for. Glassware may not be placed in a dishwasher or stored in direct sunlight and it should always be washed carefully with a soft cloth and dish soap by hand.