When Every Piece of Glass is a Carnival

Shimmering with luminescent colors on crisply molded shapes, carnival glass dazzles. Pieces were initially made to be attractive, functional, and affordable when Fenton Art Glass introduced them in 1907. This new glassware became so popular that other American manufacturers soon developed competing lines to satisfy the enormous demand. Though carnival’s “classic” period ended around 1925, […]

Murano Candy Dish

Q: I bought this red decanter from my great aunt a while back. There’s a sticker on it that says “Murano Glass, 24 KT gold plated, made in Italy,” Can you tell me it’s value?

A: Glass has been made on Murano, an island in the Venice Lagoon, since 1291. Murano glass made in the twentieth century was often marked only with an adhesive label. Souvenir shops in Venice sometimes sold Eastern European glass with Murano labels in the 1950s. Since 1981, the name “Murano” can only be used on glass actually made on Murano. You have a candy dish, not a decanter. (A decanter is used to store and pour drinks.) Pieces of Murano glass designed by well-known makers sell for a few hundred dollars to over $1,000. It’s not possible to tell who made your candy jar. Most candy jars like yours with 24 karat gold paint, and by an unknown maker, sell for $20 to about $60.

Carnival Glass Pitcher & Tumblers

Q: I got this set of pitcher and glasses from my Dad’s estate. He collected carnival glass for many years. He said it was the only set like it he had ever seen. The pitcher is 3 1/2 inches tall and the six glasses are 2 inches tall. The glass is green and there are no chips. I would appreciate any information you can give me as to the rarity and value.

A: This pattern is Flute #700, made by Imperial, a company in Bellaire, Ohio. The company was in business from 1901 to 1984. It began making carnival glass about 1906. The tumblers were made in at least three slightly different shapes. Your tumblers with straight sides and six flutes are version #2. Most Imperial Flute was made in purple or marigold, but some can be found in green and other colors. Imperial reproduced many of its patterns. Some new ones were made in the 1960s when carnival glass became popular again. The pitcher and tumblers in your set are smaller than normal. Carnival glass pitchers are usually either 8 1/2 or 10 inches tall and tumblers are about 4 inches. This is probably a toy set. Try contacting the Imperial Glass Collectors’ Society to see if they can tell you anything about the set. They have a museum and website, imperialglass.org.

Millefiori Vase

Q: This tiny vase was given to me when I was a little girl and I’m now 82. It’s 2 inches tall. I was told it was Tiffany but there is no mark on the bottom. It’s beautiful colored glass and there are no imperfections. Does this have any value other than sentimental?

A: This is not a Tiffany vase. It’s millefiori glass. The word “millefiori” means “a thousand flowers.” Millefiori glass is made of many small pieces of glass resembling flowers that are grouped together to form the design. Tiffany didn’t make millefiori glass. The vase isn’t Tiffany quality and there is no signature. so its low in value, under $25.

Lalique: Enduring Beauty

René Lalique, (1860-1945) was a major French artist in the early 20th century whose jewelry and glassware continues to be popular. He was a leader of the French art glass and Art Nouveau movements. Lalique produced his most typical and most famous work in the 1920s. Both blown and molded items were made of clear […]

July 2021 Prices

ADVERTISING Dispenser, Curtis Baby Ruth Chocolate Fudge, warmer, removable china insert, flip top lid, tin body, red paint, aluminum Baby Ruth tag, ladle, paper tag on bottom, No. 3, instructions, Fountain Maid, Chicago, 9 x 6 in., $230 Tin, Thurber’s Best Yeast Power, revolving cylinder for different spices, lithograph, woman in oval, red & black, […]

March 2021 Prices

ADVERTISING Menu board, Golden Ice Cream, “World’s Best Ice Cream Value!” chalkboard, tin lithograph, 24 x 16 in., $100 Thermometer, Cincinnati Sporting Good, red & black, lithographed, “For Your Riding Apparel/Driving Pants/Sports Cloths…” R.J. Becht & Son, 1981, 36 in. , $230 Poster, Apple II computer, Rainbow Apple logo, stylized black text “Apple ][, home/personal […]

Daum Vase

Q:  I’m trying to find out more information on my Daum vase. I can’t find it anywhere on the internet. The vase is 6 3/8 inches tall and has three applied items on it; two are bugs. I think it’s from 1904-1914 or so. What is the value?    A:  Jean Daum started his glass […]

Handling Antique Glass

Antique glass should be handled as if it has been repaired and might fall apart. Hold a pitcher by its body, not by its handle. Pick up stemware by holding both the stem and the bowl. Hold plates in two hands, not by the rim. 
 

Murano

Q: Would you be able to tell me anything about this glass flower as to age, value, and what it would be referred to as? It’s marked “Vetro Eseguito Secondo La Tecnica Dei Maestri Di Murano.”

A: The words are Italian for “glass executed according to the technique of the masters of Murano.” Murano is an island in the Venetian Lagoon where glass was first made in 1291. Glass is still being made on the island. Glass in the style of Murano has been made in China. Since 1981, the name Murano may only be used on glass made on Murano Island. Your glass flower isn’t true Murano glass. It impossible to know the maker or age unless there are other marks on the glass. The value is just as a decorative item.