Cambridge Carnival Glass Update
by Mary L. Adams
Issue No. 146 - June 1985
Carnival glass is among the Cambridge Glass Company's earliest efforts, with production dates of 1908, 1916-1917, and perhaps the late 1920s. Judging by the number of pieces available today, Cambridge produced very little carnival glass in only a few patterns. Many pieces are marked "Near-Cut."
Carnival glass is pressed glass that is sprayed with a solution of metallic salts, then reheated to give an iridescent finish. It is classified by the color of the base glass, not that of the iridescence with the exception of marigold which is on a clear base glass. Cambridge made marigold, purple, green and blue carnival glass.
The relative scarcity of Cambridge Carnival glass is indicated by the few additions to our 1977 list of known items published in the January 1978 Crystal Ball. Many of these additions are single known examples.
Nevertheless, most Cambridge Carnival glass has not appreciated as much as many less rare products of other companies, nor does it command as high of a price. This is partly a matter of taste. Carnival glass collectors tend to prefer realistic patterns to the imitation cut glass patterns used by Cambridge. Carnival glass collectors also prefer multi-hued iridescence, yet many Cambridge pieces carry silver or gold iridescence. There is also cyclic nature in the carnival glass market. Thus, in the early 1970s water pitchers were perceived to be undervalued, yet desirable and eagerly collected, prices shot up, and soon collectors moved on to other items. Hence, a gorgeous, multi-hued, purple Thistle (#2766) water set was offered for $3,300 in 1976 and the pitcher sold for $2,100 in 1983.
At the other end of the spectrum, a green Strawberry (#2780) cuspidor with silver iridescence sold for $305 in 1971 and $500 in 1982. Yet, when a multi-hued example of Cambridge carnival in a rare shape does appear on the market, it can set record prices as did the second known green #2666 decanter when it brought $3,500 in May 1983.
The main collectors of Cambridge Carnival glass are Carnival Glass collectors, not Cambridge collectors. We would appreciate hearing from any member about any information they might have concerning Cambridge Carnival Glass.
COLOR CODE: M = Marigold G = Green P = Purple B = Blue
| Cambridge Number | Cambridge Name | Description | Color | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2340 | Vase Butter Creamer Sugar |
G M M M |
This vase is the base to the lamp shown on pg. 117, Welker II. Carnival name for this is Venetian. | |
| 2351 | Handled Custard | M-G | ||
| 2561 | Tomahawk | Tomahawk | P | Some were made in Carnival before the 1970s, but we are not sure just when. |
| 2626 | Wine | M | ||
| 2631 | Marjorie | Squat Cracker Jar Tumbler | M-G M |
Carnival name for this is heavy pressed Sweetheart |
| 2651 | Feather | 1/2 Gallon Pitcher Qt. Pitcher 8 oz. Tumbler Punch Bowl w/ foot Handled Custard Parfait Butter Sugar Cream Spooner Squat Cracker Jar Goblet Tall Special Ftd. sherbert Special Vase |
M M M-G M-G M-G M M-P M-P M-P P G-P M-P M M M |
Carnival name for this is Inverted Feather A Water set in purple has been reported but not seen |
| 2658 | 8 oz. Tumbler 4 oz Mug Cream |
M M M |
These pieces are usually found with souvenir lettering of 4 oz. of various cities and states | |
| 2660 | Wheat Sheaf | Cologne Cracker Jar w/ cover 32 oz. Decanter |
M-G-P P |
Original stoppers are very difficult to find One Known, gorgeous multi-colored iridescence |
| 2666 | Decanter | G | Two known, one has original stopper | |
| 2693 | Forks | Nappy E Shape | G | |
| 2699 | Buzz Saw | 1/2 Gallon Tankard 8 oz. Tumber 4 oz. Hdld. Jug 2 oz. Jug Whimsey |
M-G-P M-G-P G G G |
The carnival name for this pattern is Double Star for the water set and Buzz Saw for the jugs. Whimsey is from a Tumbler |
| 2766 | Thistle | 2 Qt. Pitcher 1 Qt. Pitcher Tumbler Sugar Cream Spooner Butter Tall Compote Nappy (Bowl) 4" Nappy 11" Plate P 3-toed Nut bowl G |
M-P G-P M-P M-P M-P M-P M-P G G-P P |
The nappy (bowl) has been seen in various shapes. The carnival name for this Inverted Thistle. Tumblers and other pieces have been made from new molds in this pattern. This listing is for old glass only. |
| 2780 | Strawberry | 1/2 Gallon Tankard Qt. Tankard Table Tumbler 7" Candlestick hdld. & Td. Berry Cream & Sugar Sugar Bowl w/cover Spooner Cream Butter 5 1/2" ftd. Jelly Puff Box w/cover Cuspidor Nappy (bowl) 4" Nappy 9 1/2" low ftd. Bowl Sweet Pea Vase |
M-G-P P all M-G B M-G-P all all M-P B M-G M-G M-P-G M-P-B M-P M-G |
Pitchers, tumblers and other pieces have been made from new molds
in this pattern. This listing is for old glass only.
Various shapes made This shape is called a "Compote" by carnival collectors |
| 2833 | Candy horn | M | Very light marigold |