Imperial glass was a glass manufacturing company founded in 1901 in Bellaire, Ohio. Their production of Imperial Milk Glass was primarily during the mid-1950s through to the mid-1980s. They specialized in producing pieces in a variety of colors, including the popular white.
In addition to producing a variety of dinnerware and decorative pieces, the company also produced novelties, such as flower frogs, a few lamp pieces, and some kitchenware.
The main colors used for Imperial Milk Glass were white, blue and amber. The white opalescent glass was the most popular and was often referred to as “prairie glass” because of its flat-sided shape. Imperial’s blue and amber pieces were made using the same opalescent glass as the white, just given specific colors with an optional frosted finish.
During the mid-1970s, Imperial attempted to transition into new types of glassware, though they still remained focused largely on producing Milk Glass. By the early 1980s, the demand for Milk Glass had dramatically decreased and marked the end of the production and sale of Imperial Milk Glass.
In total, Imperial Glass produced Milk Glass for approximately thirty years, from the mid-1950s to the early 1980s.
What company made milk glass?
Milk glass, also known as opal glass, was first made in Venice in the 16th century. It has remained popular ever since, and is still made today. Many notable glass makers have produced milk glass, including Fenton Glass, Imperial Glass, Westmoreland, and Northwood.
Fenton Glass, founded in 1905, is one of the oldest and most renowned companies in the United States for making milk glass. Fenton is the most well-known for producing a variety of embossed and hand-painted designs, such as flowers, fruits, or figures on the glass.
Imperial Glass, founded in 1901 in Bellaire, Ohio, is another notable American glass manufacturer that made milk glass. Imperial was also known for their embossed and hand-painted designs, including many artistic pieces with a variety of different motifs, such as animals, fish, or hunting scenes.
Westmoreland Glass, established in 1889 in Grapeville, Pennsylvania, was the largest American producer of milk glass, creating a variety of pieces ranging from plain to decorated. Lastly, Northwood Glass was founded in 1887 and became known for their marigold-colored glass pieces, as well as numerous other creative decorated pieces.
All of these companies have contributed to the popularity of milk glass as a collector’s item.
How can you tell if something is imperial glass?
Imperial glass is recognizable by certain characteristics that differentiate it from other glassmaker’s work. Imperial glass was first created in 1901, so any piece that looks to date from before that is unlikely to be Imperial Glass.
The company used a variety of glass colors, including pink, purple, green, yellow, cobalt blue, cranberry, and amber. Imperial Glass also used different types of patterns, such as florals, striped and latticework, while they also made plain glass items.
Imperial Glass was known for their quality control and the pieces were durable; pieces that look to be in poor condition are likely not Imperial. On pieces with a foot, look for the mark ‘IG Copyright’ or ‘I. G.
Co. ‘ as these were often used. The base of each piece was ground and polished rather than fire polished and the pieces were often fairly heavy. Finally, Imperial created several distinctive lines of dinnerware and stemware, such as the Candlewick and Horseshoe lines, in addition to producing a variety of shapes and colors, so the item may be identifiable by the shape or pattern.
When did Imperial Glass go out of business?
Imperial Glass officially went out of business in 1984, after almost 90 years of production. The company began as an upstart producer of “art glass” in the late 19th century and rapidly grew to become one of the largest suppliers of unique glassware in the United States.
Imperial was known for its imaginative designs and high quality craftsmanship.
The company initially flourished and rapidly increased production, expanding its repertoire with new inventions, such as its iconic “Thumbprint” pattern. However, in the 1960s, faced with financial strains and competition from larger corporations, Imperial began to decline.
The company faced increasing difficulty due to rising labor costs and changing consumer tastes.
Facing dwindling sales and mounting debt, the family-owned business was forced to close its doors in 1984. The last pieces of Imperial Glass were produced that year, marking the end of an era. In the decades since its demise, Imperial Glass has become a highly sought-after collectible.
Many pieces continue to be traded amongst collectors and can be found at antique shops and vintage stores.
Does Fenton still make glassware?
Yes, Fenton still makes glassware. Fenton Art Glass, located in Williamstown, West Virginia, is an American glassware maker that has been in business since 1905. Founded by brothers Frank L. and John W.
Fenton, the company has remained family owned and operated ever since. The company is most well known for its opalescent, handblown glass objects that feature unique shapes, sizes, and colors. The popular “Fenton Burmese” and “Fenton Ruffle” glass collections have become highly collectible in recent years.
In addition to their traditional glass pieces, Fenton also has a line of giftware and home décor items, including glass vases, bowls, plates, candle holders, and even jewelry and pet dishes. Fenton Art Glass is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass made in the U. S.
, and continues to bring glass creations to the marketplace.
How do you know if Carnival Glass is valuable?
If you are considering purchasing carnival glass, you may be wondering if it is valuable. Here are a few things to keep in mind that may help you determine if carnival glass is valuable:
1. Age: The age of the piece can play a role in its value. Older pieces are typically more valuable than newer ones.
2. Condition: The condition of the piece is also important. If it is in perfect condition, it will be worth more than a piece that has some chips or cracks.
3. Design: The design of the piece can also affect its value. Some designs are more desirable than others, which can make them more valuable.
4. Rarity: The rarity of the piece can also impact its value. If it is a rare piece, it will be worth more than a common piece.
5. Brand: The brand of the piece can also be a factor in its value. Certain brands are more highly regarded than others, and their pieces can be worth more as a result.
Keep these factors in mind when considering whether or not a piece of carnival glass is valuable. If the piece you are considering meets all of these criteria, then it is likely to be valuable.
When did Imperial Glass Carnival Glass?
Imperial Glass began to produce carnival glass in the early 1900s and continued to do so into the 1970s. Originally, the glass was made in the traditional Fenton style, which many people link to this glass today.
It was designed to be inexpensive and attractive as a promotional item for companies. The glass was made by marvering melted glass of two different colors together, then pressing it with a mold, creating a raised, ribbed pattern.
Imperial Glass was one of the first companies to prioritize the carnival glass pattern, creating what has become known as Imperial Carnival Glass. The range of production was wide and included plates, vases, urns, mugs and punch bowls.
The most popular color combinations were blue, marigold, green, and amethyst hues. Imperial Glass also made many pieces of iridescent carnival glass, though they are harder to find. Imperial Glass went out of business in 1984, but the pieces it produced are highly sought-after, especially those from the early 1900s.
How do you identify Candlewick Glass?
Candlewick Glass is an American glassware that was made by Imperial Glass Corporation in Bellaire, Ohio, from 1934 to 1983. This glassware is easily recognizable by its distinctive wide base and narrow stem featuring intricate diamond cuts.
The surface of the glass is usually smooth and features a variety of patterns and designs, often featuring a raised decoration of a single flower, geometric shapes such as latticework, pinwheels, criss-cross diamonds and other intricate designs.
Candlewick is usually identified by its “Candlewick name” or the word “Imperial” coupled with a number on the bottom. Candlewick glass is highly collectible and is available in a variety of shapes and styles, including stemware, punch bowls, vases and compotes.
Some designs feature beautiful colored glass accents, too. Candlewick is still being produced today, and vintage pieces can be found at various antique stores or online.
Does Indiana Glass have a mark?
Yes, Indiana Glass does have a mark. The company has been around since 1907 and they have distinct marks that can be identified. The most common mark was the “I inside G,” which was used from the mid 1920s until the mid 1990s.
This mark can commonly be seen on many popular Indiana Glass pieces like the Imperial Candlewick and Shelley lines. More recently, Indiana Glass has started using a different mark that reads “IG” with a small star in the center.
This mark is used on modern Indiana Glass pieces. Both marks are often accompanied by other numbers and letters, which indicate the mold number of the particular piece.
Is Imperial glass still in business?
Yes, Imperial Glass is still in business today. Started in 1901, Imperial Glass was located in Bellaire, Ohio and was originally called The Imperial Glass Corporation. Since then, the company has grown and now operates multiple locations across the United States.
Imperial Glass produces high-quality, handmade glass pieces such as plates, bowls, goblets, vases, tumblers, and decorative pieces. The company also offers custom engraving services and creates one-of-a-kind pieces for special occasions.
Imperial Glass offers both wholesale and retail sales, and their products can be found in local stores throughout the United States.
Did Imperial Glass make crystals?
Yes, Imperial Glass did make crystals. Imperial Glass was a glassware manufacturer that operated on the Imperial Glass Corporation factory in Bellaire, Ohio from 1901 to 1984, when it closed due to economic hardship in the region.
Imperial Glass made a wide variety of glassware, including crystal glassware. Their crystal products included bowls, bowls and pitchers, candelabras, decanters, perfume bottles, egg cups, and more. Imperial Glass also made figurines, lamps, and many other items.
During the time that Imperial Glass was in operation, the company became renowned for its quality and craftsmanship, in particular its etched crystal products. Even after the closure of the business, Imperial Glass’s crystal wares still enjoy a place in the homes of many collectors, appreciative of its timeless design.
What is the rarest color of Depression glass?
The rarest color of Depression glass is known as Jade-ite. This color of glass was popularized in the 1930s and 1940s and is still highly sought after for its vibrant green hue. Although many colors of Depression glass were made during this period, Jade-ite was the least produced, making it the rarest of all colors.
Despite its rarity, Jade-ite has retained its popularity and is still sought after by collectors and hobbyists alike.
What is slag glass worth?
The worth of slag glass depends on a number of factors, including the age and condition of the piece, the size and color of the glass, and the rarity of the piece. The most valuable slag glass pieces are antiques that are in mint condition and of an unusual color or larger size.
Generally, these pieces are worth anywhere from $200 to $3,000 or more. Many factors can influence the worth of a particular piece, so it is often best to consult an appraiser or specialist to determine the exact value.
Additionally, the item’s age, condition, and color can make all the difference. Ultimately, the value of slag glass is determined by the item’s perceived value on the market.
How do you date a slag glass lamp?
Dating a slag glass lamp can be a difficult task since there is not a standard way to accurately date the lamp. However, there are some basic indicators you can use to determine its approximate age. First, look for identifying marks on the lamp that indicate who the manufacturer was.
This can help you learn more about the lamp’s origin and when it was made. Second, examine the lamp stylistically. Slag glass lamps came in a variety of styles, from Art Deco to Craftsman, and they were made between the late 1800s and the 1950s.
Third, check the wiring inside the lamp to see if it is modern or old-fashioned cloth wiring. Old-fashioned wiring can provide clues as to the age of a lamp. Finally, research the piece to find out if it is a known vintage item or a reproduction.
By combining all these clues, you can get a better sense of the age of the slag glass lamp.
Is slag glass still made?
Yes, slag glass is still made today. It is a type of glass containing a variety of metal oxides which create a “slag” effect in its swirled or mottled appearance. It is commonly referred to as marble glass, cane glass, or pagoda glass.
It is traditionally made from opacities such as potash, frits, or antimony and is typically tinted in shades of green and blue although other colors such as purple and pink are manufactured as well. Slag glass is often used in vintage style furniture, lighting, and home decor.
It is also used as a glass in Church windows, and certain establishments such as hotels and bars. In modern glassmaking processes, slag glass is made using lead oxide and traditional sand to create its swirled effect.
The molten glass is then poured onto a cooled metal plate, rolled and crimped to create a marbled pattern in the glass.
