What shapes was it made in?
Lots!
As well as being decorative, Carnival Glass was practical and functional - was meant to be used. A big selling point was its versatility. Bowls of every size, for fruit, salad, bonbons and more. Plates, jardinières, jelly comports, custard cups, cake stands, epergnes and even massive table centrepieces. There were punch sets, vases in every shape and size you can possibly imagine, lamps, ashtrays, candlesticks and more …
These two adverts from Butler Brothers wholesale mail order catalogues from Spring 1912 (*) provide an indication of just how the versatility Carnival Glass was presented to the buying public. A crucial piece of information from these catalogue assortments is that Butler Brothers (as wholesalers) put them together as single maker selections. Thus the "Variety" Glassware Assortment is all Northwood, and the "Golden" and Silver Beauty" Glassware Asst. is all by Imperial. These single maker selections helped the early Carnival Glass "pioneers" make the attribution of pieces to a specific factory.
As well as being decorative, Carnival Glass was practical and functional - was meant to be used. A big selling point was its versatility. Bowls of every size, for fruit, salad, bonbons and more. Plates, jardinières, jelly comports, custard cups, cake stands, epergnes and even massive table centrepieces. There were punch sets, vases in every shape and size you can possibly imagine, lamps, ashtrays, candlesticks and more …
These two adverts from Butler Brothers wholesale mail order catalogues from Spring 1912 (*) provide an indication of just how the versatility Carnival Glass was presented to the buying public. A crucial piece of information from these catalogue assortments is that Butler Brothers (as wholesalers) put them together as single maker selections. Thus the "Variety" Glassware Assortment is all Northwood, and the "Golden" and Silver Beauty" Glassware Asst. is all by Imperial. These single maker selections helped the early Carnival Glass "pioneers" make the attribution of pieces to a specific factory.
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The range of shapes is evident even in these two small catalogue adverts. What is also clear, from the descriptions of the items, are the practical uses being suggested - nut bowl, salad, rose bowl, olive, celery, cake or bread plate and do on. It is also very clear from studying many of these catalogue assortments is that the same item may appear in different assortments and be given an entirely different description, all in an effort to increase sales.
Vases were popular and long-standing favourites for the Carnival Glass buying public. They were one of the earliest shapes to be made in Carnival Glass, and they also feature among the final shapes to appear. Swung, un-swung, "as moulded" - every Carnival Glass maker of significance around the world made vases! Read all about vases here.
Water sets also feature heavily, usually comprising a pitcher and six tumblers to make a set. Today, for reasons of limited space, collectors often collect a pitcher plus one tumbler as a water set, individual pitchers, or individual tumblers. In 2003, a "once in a lifetime" event took place in St Louis - it is unlikely ever to be repeated! The "One Thousand Pitcher Show". Read all about it here.
* Extracts from Butler Brothers catalogues are thanks to the work of San Diego County and Southern California Carnival Glass Clubs.
Vases were popular and long-standing favourites for the Carnival Glass buying public. They were one of the earliest shapes to be made in Carnival Glass, and they also feature among the final shapes to appear. Swung, un-swung, "as moulded" - every Carnival Glass maker of significance around the world made vases! Read all about vases here.
Water sets also feature heavily, usually comprising a pitcher and six tumblers to make a set. Today, for reasons of limited space, collectors often collect a pitcher plus one tumbler as a water set, individual pitchers, or individual tumblers. In 2003, a "once in a lifetime" event took place in St Louis - it is unlikely ever to be repeated! The "One Thousand Pitcher Show". Read all about it here.
* Extracts from Butler Brothers catalogues are thanks to the work of San Diego County and Southern California Carnival Glass Clubs.
