Collectors Facts - Heirloom pattern, Indiana Glass Co. Contemporary Carnival
During the 1970s Indiana Glass (Dunkirk, Indiana) launched their Contemporary Carnival Glass ranges in distinctive colours, patterns and shapes that are familiar to most collectors. Production continued through the 1970s and into the very early 1980s.
A report from California, written for Carnival Glass Encore in 1984 noted that Indiana Carnival Glass first appeared in local Safeway stores in 1970: “at that time it was really cheap, all the major drugstores had a big line.” In the 1980s it was being sold in Thriftway grocery stores in colourful Indiana boxes. Indiana's first colour was “Iridescent Blue” in 1971, followed by “Iridescent Gold”. They were followed by “Iridescent Sunset” (red to amberina as shown below), “Iridescent Green” and finally in 1974, “Iridescent Amethyst”. Purple and rare black were also used by Indiana, and the Heirloom series includes items in these colours.
The vase (#2294) and handled basket (#2291) shown in the catalogue page above were originally Duncan & Miller #63, which are the
only items in the Heirloom Series that feature a shell pattern in the middle of the hobstar. Thanks to Lois Kenkel for advising us of this fact.
only items in the Heirloom Series that feature a shell pattern in the middle of the hobstar. Thanks to Lois Kenkel for advising us of this fact.
Indiana Glass catalogue pages from the 1970s, showing their range of "Sunset Iridescent" (red / amberina) Contemporary Carnival in their Heirloom pattern.
Heirloom - Contemporary Carnival Glass made by Indiana Glass Co.
Heirloom - Contemporary Carnival Glass made by Indiana Glass Co.
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Shapes:
Various - see above
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Colours:
Red, red/amberina, amethyst and black (rare)
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Heirloom is a near-cut geometric pattern that can confuse collectors into thinking it is Classic Carnival Glass - however the Heirloom pattern was not made in Classic Carnival Glass.
Heirloom is an old Indiana Glass near-cut geometric pattern, originally from the 1900s when it was made in a range of crystal, non-iridised tableware shapes. It was known simply as the “123 Pattern”. On the right is an extract from Indiana's 1910 catalogue showing several shapes in their "123 Pattern". It has also been named Panelled Daisies and Finecut by Pattern Glass collectors, and it is sometimes also called Octagon Variant by today's collectors. Contemporary Carnival Glass Indiana reintroduced the "123 Pattern" in the 1970s for its production in Contemporary Carnival Glass, calling the pattern their Heirloom Series. It became one of their best selling ranges! They re-introduced it with great flourish, announcing: “The exclusive new hand made Heirloom Series by Indiana makes its market debut in stunning Sunset Carnival Glass alive with an unequalled iridescent brilliance and vitality of colour. The authentic near cut patterns are re-issues of the ones that are treasured heirlooms today. Each piece, carrying an Heirloom Series sticker, will be packed in a distinctive full colour package for impulse sales.” |
Indiana's 1910 catalogue offered Heirloom - aka "123 Pattern"
in various shapes, made in crystal (non-iridised) glass. |
Indiana's Heirloom table set in Sunset Carnival, courtesy of Seeck Auctions.
The colour “Sunset Carnival” was Indiana’s best selling colour in their Heirloom pattern range; it varies from cherry red to amberina and it is very beautiful. Indeed many have confused into thinking it is old, Classic Carnival. |
Indiana's Heirloom pitcher in amethyst,
courtesy of Seeck Auctions. |
Their amethyst Carnival range was equally easy to confuse with Classic Carnival! Click on the link below to see a full page catalogue picture of Heirloom pieces in Iridescent Amethyst Carnival.
Their amethyst Carnival range was equally easy to confuse with Classic Carnival! Click on the link below to see a full page catalogue picture of Heirloom pieces in Iridescent Amethyst Carnival.
Interested in Indiana's Carnival Glass - be sure not to miss these:
Indiana Heirloom pattern in Iridescent Amethyst Carnival - it is absolutely stunning!
Indiana Harvest / Harvest Grape: Indiana's best selling pattern was widely advertised - see how it was sold in these contemporary ads.
Indiana Hostess or Sowerby Chunky pattern? Don't be confused by these two look-alikes"
A wonderful Harvest Grape Souvenir tumbler in Bob Smith's fantastic Tumbler Museum.
Indiana Heirloom pattern in Iridescent Amethyst Carnival - it is absolutely stunning!
Indiana Harvest / Harvest Grape: Indiana's best selling pattern was widely advertised - see how it was sold in these contemporary ads.
Indiana Hostess or Sowerby Chunky pattern? Don't be confused by these two look-alikes"
A wonderful Harvest Grape Souvenir tumbler in Bob Smith's fantastic Tumbler Museum.
See more Collectors Facts