Classification of Carnival Glass swung vases
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The size of swung vases is classified by base diameter, not height. Because height depends on how much a vase has been swung or stretched after leaving the mould, the size of a swung vase is determined by the diameter of its base, irrespective of its actual height. Hence the three Fenton #916 (Nine Sixteen) vases shown on the right are all standard size vases - they all have the same base diameter (3¾ inches), although the height varies enormously. There are four broad groups of swung vases according to base size. Mini (or miniature) - has a base diameter of approximately 2½ inches. Standard - has a base diameter from approximately 3 to around 3¾ inches. Mid size - has a base diameter ranging from around 3¾ to 4¾ inches. Funeral - Northwood and Fenton funeral vases have a base diameter of approximately 5¼ inches. Imperial funeral vases run slightly smaller at 4¾ to 5 inches. Imperial's Ripple vases are different: five base sizes have been identified. The five base diameters are: 2½, 2.9, 3.4, 3.9, and 4¾ inches. The largest size is considered to be a funeral vase, though it is smaller than the size that determines Tree Trunk and Rustic funerals. The vases range in height from approximately 4 inches up to 20 inches. Some other exceptions: it is worth noting that there are some swung vases that - visually – appear to fall between the two categories of mini and standard. They don’t look miniature enough to be classed as mini vases, and yet their base diameter is less than that of the standard sized vases. Examples of these are Northwood’s small Four Pillars vase, Panelled Diamonds and Bows and virtually all the vases that were swung from the tumbler moulds (for example, Butterfly and Berry). What is a "swung" vase? Vase moulds are relatively stubby in height (generally around four to six or seven inches). When the vase was taken out of the mould, the base was held in a tool called a snap, and the vase was reheated in the glory hole, so that the glass becomes elastic and malleable. Whilst still hot, the glassmaker would then swing the vase, stretching it out to its intended finished height. The height would depend on various factors (not only the actual height intended), such as the temperature and elasticity of the glass, and the swinging effort applied by the glassmaker. |
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Heights achieved: there is a tremendous range of height in swung vases. The small vases can be as tiny as 3 inches while the largest size, the impressive and truly magnificent funeral vase, can achieve the majestic height of 22 inches or even more, weighing 4 to 5 pounds. The standard sized vases generally are around 9 to 11 inches high, with unswung “squatty” versions measuring a fair bit less. Mid size vases can be swung up to almost 20 inches, giving a tall, thin shape - yet they, too, may be unswung and end up around 7 inches high! Some funeral vases have a further classification relating to height. A funeral vase that has not been swung is referred to as a jardiniere shape. It is of course, still a funeral vase, a jardiniere being a rare type of funeral. Northwood Treee Trunk funerals have an additional unique height classification. A Tree Trunk funeral which was swung, but only to a height of 15 inches or less is called an elephant foot. Thus, an elephant foot vase is a Tree Trunk funeral between 8 and 15 inches high. 
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Above on the left is a green Fenton Diamond and Rib jardiniere - an unswung funeral vase. It is as it came out of the mould, and only 6 inches in height.
On the right is a green Diamond and Rib funeral vase which has been swung to a massive 20 inches!
Interestingly, the pattern names comes from its swung form. Unswung, the ribs are actually in ovals - they only take
on a "diamond" appearance when the vase has been swung. Pictures courtesy of Seeck Auctions.
On the right is a green Diamond and Rib funeral vase which has been swung to a massive 20 inches!
Interestingly, the pattern names comes from its swung form. Unswung, the ribs are actually in ovals - they only take
on a "diamond" appearance when the vase has been swung. Pictures courtesy of Seeck Auctions.
Read more about Swung Vases in this wonderful Article by Joan Doty.
Why not visit our Vases Homepage. We have lots more information about vases elsewhere on our website, all linked from this homepage.