How to Price Vintage Carnival Glass

Assessment

• 1

  Look at the shape and size of your carnival glass. In general, the larger pieces, such as tall vases and humidors, are more valuable than smaller cups and jugs. Flat glassware, such as platters, are also higher in value.

• 2

  Evaluate the base color and the iridescent shades of your piece. Hold the piece up to a strong light. Look at the color of the base or bottom. This is where you will see the base, or primary, color of the glass. There may be one or two secondary colors, as well as a spectrum of subtle shades. Pieces with bright colors tend to fairly inexpensive. Pastel and clear pieces are less common, and thus more valuable.

• 3

  Check for signs that the piece is truly from the so-called Golden Era of carnival glass (1920 -1930). Vintage carnival glass was rarely marked, whereas modern glass is usually marked. Modern carnival glass also lacks the satiny finish of vintage pieces. Compare your piece to known examples of vintage carnival glass in reference books and on websites devoted to antique glassware.

• 4

  Check for flaws or cracks in the piece, and for signs that the piece has been repaired. Flaws and repairs will lessen its value. Use a magnifying glass for a thorough check. Small bubbles in the glass do not affect the value, unless there are many of them -- but a larger bubble will. [

• 5

  Look at printed and online price guides to determine what prices carnival glass has commanded over the past few years. Online auction sites are also a source of current market worth. Pricing depends not only upon rarity and quality, but upon what a collector is willing to pay now for your piece of carnival glass.

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