Patterns and shapes can be a big influence on rarity and worth. Animal
patterns are always popular and in recent years vases have come into their
own.  Millersburg has been known to produce some of their bowls in a square
shape, which is always popular.  In the vase category, larger vases in base
diameter (typically over 5 inches), called Funeral vases are most popular and
command higher prices, especially if they are short in height!  These are
often referred to as "Elephant Foot" vases and they bring top dollar. Pieces
referred to as "Whimsies" often are king when it comes to value.  Probably the
miniature spittoons fashioned often from tumblers are most unusual!

There are a number of manufacturers that produced Carnival Glass. The major US
manufacturers are
Fenton, Williamstown, WV
Northwood, Wheeling, WV
Millersburg, Millersburg, Oh.
Dugan, Indiana, Pa.
Imperial, Bellaire, Oh.

There are many others, but for the purpose of this article, I have named the
most major US makers.  All manufacturers are unique in their own right.  Most
are known for colors and finishes that they produced.  Fenton is known for
their Red carnival, Northwood for their Aqua Opal, Millersburg for their
radium finish, Dugan for Peach Opal, and Imperial for their Purple in my
opinion.

As just mentioned, some manufacturers added another dimension to their product
and that is an opalescent finish.  This is a milky white effect to a portion
of the glass that was produced by adding Bone Ash to the glass.  In most
cases, these pieces are very desirable and in demand.

When I was first exposed to all of these colors, it was through Lamar Sharp. 
He would take the time to pull pieces off his shelves and out of his cabinets
to talk to me about them and explain the different colors and finishes.  As
mentioned before, he explained that color and condition is king.  Whatever you
could afford, always get the very best example you can find.  Buy what you
love because you love it and not for the thought of investment.  So many high
dollar pieces purchased today at auction are purchased as an investment, I'm
not condemning that but thinking that way somehow takes the fun and innocence
out of the joy of pure collecting.  I'm not a big well known collector who
travels in any club circles nor an investor.  I'm just someone who loves the
glass for what it is, out there looking for the next great piece to be found
and reflect on those early days when I first discovered it and a person who
took the time to show me this American treasure in glass history.
[continued...]
--------------------------

--- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Dada-2
 * Origin: Prism bbs (1:261/38)