Iridescent glass created a glow in 1894 when American Louis Comfort Tiffany patented his glass "Favrile." About a year earlier, Loetz Co. of Austria had presented similar wares at the Chicago World's Fair.
This antique leaded slag glass lamp is an example of iridescent glass work, popularized by American companies such as Tiffany and Fenton. (Photo Courtesy of Brenda Yenke) Techniques varied as to how to achieve this end result of shimmering glass. Expensive art glass, such as Tiffany, was made by adding salts into the glass formula. Less expensive glass was sprayed while hot with a mixture of metallic salt solutions.
Fenton introduced its iridescent glass, "Iridill," in 1907. The latter method was used, with their production peaking from 1910 to 1913. It was referred to as carnival glass in the 1950s, as collectors were enthralled with the rainbows of color. Sad to say that Fenton Art Glass, located in Williamstown, W.Va., has closed, along with its museum.
However, Blenko Glass Co. in Milton, W.Va., is still operational. They are sponsors for the Western Reserve American Glass Club's Retro American Glass Show and Sale to be held this weekend at St. Mary's Crystal Chalet, 3600 Biddulph Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday May 6. Admission is $6 and is good for both days; visitors 30 and younger will be admitted free!
Meet knowledgeable glass collectors and dealers while attending seminars. Free glass ID, Blenko displays and sales, food and a Glass Betty Bingo with prizes.
Dear Brenda,
I have a beautifully colored glass lamp that I inherited from my parents. It is close to a hundred years old and has been stored for as long as I can remember. We have never used it. Would you offer an opinion on this?
R.S.
Avon Lake
Dear Richard,
Your antique leaded slag glass lamp appears to have a bronze base, with characteristic double sockets and twin acorn pulls. Many top makers were signed on the base, or within the dome of the glass shade. These are most enhanced through illumination. Yours needs to be rewired for safety. The base resembles a simple style of the Duffner & Kimberly Co. However, an in-person evaluation is most advised. Check with Gray's Auction House in Lakewood or Cowan's Rocky River. It is a lovely fixture and could be worth $1,000.
If you have an item for evaluation, send a clear picture with history to Yenke Peddler, Brenda Yenke, P.O. Box 361633, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. You may also email photos and informa- tion requests for Brenda to evaluate at kenyenke@aol.com.