Carnival Glass Light & Lamp Shades - Part 1
Series by Roy Hieger
Because carnival glass light and lamp shades are still relatively inexpensive, attractive, and easy to display, and unlike most carnival glass can be used as intended without much risk of damage, I consider them an ideal collectible. Unfortunately, they represent an area of collecting about which very little information is available. The lack of resource material has often made collectors reluctant to acquire carnival shades. Since I now have a fair number of shades in my collection, I thought I might share what I’ve learned - - from a variety of resource books, and personal experience.
Carnival Glass lamp shades were produced during an interesting period in history, when our country was making the transition from gas to electric lighting. As a result, shades for both gas and electric light were produced. Some of the patterns were those used for other carnival shapes, and some were unique to shades. A given pattern was usually produced in a variety of shapes and colors. On occasion, two or more companies produced nearly identical shades, for example, Fenton’s and Northwood’s – Pillar and Drape.
Carnival shades are well suited for use on student type lamps, or as replacements for the relatively drab shades on many of today’s ceiling fans. Although most collectors would probably opt for a matched set, some, like me, might settle for shades with the same pattern, but different colors, or perhaps shades of the same color, but different patterns.
The three major producers of carnival shades were Imperial, Northwood, and Fenton, in that order, with Imperial producing a greater variety than the other two combined.
Imperial Carnival Glass Shades
Imperial’s initial production of carnival lamp shades was restricted to three colors, i.e., pearl white, pearl green, and pearl ruby (white, green and marigold). Clam broth, amber, and smoke were added later. The base glass was either crystal, or a semi-opaque white which they called “Pura”. At least 24 different patterns were used. Many bear Imperial’s NUART trademark in block letters around the fitting collar. Roughness on the inside of the fitter is common, because the opening was filed rather than reamed - it does not represent damage although it is not unusual to see it identified as such by the seller.
Imperial’s #575
Imperial’s #575 is an unmarked, fairly slender, on slightly flared shade. It measures 4 7/8 inches in height, and was made only in the electric style. It is known in marigold, and a frosty white. The pattern consists of 12 slender, vertical ribs that extend slightly beyond the bottom edge, and 12 interspersed slightly narrower and shorter ribs that end at the bottom edge.
Imperial’s #583
Imperial’s #583 is marked NUART, and is a tall, almost cylindrical shade with straight sides, and minimal flare. It was made only in the electric style, and in marigold, clam broth, white, and green, some with hand cut designs. The shade in the photo is clam broth, which permits the 36 vertical, internal ribs to show through. The smooth external surface has an etched/frosted grape and leaf pattern. The shade measures s5 1/8 inches in height. It is iridized on both surfaces.
August Flower
August Flower was Imperial’s #486, and to the best of my knowledge was a pattern not used for other carnival. The raised floral pattern occupies most of each of the three stippled panels on the electric shade, and the four on the gas version. The bottom of each shade is slightly ruffled, with a faint saw tooth edge. Both surfaces are iridized. These shades are known in marigold, clam broth, green and purple, the latter rare. The electric shade measures 3 3/8 inches in height, the gas shade 3 7/16 inches. Note: Electric shades on the outside - gas shade in the middle.
Autumn Oak
This is another pattern I believe is unique to lamp shades. As far as I know, only the electric shade was produced. The pattern consists of 6 panels of acorn and leaves around the slightly scalloped bottom, and six vertical panels, each with an elongated acorn leaf. The shades are iridized inside and out, and known in marigold and a frosty white. The shade was reproduced in the 1970’s, in meadow green (see right photo). The base was left in, and it was sold as a vase.
