Imperial Glass

Imperial Glass was founded in 1901, in Bellaire, Ohio, by J. N. Vance. They were first known as the New Crystal Glass Company, a name that lasted for less than a year. They produced hand made art glass, Carnival glass, milk glass, pressed glass, tableware, and much more.

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In 1909, they introduced their first line of Carnival glass, known as Rubigold. It was a popular selling design until it was discontinued in the late 1920’s.

In 1922, they introduced Nucut and Nuart lines, cut glassware that imitated Tiffany glass.

In 1923, they released the Free Hand line, expensive art glass that came in many different colors that was designed by art glass experts from the Netherlands.

In 1931, they filed for bankruptcy and then reorganized that same year in August as the Imperial Glass Corporation. Earl Newton was the company’s first president.

In 1936, they introduced their most popular line ever, Candlewick, designed by Carl W. Gustkey. These pieces were usually clear and colorless, with small decorative glass beads around the edges. There were over 200 pieces in the Candlewick line and they were made thru the 1950’s.

During the 1950’s they introduced the Cape Cod line. No. 160 of the Cape Cod line was distributed by Quaker Oats as giveaways and are highly sought after by collectors today.

In the 1970’s, with glass collecting becoming popular again, they started to produce Carnival glass again. They purchased glass molds from companies that were closing, including Cambridge Glass, Central Glass and Heisey Glass.

In 1973, they became a subsidiary of Lenox and then purchased by Arthur Lorch in 1981. It was sold a year later in 1982 to Robert Stahl, went bankrupt in 1984 and the molds and other assets sold in 1985.

Imperial Glass Marks
Imperial
Imperial Iron Cross – the word Imperial is divided into 4 parts – IM, PE, RI and AL
NUCUT – on early pressed glass

Imperial Glass Patterns, Designs
Azalea Pink
Brocaded Daffodils
Broken Arches
Candlewick – one of the most popular patterns
Cape Cod
Cathay
Chroma
Collectors Crystal
Doeskin
Free Hand
Hanging Hearts
Imperial Jewels (1916)
Lead Lustre
New Carnival
Nuart
Nucut
Parisian Provincial
Reeded
Rubigold – known as marigold today
Satin Iridescent Colors
Star Holly (1951)

Popular Imperial Glass
Art Glass
Blown Glass
Bowls – finger bowl
Candlesticks
Carnival Glass
Decanters
Dishes
Jars
Milk Glass
Pitchers
Plates
Slag Glass
Stretch Glass
Tableware
Tumblers
Vases

Imperial Glass Value, Price Guide
High $ – Mid $$$

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15 Comments

Charlene Mays

September 12, 2024

I have recently started collecting maid and butler shakers. Trying to find information on them. Can you help?
Danielle Moreland

December 29, 2020

I have a set of 4, still in the box “Imperial Glass Corporation No. 5006 Cathay Butterfly ashtray. Clear satin. Designed by Virginia B. Evans.” Where can I find the value?
Marie McRedmond

February 1, 2018

I have a lovely marigold lustre rose bowl and would like to know the approximate year that this pattern was being produced please. Many thanks. Marie
Pam

January 5, 2017

Here is a link to the markings on imperial glass and dates produced to give at least an idea of when it was produced
http://www.imperialglass.org/site/dates.htm
john gallagher

August 22, 2016

My wife has some imperial glassware. Would like to find a place to see if we can find out if it is worth money. Like to be able to talk to a person.
Dawn

August 7, 2016

I have a set of Christmas plates from Imperial Glass my mother-in-law gave to me. Is there any value in them?
Donna Harney

August 4, 2016

I purchased a hen on nest the pattern is blue pink gray swirl . I cannot locate this pattern can you help?
Pat Schrier

April 10, 2016

I recently purchased a large compote (9″ diameter , 6” height ) with the IG stamp for Imperial Glass Co. on foot , 4 seams and leaf design on foot , lower body of bowl (outside) and smaller leaves (2 sizes) on inside with beaded rim . It is Blue Opaque Glass , MilkGlass , Custard Glass . I am looking for a pattern name and production date of the piece , could not locate information on line ; plenty of other patterns in Blue opaque glass except the one I have . Any information you could help with would be greatly appreciated .
Dennis Koval

March 11, 2016

I would like to know prices for Candlewick design. I have many pieces and would like to know what they are worth.
Sarah

August 4, 2015

Could ya’ll provide a list of imperial glass designs by years produced?

Thanks!
Chyleen Slone

May 27, 2015

I have an Imperial carnival glass small footed compote, marigold. The pattern is Optic Flute. The pedestal is clear glass. What would be the value of this dish?
Valerie Theuner

February 22, 2015

I have a purple piece of slag glass in the shape of an iron 11/2″deep and approx 8″ in length. It has the diamond cut on the bottom as well as the bottom of the top piece–perhaps a candy dish of some kind. Label reads PURPLE SLAG GLASS circa 1850 By Imperial. Can you give me any information on this piece? Thank you in advance.
Cynthia Bowers

November 8, 2014

I have a white (but does not look like milkglass unless it is unglazed) relish/nut dish that has the exact same shape and pressed pattern as the Imperial Glass nucut #564. Can you tell me what the material is or anything about it?
sharon ternes

October 31, 2014

I have the 9and1/2 inch cake plate with pedestal that I got for a wedding present in 1971. Can you tell me what it is worth?
thanks.

Sharon Ternes
Kata

September 5, 2014

I have a carnival mug with mother goose characters on it with imperial glass mark.can’t find any info about it.

Imperial Glass

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

15 Comments

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