Kelva: Victorian Decorated Opal Glass
Kelva is a type of decorated opal glassware produced by the C.F. Monroe Company of Meriden, Connecticut, from approximately 1904 to 1916. Similar to Monroe's better-known Wave Crest and Nakara lines, Kelva features hand-painted floral decoration on an opaque glass body, but is distinguished by its characteristic textured or mottled background finish that gives pieces a distinctive pebbly surface. Kelva pieces are less common than Wave Crest, making them particularly sought after by Victorian glass collectors.
Identification Characteristics
- Surface Texture: The defining feature is the mottled, almost sandy or pebbled background finish, unlike the smooth surface of Wave Crest
- Background Colors: Typically green, blue, pink, or brown mottled grounds
- Decoration: Hand-painted floral motifs, most commonly daisies, roses, and wild flowers
- Metal Fittings: Ormolu (gilt metal) mounts, handles, collars, and hinges on boxes and containers
- Marks: Some pieces bear a red "KELVA" stamp on the base; many are unmarked
- Glass Body: Blown opal (milk glass) blanks, believed supplied by various glass houses
Forms & Types
- Dresser Boxes: Round, square, and oval hinged boxes -- the most common form
- Jewelry Boxes: Smaller boxes with fitted interiors
- Humidors: Tobacco jars with metal lids
- Vases: Various heights with ormolu collars or bases
- Pin Trays & Dishes: Open forms with metal rims
- Cracker Jars: With silver-plated lids and bail handles
- Fern Dishes: With metal liners
Auction Price Ranges
| Form | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small dresser box (3-4 inches) | $200 - $600 |
| Large dresser box (6-8 inches) | $400 - $1,200 |
| Jewelry box with fitted interior | $300 - $800 |
| Humidor | $400 - $1,000 |
| Vase with ormolu mounts | $300 - $900 |
| Cracker jar | $300 - $800 |
| Pin tray | $100 - $350 |
| Exceptional or rare forms | $800 - $2,500 |
Condition Factors
The painted decoration is fired on but can still show wear from cleaning. The mottled background should be intact without bare spots. Metal fittings are commonly tarnished but should be structurally sound -- broken hinges, missing finials, and detached handles reduce value by 40-60%. Glass chips under metal mounts are common and somewhat tolerated if hidden. Replaced metal fittings significantly diminish value. The interior of boxes should be clean and free of staining.
Collecting Tips
Kelva is rarer than Wave Crest and generally commands comparable or slightly higher prices for equivalent forms. The green mottled background is most characteristic and sought after. Larger dresser boxes with elaborate floral decoration and intact original ormolu fittings represent the best collecting opportunities. Compare carefully with Wave Crest (smooth finish) and Nakara (heavier enamel decoration) to correctly identify Kelva pieces. Many pieces are unmarked, requiring familiarity with the distinctive textured surface for proper attribution.