Custard Glass: Opaque Uranium-Tinted American Glassware
Custard glass is an opaque to semi-translucent pressed glass with a distinctive creamy yellow color, produced primarily by American glasshouses between 1886 and 1920. The warm custard color comes from uranium oxide added to the glass batch, which also causes the glass to fluoresce bright green under ultraviolet light. Major producers included Northwood, Heisey, Tarentum, and Fenton, and the glass was made in dozens of pressed patterns for tableware and decorative use.
History and Production
- 1886: Harry Northwood begins producing custard glass at his Indiana, Pennsylvania factory
- 1890s-1910s: Peak production period; Northwood dominates the market
- 1897: Northwood introduces the "Louis XV" pattern, one of the most popular custard glass designs
- Other major producers: A.H. Heisey (Newark, OH), Tarentum Glass (Tarentum, PA), Jefferson Glass, Fenton Art Glass
- Post-1920: Production declines; custard glass falls out of fashion
- 1970s onward: Fenton and others produce reproduction custard glass, which must be distinguished from originals
Identification and Marks
- Northwood pieces frequently bear the underlined "N" in a circle mark on the base
- Heisey custard glass carries the diamond-H mark
- The glass should fluoresce bright green under UV (blacklight) due to uranium content
- Original custard glass has a warm, creamy ivory-to-pale-yellow tone; reproductions often appear too white or too yellow
- Many patterns feature gold trim, enamel decoration, or colored staining (green, red, or blue accents)
- Common patterns include Chrysanthemum Sprig, Argonaut Shell, Georgia Gem, Winged Scroll, and Inverted Fan and Feather
Types and Forms
- Table sets: Four-piece sets comprising a covered butter, covered sugar, creamer, and spooner
- Berry sets: Master bowl with individual berry bowls
- Water sets: Pitcher with tumblers
- Cruets and salt shakers: Small tableware accessories
- Toothpick holders: Popular single-piece collectibles
- Novelties: Hats, baskets, and miniature forms
Auction Price Ranges
| Item Type | Typical Range | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Toothpick holder | $30 - $100 | Rare patterns: $150 - $400 |
| Individual berry bowl | $20 - $50 | Scarce patterns: $60 - $150 |
| Table set (4 pieces) | $200 - $600 | Northwood with gilt: $700 - $1,500 |
| Water pitcher | $100 - $350 | Rare pattern: $400 - $1,000 |
| Cruet with original stopper | $80 - $250 | Chrysanthemum Sprig: $300 - $600 |
| Master berry bowl | $50 - $150 | With enamel decoration: $200 - $400 |
| Complete water set (7 pieces) | $300 - $800 | Exceptional: $1,000 - $2,500 |
Condition Factors
- Gold trim: Original gold decoration wears easily through use and washing; intact gilding adds 30-50% to value
- Enamel decoration: Hand-painted floral accents should be intact; missing or worn enamel diminishes appeal
- Chips: The opaque body makes chips very visible; rim chips are the most common damage
- Staining: Interior staining is common on pieces that were used; can sometimes be cleaned
- UV test: Always test with a blacklight; genuine custard glass with uranium will fluoresce green, while reproductions may not
Collecting Tips
- Northwood is the most desirable maker; the underlined "N" mark confirms attribution and adds value
- Complete table sets and water sets are far more valuable than individual pieces
- Chrysanthemum Sprig and Argonaut Shell are among the most popular and valuable patterns
- Reproductions from the 1970s-1990s are common; learn the color differences and use UV testing
- Custard glass with intact original gold trim is worth significantly more than worn examples
- Rare patterns and unusual forms (cruets, salt shakers, toothpick holders) generate strong collector competition