Imperial Glass: Bellaire, Ohio's Prolific American Glassworks

Imperial Glass Company operated in Bellaire, Ohio, from 1904 until its closure in 1984, producing an enormous range of pressed, blown, and hand-worked glass across eight decades. The company is best known for its carnival glass (particularly the early "Imperial Grape" and "Lustre Rose" patterns), its "Candlewick" clear glass tableware line, Depression-era pressed glass, and later art glass productions. Imperial also acquired molds from other defunct companies, including Cambridge, Heisey, and Central Glass, continuing production of those popular patterns.

Identification and Marks

Imperial used several marks over its history:

• Iron cross mark (1904-1920s): An early mark resembling a Maltese cross, used on carnival glass
• "NUCUT" and "NUART": Acid-etched marks on their near-cut pressed glass and art glass lines
• "IG" superimposed: The most common mark from the mid-20th century onward
• "ALIG": Used on pieces made from acquired molds (Arthur Lorch Imperial Glass), sometimes with the original company's mark
• Paper labels: "Hand Crafted Imperial" labels used on art glass and slag glass pieces

When Imperial produced glass from Heisey or Cambridge molds, they added their own "IG" mark. Pieces without the Imperial mark but from Imperial molds require pattern identification for attribution.

Major Product Lines

• Carnival glass (1909-1930s, revived 1960s-1970s): Iridescent pressed glass in numerous patterns
• Candlewick (No. 400): Clear glass with distinctive ball-shaped beading, produced 1936-1984
• Cape Cod (No. 1602): Square-and-diamond pressed pattern, produced 1932-1984
• Free Hand art glass (1920s): Hand-blown art glass vases with pulled and dragged decoration, similar to Durand
• Slag glass: Marbled opaque glass in purple, caramel, jade, and other colors
• End of Day: Multi-colored art glass pieces

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

Carnival glass should retain its original iridescent surface without wear or cleaning damage. Harsh cleaning removes the delicate iridescent coating permanently. Candlewick's signature beaded edges are prone to chipping; examine each bead under magnification. Free Hand art glass pieces are individually made and vary, but cracks, chips, or ground-down rims reduce value substantially. Slag glass should have good color distribution and marbling. Pieces from acquired molds are valued less than originals from the Cambridge or Heisey factories, even when identical in form.

Collecting Tips

Imperial's Free Hand art glass from the 1920s represents the company's highest artistic achievement and offers strong value relative to better-known art glass makers like Durand and Steuben. The Candlewick line is one of the most extensive tableware patterns ever produced, with over 800 items catalogued, making it a rewarding pattern to collect for completionists. Carnival glass collectors should focus on early production (pre-1930) and rare color-pattern combinations, as the 1960s-1970s reproductions are common and less valued. Understanding which patterns originated with Imperial versus acquired molds is essential for accurate attribution. The company's 1984 closure means no new production, and better pieces are steadily migrating into permanent collections.