Opalescent Glass: Milky-White Edged Pressed & Blown Art Glass
Opalescent glass is characterized by a milky-white translucence that appears where the glass is thinnest, typically at edges, pattern highlights, and rims, created by reheating specific glass formulas containing bone ash or arsenic. The effect produces a striking contrast between the clear or colored body and the glowing white opalescent areas. Major American producers included Northwood, Hobbs Brockunier, Jefferson, Beaumont, National, and Fenton. English factories, particularly Davidson, Greener, and Sowerby, also produced extensive opalescent lines. Production peaked between 1880 and 1910, though Fenton continued producing opalescent glass well into the late 20th century.
Identification & Marks
- Northwood: Pieces may carry the "N" in circle mark; Spanish Lace, Jewel and Flower, and Drapery are key patterns
- Hobbs Brockunier: Produced Hobbs' Hobnail (Frances Ware) and other patterns from Wheeling, West Virginia; rarely marked
- Jefferson Glass: Produced numerous opalescent patterns from Steubenville, Ohio; occasionally marked
- Fenton: Later production (1907 onward) in many patterns; marked with the Fenton logo from the 1970s
- English makers: Davidson (lion and crown mark), Greener (lion and star), Sowerby (peacock head) -- all pressed glass
Types & Colors
- White opalescent: The most common; clear glass with white opalescent highlights
- Blue opalescent: Cobalt or medium blue body with white opalescent accents; highly collected
- Cranberry opalescent: Deep cranberry/ruby body with white opalescence; among the most valued
- Green opalescent: Various green shades with white highlights
- Vaseline opalescent: Uranium-yellow glass with opalescent edges; glows under UV light
- Blown opalescent: Includes patterns like Hobbs' Hobnail, Seaweed, and Windows; generally more valuable than pressed
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressed bowl (white opalescent) | $20 | $50 | $150 |
| Pressed bowl (blue opalescent) | $30 | $80 | $250 |
| Cranberry opalescent pitcher | $150 | $400 | $1,200 |
| Hobbs Hobnail water pitcher | $200 | $500 | $1,500 |
| Vaseline opalescent piece | $40 | $120 | $400 |
| Lamp (opalescent shade & base) | $100 | $300 | $900 |
| English pressed piece (rare form) | $30 | $100 | $350 |
Condition Factors
- Opalescent edges are the thinnest part of the glass and most susceptible to chipping
- Pattern sharpness matters: well-molded pieces with crisp detail bring premiums over weakly pressed examples
- Cranberry and vaseline opalescent pieces should show vibrant color; washed-out examples are less desirable
- Check pitchers and tumblers for rim chips, which are common from everyday use
- Applied handles on pitchers and jugs should be firmly attached with no cracks at the junction points
Collecting Tips
- Color is the primary value driver: cranberry and vaseline opalescent consistently bring the highest prices
- Blown opalescent pieces (Hobbs, Beaumont) are generally more valuable than pressed examples
- Complete water sets (pitcher plus tumblers) are rare and bring strong premiums
- English opalescent glass is often undervalued relative to American production and offers good collecting opportunities
- Fenton reproductions of classic patterns are well-documented; learn to distinguish new Fenton from vintage production by mark, glass quality, and color tone
- Specialized opalescent glass reference books by Heacock are essential for pattern identification