How Can I Tell If My Candlewick Is Real?

Table of Contents

History of Candlewick Glass

Candlewick glassware was first produced in 1936 by the Imperial Glass Company in Bellaire, Ohio (History). It was developed by Imperial’s chief designer George DuncanWheaton and production manager Arthur M. Conley. The glass got its name from the candlewick embroidery pattern that ran along the edges, inspired by colonial-style needlework (
History).

Candlewick became Imperial’s most successful glassware line (Collector’s Corner: Candlewick Glass). It was manufactured from 1936 until 1984, with thousands upon thousands of pieces made. The glassware grew hugely popular over time for its affordability and decorative charm.

Though Imperial Glass was the original and predominant maker of Candlewick, some other companies like Indiana Glass also produced their own versions later on. But Imperial remained the leading Candlewick manufacturer throughout the main decades of popularity in the mid-20th century.

Common Candlewick Patterns

Some of the most popular Candlewick glassware patterns include Petalware, Madras, and Timberline.

Petalware features delicate etched floral designs, often with flower petal-shaped borders. This elegant pattern was produced from 1936-1941 and is one of the most collectible Candlewick patterns today (Source).

Madras displays a woven “basketweave” pattern, evoking the look of traditional Indian Madras fabric. Produced from 1936-1969, Madras Candlewick comes in clear and colored glass varieties (Source).

Timberline features wood grain-inspired vertical ribbing etched into the glassware. This pattern was produced from 1949-1969 and can be found in beautiful earthy colors like amber, jadeite, and smoky topaz.

Other common etched Candlewick patterns include Mayfair, Spring Garden, American Home, and Colonial. The etched designs showcase the skilled glass artisans who hand-crafted each piece.

Look for the Candlewick Mark

Authentic Imperial Candlewick glassware is marked with the Candlewick logo, usually etched on the bottom of each piece. The mark features an image of a colonial candlestick holder with the word “Candlewick” arched over the top. Underneath is the word “Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.” indicating it is a registered trademark in the United States.

The Candlewick logo mark was first used in 1936 when the glassware was introduced by Imperial Glass Company in Bellaire, Ohio. Pieces produced from 1936-1984 will feature this etched logo mark. Checking for the presence and style of this mark is one of the best ways to identify true vintage Candlewick glassware.

According to Worthpoint, the early Candlewick mark featured a thinner font and more delicate logo image compared to later versions of the mark. As the molds aged over decades of production, the mark evolved to become bolder and thicker.

Examine the Quality

An important way to authenticate Candlewick glass is to carefully examine the quality and craftsmanship. Genuine antique Candlewick has a nice thickness and substantial heft to it. Pick up the glassware and feel the weight – quality Candlewick should feel solid and heavy in your hand.

Also inspect the base of the glass. Authentic Candlewick will have a smooth, even base that sits flat. Many reproductions have uneven or rough bases that don’t sit perfectly flat. Imperfections in the base are a sign that the glass may not be authentic old Candlewick.

The glass itself should have a refined smoothness and lack bubbles or imperfections. Antique Candlewick was expertly crafted to have a flawless clear quality. If you spot inclusions, air bubbles, or a rippled effect within the glass, it points to a reproduction.

According to Judy Prather, author of “Information on Candlewick,” the thickness and weight are keys to spotting the real deal: “Genuine old Candlewick pieces have a nice, thick, heavy feel when picked up” (Source). So take the time to really examine the heft and quality of construction.

Check the Colors

Candlewick glass comes in a variety of colors, with some being more common than others. The most common Candlewick colors include:

Amber – Ranging from a light honey color to a deeper amber. Amber Candlewick was very common.
Jade – Ranging from a pale mint green to a deeper emerald green. Jade was a popular color.
Cobalt Blue – A rich royal blue color. Cobalt blue was frequently used.
Milk Glass – An opaque white glass. Milk glass Candlewick exists but is less common.
Vaseline Glass – A transparent yellowish glass. Vaseline Candlewick is fairly rare.

Other less common Candlewick colors include amethyst, pink, and smoke. Multicolored Candlewick with hand-painted enamel decorations also exists but is very rare. When examining Candlewick glass, look for colors that match the original palette used by the Imperial Glass Company in the 1920s-1930s.

The wide range of colors is part of what makes Candlewick glass so appealing to collectors. Pay attention to hues and evaluate whether the color seems consistent with antique Candlewick pieces. As always, be wary of reproductions in colors not original to Candlewick.

Study the Etching Style

One of the key features of authentic antique Candlewick glass is the intricate, detailed etching. According to a Reddit discussion on r/glasscollecting, Candlewick glass pieces often feature delicate etched designs like the popular Cornflower pattern created by Imperial Glass.

When examining a piece of Candlewick glass, pay close attention to the depth, intricacy and consistency of the etched design. Authentic vintage Candlewick will have a crisp, clear etching with uniform depths and details throughout the pattern. The etched lines should be fine and consistent without any blotchiness or fading.

Quality etching on Candlewick glass requires skilled artisanship which is very difficult to reproduce. If the etching appears shallow, uneven or sloppy, it is likely a fake or reproduction. Studying the etching style carefully can help identify genuinely old and authentic Candlewick glassware.

Know What Makes It Valuable

When determining the value of Candlewick glassware, there are a few key factors to consider:

Rarity of Pattern and Color

The rarest and most sought-after Candlewick pieces tend to be those with uncommon patterns and colors. For example, pieces in more unusual hues like peach or turquoise often fetch higher prices than common clear glass pieces. Rare patterns like the “banana boat” are also highly desirable to collectors.

Condition

As with most antiques and collectibles, the condition of Candlewick glassware greatly impacts its value. Items in pristine condition with no chips, cracks, or cloudiness are worth more than damaged pieces. The condition of any gold leaf trim is also important.

Manufacturer

Candlewick was produced primarily by Imperial Glass, so pieces marked with the Imperial mark tend to be more valuable than unmarked pieces which could have been made by other manufacturers. According to this Candlewick collector group, Imperial-marked pieces can sell for twice as much as unmarked ones.

In general, the finest quality antique Candlewick pieces in mint condition, rare colors and patterns can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. More common pieces tend to go for $10-50 depending on condition.

Spotting Fakes and Reproductions

As Candlewick glassware has become more popular with collectors, reproductions and outright fakes have flooded the market. Here are some telltale signs that a piece may not be authentic Candlewick glass:

Brand new condition but vintage pattern – Most real Candlewick pieces will show at least some minor wear consistent with age. If a piece looks pristine but is supposed to be from the 1920s-30s, it is likely a modern reproduction.

Modern glass material – Authentic Candlewick used lead glass. Many reproductions use cheaper soda-lime glass which looks different under close inspection. Examine the glass closely in good light.

Missing Candlewick mark – Genuine pieces should be marked with the Candlewick logo. Lack of any mark is a red flag.

Too perfect – Mold lines and variations in the bead shapes are common on original Candlewicks. Fakes tend to have machine-perfect uniformity. Study the detail work closely.

Brand new box or labels – Anything purporting to come in original Candlewick packaging is almost certainly a fake. Legitimate pieces rarely have boxes or labels remaining after 80-100 years.

If in doubt, consult a reputable antiques dealer or expert. There are also resources online for identifying known fakes and reproductions. Do your homework before purchasing questionable Candlewick glassware.

Authenticating Candlewick Glass

There are a few ways to help confirm the authenticity of your Candlewick glass including:

Getting an appraisal from a reputable antique dealer or auction house that specializes in Candlewick glass. Some experts can provide authentication services to verify if a piece is real Candlewick or a reproduction.

Examining the quality and weight of the glass. Authentic Candlewick should have thick, heavy glass that often features air bubbles and slight imperfections from being handmade.

Looking for original Imperial Glass company markings like “IG” inside a diamond shape or the full “Imperial Glass” name etched on the bottom of pieces from the 1960s onward. Earlier pieces will not have markings.

Researching the specific pattern. If it is a very rare or uncommon Candlewick design, that can help confirm it’s an original piece, not a later reproduction.

Consulting advanced collectors of Candlewick glass. Look for collectors who have extensive experience and expertise authenticating Candlewick.

Tracing the provenance or history of ownership back to the original purchase if possible. Having documentation helps verify the age and origins of a glass piece.

Taking it to an antiques appraiser. Reputable appraisers have the knowledge to properly date and authenticate Candlewick glass.

Caring for and Displaying Your Candlewick

Properly caring for your Candlewick glassware will help preserve its beauty and value for years to come. When cleaning, use mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads which can scratch the glass ^[1]. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. White vinegar in the rinse water helps remove hard water spots and stains. Denture cleaning tablets can also be effective for a deep clean ^[1].

To prevent scratches, store Candlewick pieces carefully using soft cloths or foam. When displaying, use shelves lined with felt or a tablecloth. Avoid stacking items which can lead to chips and cracks. Handle with care since the glass is delicate and thin. Proper dusting and handling will help keep the distinctive Candlewick pattern sparkling.

Candlewick glass looks beautiful displayed in china cabinets or on open shelves. The designs shine when placed near natural light. Group pieces together for a coordinated collection. With proper care and display, your Candlewick glassware will maintain its antique charm and value for generations.