What Is Candlewick Glass?

Candlewick glass refers to a pressed glassware featuring an all-over decoration of air bubbles made to resemble a candlewick – the material on candles that helps light and spread the flame. The bubbles and dimpled texture create a frosted effect that diffuses light. Candlewick glass originated in the early 1900s and was popular into the 1930s.

The distinct dimpled appearance comes from a manufacturing process that injects air into molten glass. While glassblowing was sometimes used, most candlewick glassware was mass produced using molds. Major manufacturers of the era included Fenton Art Glass Company, Indiana Glass Company, and Imperial Glass Company.

Candlewick glass encompasses a variety of useful household objects like vases, trays, drinking glasses, and cake plates. The frosted candlewick texture gave it a soft, elegant glow that made it popular for decorative pieces. Candlewick glass represents a distinct historical era of glassware in America.

Origins and Early History

Candlewick glassware was first developed and produced by the Imperial Glass Company in Bellaire, Ohio in 1936 (The History Of Candlewick Glassware). The glassware featured fine opaque white glass with engraved, frosted and glossy decorative designs. The name “candlewick” comes from the resemblance of the glossy designs to the look of polished candlewick bedspreads which were popular in the 1930s.

The innovation of Candlewick glassware is credited to Imperial Glass Company’s sales representative Earl W. Newton. Newton brought the idea to Imperial after seeing similar frosted and glossy glassware designs on a business trip to New York (Collector’s Corner: Candlewick Glass).

The Candlewick line was an immediate success for Imperial Glass when it debuted at the 1936 National Glass Distributors’ Convention. The company produced Candlewick glassware continuously from 1936 until 1984 when Imperial went out of business.

Manufacturing Process

Candlewick glassware is made using a labor-intensive hand-finishing process. It starts with molten glass being blown or pressed into shape. Then, while the glass is still hot and malleable, it is decorated by skilled artisans using a special Candlewick tool. This tool has a wheel at the end that imprints a pressed design into the glass.

According to Collector’s Corner: Candlewick Glass (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/collectors-corner-candlewick-glass-jack-gilliland), the most common Candlewick pattern was a dot and ribbon design. However, artisans could create varying patterns by changing the wheel at the end of the tool.

After imprinting, the glass pieces were reheated in order to soften the patterns. Finally, the glass was slowly cooled in a process known as annealing. This prevents internal stress and cracking.

The key materials used were molten glass, specialized hand tools, and annealing ovens. The handmade process gave each piece a unique character.

Patterns and Designs

Candlewick glass is known for its distinctive patterns and designs. Some of the most popular Candlewick patterns include:

• Diamond Sunburst – Radiating diamond shapes emanating from a central point.
• Starburst – An all-over star pattern.
• Hobnail – Bumps or raised dots covering the surface.
• Octagon and Panel – Octagon shapes combined with paneled sections.

Candlewick glass tended to feature bright, vibrant colors like ruby red, sapphire blue, amethyst purple and emerald green. The patterns and colors gave them a vibrant, cheerful look. Earlier pieces from the 1830s-1860s had simpler etched or cut designs, while later pieces from the 1870s-1890s featured more elaborate, dense patterns covering the entire surface.rainbow glass candle

No two Candlewick pieces were exactly alike. The handmade production process and variability in the molds resulted in one-of-a-kind items.

Major Makers and Brands

Some of the most notable manufacturers of candlewick glass over time include:

• Imperial Glass Company – Founded in 1900 in Bellaire, Ohio, Imperial was the leading maker of candlewick glass from the 1920s-1950s. They produced a wide array of patterns like Cherry Blossom, Chantilly, and Spiral Optic.

• Cambridge Glass Company – Established in 1873 in Cambridge, Ohio, Cambridge was another major maker of candlewick glass. Some of their most popular patterns were Rose Point and Wildflower.

• Fostoria Glass Company – Founded in 1887 in Fostoria, Ohio, Fostoria produced candlewick glass from the 1920s-1980s. Their patterns included Basket Weave, Cherry Blossom, and Ming Tree.

• Westmoreland Glass Company – Westmoreland specialized in making candlewick glass from the 1930s-1980s at their factory in Grapeville, Pennsylvania. Some patterns were Honeycomb, Paneled Grape, and Wexford.

• Indiana Glass Company – Operating from 1907-1983, this Indiana-based glassmaker produced candlewick pieces like English Hobnail and Mayfair.

• Consolidated Glass Company – Also known as Consolidated Lamp and Glass, they made candlewick glass from the 1920s-1960s. Some patterns were Dot Optic, Fine Rib, and Cherry Blossom.

Collectability and Value

Candlewick glass has become quite collectible, with certain patterns and pieces reaching high values. According to one antiques expert, “a 15-piece gold punch set is worth around $3,750” (source). Rarity plays a major role, with harder to find pieces demanding higher prices. On Etsy, sellers market “rare candlewick” items (source).

Other factors that determine value include the pattern, the piece (e.g. platter, punch bowl, etc.), condition, age, and manufacturing details like color and metallic accents. According to one antiques appraiser, condition is “everything” when valuing candlewick. Chips, cracks, and cloudiness will negatively impact price. Conversely, mint condition pieces can fetch top dollar, especially if the pattern is popular and scarce.

While some everyday candlewick items remain inexpensive, rare patterns, colors, and items like full punch bowl sets command prices in the hundreds or thousands. As with most antiques, examining details like markings and researching patterns is key to properly evaluating candlewick glass value.

Identification Tips

There are a few key ways to identify if a piece is real candlewick glass:

Look for the signature “frosty” finish – Candlewick glass has a distinctive satin-like finish that diffuses light softly. This is created during the manufacturing process when compressed air is blown over the glass while the glass is still hot from being removed from the furnace. This process leaves millions of tiny air bubbles embedded within the glass, giving it the frosted look.

Examine the foot – Authentic candlewick pieces will have a “crimped” ring around the base where the glass blower attached the foot with a tool. Some reproductions will have a smooth foot without this crimping.

Inspect the rim – Quality candlewick pieces will often have a “fire-finished” rim which is rough in texture, while reproductions tend to have a smooth, even rim.

Look at the bottom – The bottom of authentic candlewick will feature the maker’s label etched or painted onto the base (companies like Fostoria, Cambridge, Imperial). Reproductions lack any markings.

Check weight – Due to the manufacturing process, genuine candlewick feels substantial and heavy compared to standard glass. Lightweight pieces are likely imitations.

As noted in “How to Identify Candlewick Glass” on Ourpastimes.com, while visually similar, authentic candlewick will feel cooler to the touch than standard glass. This is another effect of the air bubbles within the glass.

Care and Preservation

Candlewick glass requires special care and preservation techniques in order to maintain its beauty and value over time. Improper cleaning can result in clouding, etching, and other damage. It’s important to hand wash candlewick glass pieces gently using a mild dish soap and soft cloth or sponge.

Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, as these can scratch the delicate etched patterns. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots. Some collectors recommend adding a splash of white vinegar to the rinse water to create a protective barrier. Additionally, according to Candlewick Dishes by AHIntOfHome blog, denture cleaning tablets can help restore cloudiness and remove hard water stains.

Candlewick glass should never be placed in the dishwasher, as the heat and harsh detergents will likely cause irreparable damage. Store pieces carefully wrapped in soft materials away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. With proper ongoing care, candlewick glass can remain an elegant addition to any collection for generations.

Notable Pieces

Some of the most sought-after and prized candlewick glass pieces include:

Sandwich Glass Company Whale Oil Lamps

The Sandwich Glass Company, founded in 1825, was one of the earliest and most prominent makers of candlewick glass. Their whale oil lamps with crimped rims from the 1830s-1850s are rare survivors that showcase exquisite deep cutting and engraved designs. These elaborately decorated lamps can fetch upwards of $10,000 at auction.

Boston & Sandwich Glass Company Daisy and Dogwood Pattern

Introduced in 1888, the daisy and dogwood pattern featuring intricate floral motifs is one of the most beautiful and complex candlewick designs. Complete sets in pristine condition are highly prized by collectors, with goblets selling for over $1,000 apiece.

Pittsburgh Converse Glass Company Candlesticks

Converse Glass Company operated in Pittsburgh from 1829-1891. Their magnificent cut crystal candlesticks from the late 19th century often featured polished hollow stems and deep faceting. Standing over 2 feet tall, pairs of these candlesticks are worth $5,000-$8,000.

New England Glass Company Lacy Leaf Pattern

Active from 1818-1888, New England Glass Company produced masterful candlewick glass including their lacy leaf pattern in the 1860s-1870s. The intricate leaf and vine motif required great skill to execute cleanly in glass. Complete 5-piece tea sets cut in this pattern command upwards of $7,500.

Future Outlook

The future of candlewick glass collecting looks promising, as interest in mid-century vintage glassware continues to grow. According to a 2021 article on Arcadia News, “Candlewick became one of the all-time best sellers because it was a high-quality crystal and affordable for the average family.” As more millennials decorate their homes with vintage finds, the demand for candlewick glass on sites like Etsy and eBay has steadily increased over the past decade.

However, new production of authentic candlewick glassware is unlikely to resume. The original molds and tooling used by Imperial Glass are long gone. Though some modern glass makers produce decorative pieces inspired by candlewick, they lack the crisp pattern details of the originals. As John Walk, author of Candlewick: Its Glow and Glitter stated in a collector’s forum, “Once the supply of original candlewick is gone, that’s it.”

For now, avid collectors continue scouring antique malls, estate sales, and online auctions to add to their candlewick collections. Limited supply and increasing demand has caused prices for rarer candlewick pieces to rise. As Imperial’s iconic swirl and dot pattern disappears from the market, candlewick’s glow will continue lighting up the collections of vintage glass enthusiasts.