Patterns and shapes can be a big influence on rarity and worth. Animal   
   patterns are always popular and in recent years vases have come into their   
   own.  Millersburg has been known to produce some of their bowls in a square   
   shape, which is always popular.  In the vase category, larger vases in base   
   diameter (typically over 5 inches), called Funeral vases are most popular and   
   command higher prices, especially if they are short in height!  These are   
   often referred to as "Elephant Foot" vases and they bring top dollar. Pieces   
   referred to as "Whimsies" often are king when it comes to value.  Probably the   
   miniature spittoons fashioned often from tumblers are most unusual!   
      
   There are a number of manufacturers that produced Carnival Glass. The major US   
   manufacturers are   
   Fenton, Williamstown, WV   
   Northwood, Wheeling, WV   
   Millersburg, Millersburg, Oh.   
   Dugan, Indiana, Pa.   
   Imperial, Bellaire, Oh.   
      
   There are many others, but for the purpose of this article, I have named the   
   most major US makers.  All manufacturers are unique in their own right.  Most   
   are known for colors and finishes that they produced.  Fenton is known for   
   their Red carnival, Northwood for their Aqua Opal, Millersburg for their   
   radium finish, Dugan for Peach Opal, and Imperial for their Purple in my   
   opinion.   
      
   As just mentioned, some manufacturers added another dimension to their product   
   and that is an opalescent finish.  This is a milky white effect to a portion   
   of the glass that was produced by adding Bone Ash to the glass.  In most   
   cases, these pieces are very desirable and in demand.   
      
   When I was first exposed to all of these colors, it was through Lamar Sharp.    
   He would take the time to pull pieces off his shelves and out of his cabinets   
   to talk to me about them and explain the different colors and finishes.  As   
   mentioned before, he explained that color and condition is king.  Whatever you   
   could afford, always get the very best example you can find.  Buy what you   
   love because you love it and not for the thought of investment.  So many high   
   dollar pieces purchased today at auction are purchased as an investment, I'm   
   not condemning that but thinking that way somehow takes the fun and innocence   
   out of the joy of pure collecting.  I'm not a big well known collector who   
   travels in any club circles nor an investor.  I'm just someone who loves the   
   glass for what it is, out there looking for the next great piece to be found   
   and reflect on those early days when I first discovered it and a person who   
   took the time to show me this American treasure in glass history.   
   [continued...]   
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   --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Dada-2   
    * Origin: Prism bbs (1:261/38)