Features

• As explained in the "Glass Encyclopedia," hobnail glass became popular during the Victorian era and can be recognized because of its "regular pattern of raised knobs, like the hobnail studs sometimes used on boot soles." These hobnails are created by blowing or pressing the glass into a mold. Carnival glass began to appear on the market in 1904 and is characterized by its rainbow-like iridescent colors. It is often called the poor man's Tiffany. Hobnail carnival glass marries these two forms.
  
  

Important Makers

• Some of the top names in hobnail and carnival art glass include Westmoreland Glass, Fenton Art Glass, Hobbs Brockunier & Co., Kemple Glass, Northwood, Imperial, Dugan and Millersburg. Each manufacturer has its own marks and shapes.
  
  

Identification

• Looking at guides will help collectors learn to identify this type of glass, especially when faced with an unmarked piece. Because this is a hybrid of two styles of glassware, guides for both carnival glass and hobnail glass will be helpful. Some examples of collectors' guides for hobnail and carnival glass include "Fenton Art Glass Hobnail Patterns" by Margaret Whitmyer and Kenn Whitmyer, "Standard Encyclopedia of Carnival Glass" by Mike Carwile, "Warman's Carnival Glass: Identification and Price Guide" by Ellen Tischbein Schroy, and "Carnival Glass: The Magic and the Mystery" by Glen Thistlewood and Stephen Thistlewood.
  
  

Expert Insight

• When learning to identify glass, talking to other collectors can be a valuable resource. Joining collectors' clubs will put enthusiasts in touch with other collectors and give them access to news about art glass shows and sales where they will be able to see a large art glass selection. Some collectors clubs are the International Carnival Glass Association, National Westmoreland Glass Collectors Club and the National Depression Glass Association.
  
  

Where to Find It

• Both brick-and-mortar and online antiques stores give collectors the opportunity to see and buy hobnail carnival glass. Go Antiques, Ruby Lane and Just Glass Mall are online stores that have a good selections of art glass. Online auction sites are also good sources of art glass inventory. Exploring what is up for sale on eBay, for example, can show collectors the many shapes and styles of hobnail carnival glass and what people are willing to pay for specific pieces.