Collecting Candlewick

As I have posted before, when I am out thrifting, I keep an eye out for Candlewick glass pieces.  It all started after my maternal grandmother passed away and I inherited a few pieces. I didn't even know what they were at the time.  I did know that I loved the simple beaded design and the clear glass.  I started with four dinner plates, a large salad bowl and some small pieces.  Over time I did some research, found out some history and decided that I needed to add to the collection. 

Candlewick glassware had its humble beginnings in Ohio in the mid-30s. The Imperial Glass Company opened its doors in 1904 in Bellaire, Ohio, under the direction of Edward Muhleman, a gentleman who had much experience in the glass industry. With Muhleman's guidance, The Imperial Glass Company became one of the most preeminent glass manufacturers in the country. And while their glass was high quality it was also extremely affordable for the average family; this rare combination made Imperial glass soar in popularity.

In the early 1930s Candlewick glassware was developed by Imperial's Chicago sales representative, Earl Newton. Newton made adaptations to the French Cannonball line of glassware after having seen it on a trip to New York and being taken with its distinctiveness and elegance. Newton used this design as starting ground to develop what he believed would be a unique and timeless glassware line. His resulting design reminded Newton of candlewicking - a style of needlework popular in Colonial times and thus the name was born.

The Imperial Glass Company jumped onboard and released its Candlewick line in the summer of 1936. Candlewick glassware proved itself to be one of Imperial's best sellers, as customers lined up for these elegant pieces.

(Source)

Most of the pieces I have added have come from Ebay, thrift stores and estate sales.  I have signed up to receive emails from Estatesales.net and receive notice of upcoming sales in my area.  Most of them show pictures and if I see they have any Candlewick shown I will decide whether or not to hunt it down.  

My most recent estate sale find was this large divided relish tray.  It is 13" wide and has 5 sections for olives and such.

I have not seen one like it listed on Ebay so I am not certain if the $15.00 I paid for it is a fair price or not but, no matter,  I had to have it.  

At this same sale I was also able to pick up this mayo dish that includes the under dish and spoon.  This was not pictured so I had no idea it was for sale.  It had been on my want list for a long time.  I was delighted with the $10.00 price.

At an earlier estate sale I scored this beautiful celery dish.  The handles are very unique.  I don't recall what I paid but I am sure it was under $10.00

I purchased the salt cellars from Ebay.  I have them in several sizes but the two small ones came with the cute little spoons. 

Ebay also turned up the salt and pepper shakers.  Usually, the silver plated top on the salt shaker is corroded from the salt.  These are pristine and still have the original labels on them.

My collection is ever growing and I like the variety of the pieces I have been able to find.  The pieces are loved and used for special occasions and holidays. I am now keeping an eye out for salad plates and for pieces to complete sets such as the glasses.

Now comes the "one of these things is not like the other" portion of this post.  In doing my research I found that Anchor Hocking also made pieces that resemble Candlewick and is sometimes called Boopie glass.  The difference between them is the Candlewick pattern has balls that do not run together or even touch each other. They are full circle balls that have a little space in between them. They tend to look more fragile that way. The Boopie or Anchor Hocking design has the balls touching each other without any space in between. They almost look welded together. The ever so subtle differences in the two designs have confused novice collectors (including myself) and sellers all over the world (source). 

One more disclaimer.  The snack plates and cups that I love and I have just recently gathered myself, and with the help of friends, are also not Candlewick but were made by Hazel-Atlas Glass company (source).

And then it seems this divided piece could actually be Czechoslovakian glass.

If you too enjoy collecting Candlewick glass pieces I hope this information helps you. Whatever you collect, there is fun to be found in doing research.  I know that I love all of my pieces more now that I know what their history is. I hope someday to pass them along to my sons so that they too can enjoy them and think of me as I think of my grandmother and know each piece was touched by my loving hands.

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