Marigold Carnival Glass Bowl with Scalloped Edge

This is a classic piece of Carnival glass, likely dating from the early 20th century (approx. 1910-1930). It features a central circular basin surrounded by a wide, decorative rim with a scalloped, sawtooth edge. The item exhibits a vibrant marigold or iridescent amber hue, shimmering with metallic rainbow reflections typical of the 'poor man's Tiffany' style. The interior of the bowl displays vertical optic ribbing, while the wide rim is elaborately embossed with a floral and leaf pattern, possibly the 'Apple Blossom' or 'Pansy' motif common to manufacturers like Fenton or Northwood. The construction is pressed glass, characterized by significant weight and visible mold lines. The piece stands on a low pedestal base with a starburst pattern pressed into the underside. Condition appears very good, with no visible large cracks or significant chips, though minor straw marks (cooling lines) and small bubbles indicative of period manufacturing processes are present. The iridescence is well-preserved with minimal surface wear or 'clover' rubbing. This reflects high-quality craftsmanship from the American brilliant period, showcasing the era's fascination with prismatic light effects and molded organic textures.

Based on my visual examination of the provided images, this piece appears to be an authentic example of early 20th-century Marigold Carnival Glass, likely manufactured by Fenton Art Glass Company, potentially in their 'Lions' or 'Apple Tree' variant patterns, though definitive attribution often requires handling to feel mold seams and glass thickness. The iridescence is particularly strong, displaying the characteristic metallic rainbow sheen that collectors seek. The condition appears commensurate with its age (circa 1910-1925), retaining excellent clarity. I noted the specific mention of straw marks and bubbles; these are not defects but rather manufacturing characteristics of pressed glass from this era, confirming its vintage status rather than suggesting modern reproduction. From a market perspective, Marigold is the most common color produced during the Carnival Glass era, which keeps values modest compared to rarer hues like amethyst or cobalt blue. While the 'sawtooth' scalloped edge adds visual interest, this remains a widely available category in the antique market. Current auction results for similar Marigold bowls usually settle in the $30-$60 range, depending on the crispness of the mold strike. As with any photo-based appraisal, I cannot definitively test for repairs such as ground-down chips on the sawtooth rim or resin fillers, nor can I check for 'sick glass' (permanent cloudiness) hidden by the lighting. A physical inspection would be necessary to confirm the absence of microscopic flea bites on the rim and to verify the specific maker's mark if present.