Candlewick New Collectors

REFERENCE BOOKS:

1. "THE COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO IMPERIAL CANDLEWICK" by Virginia R. Scott first published in 1980 - last publish date that we have is 1999. Virginia also wrote a quarterly newsletter "THE CANDLEWICK COLLECTOR" which she started in 1976 to provide information for Candlewick collectors everywhere. The last newsletter was Dec. 2004. Virginia's new e-mail is vrs1cw@bellsouth.net At the age of 88 Virginia has finally retired! 12-12-04

2. "CANDLEWICK THE JEWEL OF IMPERIAL" by Mary M. Wetzel copyright 1981 and then "BOOK II" by Mary M. Wetzel-Tomalka copyright 1995. Mary has published updated price guides in 1999, 2002, and 2005. Mary's e-mail is Cndlwckmom@aol.com

All of the above references have price guides.

THE IMPERIAL GLASS MUSEUM

OPENED JUNE 5th, 2003 IN BELLAIRE, OH. IT HAS ALL THE CANDLEWICK AND OTHER PATTERNS FOR YOU TO SEE. IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA - DON'T MISS IT!! GET ALL OF THE INFORMATION AT imperialglass.org

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is there someplace on the web that a beginner can learn the basics and what pieces were made? Answer: This page will attempt to list the links that will direct you to find the answers - a) See Basic Rules at bottom of this page. b) The above reference books list the pieces made - plus Mary Wetzel-Tomalka sells a 3.5" floppy disc that list the pieces in the order of appearance in her book, which can be used to list your inventory as you acquire it.

2. If there are imitations, how would one learn the differences? Answer: The first three Candlewick Books listed in the reference section have a section devoted to "look-likes" or "go-with" items that look like Candlewick but are not manufactured by Imperial Glass. (Check out the link at the bottom of this page that has the most comprehensive list and pictures of beaded glass that IS NOT Candlewick). Most collectors that have acquired over 300 pieces of Candlewick agree that the more that you learn about Candlewick, the less likely that you will be tricked by a reproduction. You will learn the quality, weight, and clarity/color of Candlewick from the experience of handling it. (Sorry, but this part takes time).

3. What is Boopie? Answer: A glass made by Anchor-Hocking Glass Company that has beads around the base. (See picture below).

NOTE: The above questions appeared in the Candlewick Collector chat room on Yahoo. Register and sign in at Candlewick Collector then go back and look at three months worth of postings to see the actual questions and answers from member collectors. Suggestion - use this page to find the book that you want to begin with - buy it - and reference it and the page number when you ask the chat group if eBay item #........... is really Candlewick. At least they will know that you did some homework before asking your question. However, if you are not sure of the answer that you are trying to find, by all means - ask the group the question!!

BASICS: Candlewick has 3 basic rules.

Rule #1. PLATES, VASES, ASHTRAYS, SHAKERS, PERFUMES, COASTERS, AND CANDIES, WITH LARGE OR SMALL, OR GRADUATED BEADS, THE BEADS ARE ALWAYS SEPARATED!!! (SEE PHOTO BELOW). ANY PIECE THAT HAS BEADS TOUCHING ONE ANOTHER (IN THE HORIZONTAL PLANE) WAS NOT MADE BY IMPERIAL! (3 exceptions)

This is the Boopie Glass (above) made by Anchor- Hocking. It has fooled new candlewick collectors for years. It also has a "safe edge" - so if you see one - pick it up and see what a safe edge feels like.

Rule #2. BEADS ON STEMWARE (VERTICAL PLANE) CAN BE LARGE, SMALL, OR GRADUATED, AND HARD TO CALL THEM SEPARATED, BUT THEY ALWAYS HAVE A WAFER SEPARATING THE BEADS FROM THE BASE AND THE BOWL OF THE GLASS (SEE PICTURE BELOW). THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS - (THE HALF BEAD OYSTER COCKTAIL) WHICH IS ALSO PICTURED BELOW. STEMWARE WITH BEADS CONNECTED TO THE FOOT OR BOWL OF GLASS WITHOUT THAT WAFER (EXCEPT FOR THE EXCEPTIONS) WAS NOT MADE BY IMPERIAL!

Rule #3. IMPERIAL NEVER PUT A "SAFE EDGE" ON ANY GOBLET, JUICE, SHERBET, WINE, OR ANY OTHER KIND OF DRINKING GLASS. A "SAFE EDGE" CAN BE FELT AS A BUMP AT THE TOP RIM OF THE GLASS (USUALLY TO THE INSIDE AND VERY DISTINGUISHABLE). IF YOU CAN FEEL THIS BUMP - THEN THE GLASS WAS NOT MADE BY IMPERIAL!

Remember the "Safe Edge" rule and the picture summary below!

Rule #4. THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO EVERY RULE. FOR RULE #1 THE EXCEPTIONS ARE: THE 400/155 EAGLE, CANDLEHOLDER BASE, AND LIGHTOLIER CHANDELIER PART (LOOKS LIKE A GREAT BIG BOOPIE BASE), THE 400/276 CALIFORNIA BUTTER TOP, AND THE 400/159 OVAL TRAY WITH GRADUATED BEAD HANDLES. FOR RULE #2 THE OTHER EXCEPTIONS ARE: THE 400/63B COMPOTE, AND 400/280 CANDLEHOLDER. FOR RULE #3 THE EXCEPTION WOULD BE AN ACCIDENT - IMPERIAL FLAME POLISHED ALL OF THE TOPS OF GLASSES THAT WERE CUT OFF DURING MANUFACTURE AND THEIR INTENT WAS TO HAVE A FLAME POLISHED EDGE AND NOT CREATE A "SAFE EDGE." THERE ARE PROBABLY A FEW "ACCIDENTS" FLOATING AROUND COLLECTOR LAND - JUST TO MAKE RULE #4 VALID.

Good Luck acquiring your collection -- and Remember....

"The Fun is in the Hunt"

LINKS For all Candlewick collectors...

NIGCS National Imperial Glass Collectors Society.

MACC Michiana Association of Candlewick Collectors.

TRIGC Texas Regional Imperial Glass Collectors.

CANDLEWICK COLLECTORS Chat room on Yahoo. e-mail link.

Candlewick Stems reference page. Most are ruby colored.

Other Beaded Glass that is NOT IMPERIAL CANDLEWICK!!

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