Northwood - Part 4

INTERCHANGEABLE MOLDS to alter patterns: This segment clearly defines the ability to interchange mold parts to create further marketing ability (an early 1900s strategy which we observe in today's ability to “stretch the invested buck”!) As we watch various selections of carnival glass present itself on eBay, many times by unsuspecting sellers who lack adequate, knowledgeable description for what they want to market, remarkable research is attained by those of us who recognize the variations presented.

Obviously, the early Northwood iridescent offerings, dating circa 1908-1910, and verified in very early Butler Bros. Catalog Assortments served at least the needs for selling Poppy Variant and Smooth Rays bowls , neither of which appear very readily for collectors of today.

VINING POPPIES: FIRST KNOWN - Northwood Stretch Vaseline (Topaze) Comport - 8 ¾” across. Round, with 12-sided base - pattern on exterior surface. Nicely iridized!

This unusual piece appeared in a Reichel Auction, Sept. 18, 2004 in Wentzville, MO., selling for $2200. We thought you would enjoy seeing this lovely compote, since many carnival glass collectors also maintain an interest in iridized stretch glass. Many of us enjoy the Fenton Florentine candlesticks, and some of the beautiful celeste blue stretch from Imperial. This lovely Northwood stretch glass compote is a pleasant departure from stretch examples having no pattern.

POPPY Pickle Dish: This is the pattern which first comes to mind when Northwood Poppy is discussed. The oval ruffled dish is seen in a multitude of colors: marigold, amethyst, green, cobalt blue, white, ice blue, lavender, black amethyst, aqua, amber, aqua opalescent, and marigold over custard. Production dates from the 1912-1914 period. It is also found in non-iridized custard. Marigold and cobalt are seen more frequently than any of the pastels, with amethyst and green not too difficult to locate. The aqua opal examples are quite desirable and expensive. Click on - P - to view an A.O. example.


POPPY VARIANT 7 in. bowl with STIPPLED DAISY interior design showing through the marie.	Interior on POPPY VT. called STIPPLED DAISY - 7.5 in. diam.

POPPY VARIANT - Marigold example: The exterior mold used for this example has a plain marie area. It is the interior STIPPLED DAISY center design which shows through to the exterior. The beading remains, but the multi-petaled flower is not included in this exterior mold.

POPPY VARIANT - Amethyst example: A very simple, early pattern, dating from the 1909 period, these 7”-7 ½” bowls have a plain interior, except for the rayed center, which usually bears the N trademark. Available in amethyst, green and marigold, they are fairly easy to locate.


POPPY VARIANT- 7 in. bowl having Poppy design within the marie exterior on this example.	HARVEST POPPY- smooth exterior

POPPY VARIANT - Green example: displaying the floral center and lacking the interior STIPPLED DAISY center is a variation on the theme certainly. Some of these green bowls have what is referred to as the Alaskan finish (rather a satin application of a mixture of green/marigold color).

HARVEST POPPY Compote: This is an exceptionally nice compote, since the pattern only appears on this scarce shape. The flowers extend out from center. Blue is very rare, (only one sold in a ten year period;) but with some effort, amethyst, green and marigold can be located. The stem and exterior of the bowl have no pattern.

BLOSSOMTIME Compote: is found in marigold, amethyst, and green. The interesting stem resembles a screw. This interior mold design was pressed into service, circa 1909. This compote is popular with collectors, and can be found only on this particular shape. There are some compotes to be found lacking the Wildflower exterior design. Perhaps as time progressed, the mold became worn and unusable, OR perhaps a “turn” was made on special order from a buyer who preferred the plain exterior.

WILDFLOWER Exterior: This compote had been in the very early production of Northwood non-iridized glass. It had been produced in crystal, emerald green, and a decorated emerald green since 1905. None of the iridized examples of Blossomtime/Wildflower compotes are easy to obtain, but well worth the effort! The more design on a piece, the more intriguing it becomes! The artistry of those mold makers is nothing short of miraculous considering the crude tools of that time period!


SMOOTH RAYS 7.50 in. Bowl--LOOK! This one has a BASKETWEAVE Exterior! and the N inside the marie!	Note the flower design in the marie of this SMOOTH RAYS 7.5 in. Bowl.

SMOOTH RAYS 7.5 in. Bowl in Amethyst	SMOOTH RAYS Hatshape 3.25 in. high x 5 in. across. Also found in amethyst and marigold.

SMOOTH RAYS: These 7 ½” bowls can be found with the famous Basketweave exterior pattern and the N within the marie, (or) with the same floral design within the marie, as seen on the Poppy Variant bowls, having a smooth outer exterior beyond the marie! Amethyst, Green and marigold are known colors.

SMOOTH RAYS: Hatshapes receive little attention in most cases. Marigold, amethyst and green are the known colors. Not only Northwood, but Dugan, Fenton, and Westmoreland made this very basic, and perhaps somewhat practical design in iridized form. Two bowl sizes, a bonbon, compote and 6” plate offer an array of desirable shapes. Iridization on many of these examples leave something to be desired, but as with many other designs, some astoundingly beautiful selections are out there to be found. Most Northwood examples will display the trademark.


DEEP WATER As we travel the roadways of life, we often find ourselves surrounded with oceans of grief or crashing waves of broken relationships. We need help. The writers of Psalms told of that needed assistance. They said God is “a refuge in times of trouble” (9:9), and that “in the time of trouble he shall---set me high upon a rock” (27:5). No disclaimers here. Traversing deep water won't affect our spiritual warranty. God will always be there to guarantee His support. When trouble overtakes you, let God take over.