Antiques Know How Research
Candlewick Glass Value & Identification
Our research at Antiques Know How, based on an in-depth analysis of more than 100 items sold on eBay and at several other auction houses, shows that vintage Candlewick glass can be worth $10 to $350, depending on color, shape, and rarity. Besides, authentic Candlewick glassware features a consistent spacing between the beading, while fakes or reproductions show closely packed or looped beading.
Antiques Know How
Have you seen a large, transparent glass luncheon plate with tiny beads around the rim? That’s Candlewick glassware! It is one of the most collectible vintage glass lines from the 1930s, famous for its glass-beaded pattern that currently sells for hundreds of dollars!
That’s right! Authentic vintage Imperial Candlewick glassware is a hot collectible these days. And through this guide, you will be able to explore some of the most popular pieces as well as learn expert advice on how to appraise authentic Candlewick!
What is Candlewick Glassware?
Candlewick glass is basically a glassware line or pattern released by Imperial Glass Company in 1936. Officially called Line #400, this glass is known for its “candlewick” edge, resembling an old embroidery technique in which tufted cotton threads create a beaded effect.
Unlike the heavy, ornate Depression Glass, Candlewick had clean lines and distinctive little glass spheres around the edges.
Why Is It So Collectible?
Candlewick was a superhit line and was manufactured for almost forty-eight years (from 1936 to 1984), and that’s its biggest selling point.
During that time, Imperial produced over 650 different shapes. Today, collectors love hunting for the rare pieces, especially ones with colored beads or unusual serving pieces that were only made for a short time.
How to Tell Real Candlewick Glass?
As popular as Candlewick was, other companies such as Anchor Hocking and Boonton also manufactured similar candlewick glasses. Some sellers also try to pass off cheap glassware with a similar design as real Candlewick.
To verify whether you have authentic antique candlewick glass, check for the following characteristics:
- Bead Spacing: The beads on real Imperial Candlewick have a little space between them. A rim where the beads touch each other all the way around indicates it’s either a copy or the Anchor Hocking Boopie pattern.
- Balls Vs. Loops: A genuine candlewick pattern shows consistent tiny balls around the edge, while fake pieces show closed loops instead of balls at the edge.
- Glass Quality: Candlewick was high-quality “Elegant Glass,” which barely showed any mold seams due to fire-polishing. So, if you see a sharp, rough seam running through the beads, it’s a red flag.
- Weight and Feel: Imperial used high-quality glass for its candlewick line. So, authentic pieces usually feel solid and well-balanced. The beads should be smooth and perfectly round, not oval or squashed.
- Clarity: Most Candlewick is crystal clear. Imperial used good glass that doesn’t turn yellow or cloudy the way cheaper glass does.
- Catalog Numbers: The company assigned the Candlewick line the number 400, plus specific numbers for different shapes in its catalogs. For example, 400/16 is a 1-Pint Jug, #400/40H is a handled heart shape dish, etc. Make sure to check the catalog numbers to identify the exact piece.
Note: Although Imperial began using a superimposed “IG” marking, this mark is barely found on its candlewick line.
What Factors Determine Candlewick Value?
To find out whether your vintage candlewick glass is worth anything, you need to check different aspects, like its color, shape, rarity, and completeness. Here’s how these factors impact value:
- Color: About 90% of Imperial’s Candlewick glassware is clear, which means clear pieces are common and hold average value. Pieces in rare colors like Cobalt Blue, Ruby Red, Ritz Blue, or Alexandrite (lavender) are more valuable.
- Complexity: The more complicated the shape or design of the dish/piece, the higher the value. That’s why a 4-piece Candlewick epergne, a tilted ball jug, or a three-tier tidbit tray will usually be worth more than a round plate!
- Completeness: Imperial released many Candlewick items in sets, like a punch bowl set, dinner plate set, etc. Generally, a complete set is worth more than single pieces; a punch bowl without the matching cups or a salt shaker missing its beaded stopper loses 40-60% of its value.
- Condition: Raised beads are prone to chipping, which can severely reduce the value. So, check your piece for “flea bites” and cracks. Cloudiness in glass is another common issue that can affect the value, despite no cracks or chips.
Collectible Imperial Candlewick Glass Items to Find!
Below are some highly valuable Candlewick glassware pieces you must look for in thrift stores or in your own collection!
1. Imperial’s Footed Rose Bowl
This massive 7.5-inch rose bowl features a rounded globe atop a beaded pedestal foot. Made during Imperial’s golden years, this bowl is considered rare and can command prices of around $150 to $400.
Because these were hand-blown and produced for a very short window, these bowls are quite rare to find today. One in pristine condition can easily fetch $100 TO $300+!
| Average Value | $150 to $350 |
| Item Type | Large Round Bowl/Vase |
| Color | Light Rose Pink |
| Made | 1940s – 1950s |
| Collectibility | Popular Gift Item |
2. Imperial’s Liberty Ashtray Set
This is a complete patriotic “Liberty” nested ashtray set that Imperial only made during World War II in 1943! The set has three round ashtrays in gorgeous colors: aqua blue (4 inches), champagne yellow (5 inches), and cranberry pink (6 inches).
What makes these trays special is the patriotic decorations molded into their bases. The blue one shows a “V” for Victory with encircling stars, the yellow one shows an American shield with stripes and 13 stars, and the pink one shows an eagle on a ball with stars circling it.
The regular colored nested ashtray sets (without the patriotic designs) were made from 1942 to 1961, but the Liberty versions with these patriotic motifs were produced for just one year in 1943, making them extremely rare!
| Average Value | $200 to $350 |
| Item Type | Liberty Ashtray Set |
| Color | Aqua Blue, Champagne Yellow, Cranberry Pink |
| Made | 1943 |
| Collectibility | Highly Collectible as a Full Set |
3. Candlewick Glass Candle Holders with Candles
This stunning set of candleholders can easily be one of the most elegant pieces in any Candlewick collection. Each piece features the signature beaded-glass design, with dramatic hanging prisms (beads) that reflect light beautifully.
The tall pedestal is made of large, stacked glass balls, sitting on a wide, round foot. These prism candleholders are considered rare and highly desirable among collectors!
| Average Value | $150 to $300 (set); $50 to $100 (singles) |
| Item Type | Prism Candleholders |
| Color | Clear Glass |
| Made | 1930s to 1980s |
| Collectibility | Popular Centerpieces, Valuable in Sets |
4. Imperial Candlewick Punch Bowl Set
This is the ultimate centerpiece, a complete Candlewick punch bowl set. It generally includes a large 12-inch bowl, a ladle, anywhere from 11 to 24 cups, and a matching beaded underplate or underliner (often 16-18 inches across).
Note that the bowl features the signature Candlewick beading around the rim, while the cups feature it on their handles. Since finding a full set is quite difficult today, they can easily go for $75-200, based on the number of cups and the condition!
| Average Value | $75-200 (full set) |
| Item Type | Punch Bowl Set |
| Color | Clear Glass |
| Made | Mid 1930s to 1984 |
| Collectibility | Highly Collectible Complete Sets |
5. Ruby Glass Stemware
Ruby red Candlewick sherbet glasses are super popular among collectors. They feature a deep red bowl atop the classic clear beaded stem and a broad, round, flat base. Since they were taught to make (because you need gold salts) and only made for a short window, they’re highly collectible.
| Average Value | $100 to $250 (full set) |
| Item Type | Sherbet Glasses |
| Color | Ruby Red and Clear Glass |
| Made | 1937 to 1941 |
| Collectibility | Valuable in Full Sets |
6. Large Candlewick Lidded Candy Dish
This covered candy dish can be a perfect centerpiece on a modern dining table! You can easily identify this by its distinctive “beaded base” design and the wide beaded rim. While many Candlewick items have beads only on the rim, this rare variation features them on the foot and the lid’s finial as well.
| Average Value | $70 to $200 |
| Item Type | Lidded Candy Dish |
| Color | Clear Glass |
| Made | 1930s to 1980s |
| Collectibility | Popular Centerpieces |
7. Clear Single Horn Epergne
The single-horn epergne is one of the most artistic, high-tier, and rare decorative pieces in the Candlewick line. This one is a two-piece set, featuring a tall, trumpet-shaped detachable vase that fits into a crimped bowl, supported by a beaded pedestal.
The entire piece showcases those iconic glass beads running around the rim and base. They’re not as common as everyday pieces, which makes them more desirable.
Note: Three or four-piece Candlewick epergnes are rarer and can sell for $150 to $300+ in excellent condition.
| Average Value | $70 to $200 |
| Item Type | Epergne |
| Color | Clear Glass |
| Made | 1940s – 1980s |
| Collectibility | Popular Centerpieces |
8. Heart-Shaped Candy Dish
This adorable heart-shaped candy dish measures about 6 inches across and features beaded glass balls circling the heart-shaped rim. These charming dishes were made from the late 1930s through 1984 and were popular for holding candy, nuts, or mints.
They’re usually common and affordable, but the heart shape adds extra collectibility and wow factor. Also, colored Candlewick candy dishes, like Cobalt Blue or Ritz Blue, hold higher values of up to $50 t0 $100+.
| Average Value | $10 to $20 |
| Item Type | Small Candy Dish |
| Color | Clear Glass |
| Made | 1940s – 1980s |
| Collectibility | Average |
9. Candlewick 80 Ounce Pitcher
This gorgeous water pitcher can be a standout piece in any Candlewick collection. Standing about 9 inches tall, it features the classic ice lip design and an elegant Candlewick-style handle with those signature glass balls!
This combination makes them more desirable than simpler pitcher styles. As for value, recent sales show that Candlewick pitchers are usually worth $30-80, depending on condition.
| Average Value | $30 to $80+ |
| Item Type | Ice-lip Pitcher |
| Color | Clear Glass |
| Made | 1930s to 1984 |
| Collectibility | Moderate |
10. Clear 2-Tier Tidbit Tray
Made for serving cookies, appetizers, or desserts, these tiered trays were popular entertaining pieces from the 1940s through the 1980s. It consists of two or three plates with a Candlewick edge, connected by a metal handle or post.
Candlewick Tidbit trays typically sell for $25-40, or more if they still have their original labels and handles/posts intact.
| Average Value | $25 to $45+ |
| Item Type | Tidbit (Cookie/Cupcake) Trays |
| Color | Clear Glass |
| Made | 1930s to 1970s |
| Collectibility | Average |
11. Candlewick Tall Footed Salt Pepper Shakers
You can easily spot these Candlewick salt and pepper shakers by their distinctive bulbous bodies and pedestal-style feet, featuring glass beads around the edges. They come with metal screw-on tops (chrome or silver-toned).
Footed shakers like these are sought after among collectors who want functional pieces.
| Average Value | $12-$30 (Pairs) |
| Item Type | Salt and Pepper Shakers |
| Color | Clear Glass |
| Made | 1940s to 1960s |
| Collectibility | Moderately Valuable in Pairs |
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