Goofus Glass is an American pressed glass that was cold painted; not fired on. It is
unknown how exactly it got its name. It was originally marketed as "Oriental Art",
"Egyptian Art", "Khedive", "Golden Oriental", and "Intaglio Art". Later, it was known
as Mexican ware, hooligan hoolies, Bridal glass, Gypsy glass, and pickle glass. It was,
also, the first "carnival glass" until a better more stable colored "carnival glass"
was produced. The designs were either embossed or cut in(Intaglio)in usually red, green,
gold metallic, bronze, pink, and purple.
It was produced between 1890-1920 by many well-known glass manufacturers.
Northwood Glass Co., Indiana Glass, Imperial Glass, and Dugan were just a few.
It was mainly given away as prizes at the fairs, carnivals, movies, and gasoline filling
stations.
There was one shortcoming which brought it to its end. The un-fired paint did not
"wear" well. It was easily chipped and/or worn off with handling and daily use.
Pieces that are most sought after are those that still bear most or all of their original
paint.
Leave the entire original paint intact on any Goofus glass objects you have or find.
Repainting is NOT restoring, nor is it repairing. If the paint is almost gone, either just
strip it all off or leave it as is. Avoid handling Goofus repeatedly. Stacking it exposes
it to scratching or flaking of the paint. Storing it in the attic subjects it to extreme
temperatures. It is not dishwasher safe.
MARKS
Marks of Goofus glass made by Northwood includes "N", "N" in one circle, "N" in two circles,
or one or two circles without the "N".
To view some examples of what is NOT Goofus Glass:
NOT Goofus Glass
To view examples of Goofus Glass:
Goofus Glass
RESOURCES:
The Glass Cottage
Goofus Museum Glass
Warman's Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide-32nd Edition
Kovels' Complete Antiques Price List-Ninth Edition
Schroeder's Antiques Price Guide - 18th Edition, 2000
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