Here is an iridescent glass chip and dip serving bowl. The pattern is called Lido Soreno Aurora. It was made by Anchor Hocking in 1968 and the pattern was manufactured for only one season. It is considered rare but not particularly valuable, with pieces ranging from $35 to $100 on third-party marketplaces.
Carnival glass is an area of interest for many collectors, pickers, and vintage enthusiasts. The iridescent finish on carnival glass was produced by spraying liquid metallic salts on hot pressed glass.
Carnival glass is also referred to as rainbow glass, dope glass, and my favorite, “poor man’s Tiffany.” Carnival glass was produced in the United States in the early twentieth century, with most production occurring prior to 1925.
How do you think our poor man’s Tiffany tested via XRF?
Reading on the Glass:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| Antimony (Sb) | 10 | +/- 3 |
| Other Elements | +/- | |
| Ba | 1489 | +/- 22 |
| Br | 8 | +/- 1 |
The sample was tested in consumer goods TestAll mode using a Niton XL3t 700S for 60 seconds. Results are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Testing Summary
The item is non-detect for lead. The item is non-detect for cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
Very trace antimony was detected.
We do not have a concern for trace heavy metals bound within glass and have not discovered any peer-reviewed research pertaining to leaching in carnival glass. It is unknown whether the trace antimony is present in the coating or glass.
The question of whether the metallic salts that imbue carnival glass with its characteristic colors are considered safe for food use or could potentially leach when exposed to acidic food does not appear to be well-researched. Metallic salts used in carnival glass include tin, magnesium, iron, and others. Depression glass can be made with added lead, uranium, and arsenic in the glass itself. None of those elements were detected in this example of carnival glass.
We use this piece and do not personally have concerns. We rinse the dish in gentle soap and water and avoid scouring to protect the coating, which is thin. Carnival glass must be treated with care to prevent chips, scratches, fading, and cracks.
We Prefer:
Vintage and colored glass can sometimes contain heavy metals. We have not tested enough examples of carnival glass to be able to surmise whether lead or other elements of interest are commonly present. However, modern pressed glass is usually non-detect for lead and a good option for the kitchen.
To avoid lead, we recommend skipping new, vintage, and antique kitchen products made using unknown metals, solder, brass, crystal, painted coatings on metal or glass, and glazed or enameled finishes. Newer products are much more likely to be non-detect or trace lead than older products.
When possible, we recommend that items used in the kitchen, especially components that make direct food contact be under 90-100 parts per million or lead free. This trace amount of lead is consistent with limits enforced on new children’s products sold in the United States. There is no federal limit for lead in kitchen items or other similar consumer goods sold for adult use.
Although we do not recommend products made with lead or cadmium, we do not have a concern for glazed products if they are in good condition and leach tested to comply with current FDA and Prop 65 standards. We do not have a concern for trace heavy metals bound in glass. We do avoid lead crystal because it can release lead into food and beverages.
Recommended Glass Serving Bowls:
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Because carnival glass is a unique vintage product and part of American history, the examples below are new serving dishes made from clear pressed glass and unlikely to contain lead or cadmium. Boring, we know!
Anchor Hocking 3 Quart Contemporary Serving Bowl
Why we like it: Anchor Hocking still produces quality glass bowls in the USA.
Why we like it: This product is made by Pyrex in the USA.
Why we like it: Here’s an affordable starter set of glass bakeware from Anchor Hocking.
Disclaimer: These items have not always been personally tested by us but are likely to be lead free or low lead and/or cadmium based on our research into the materials, discussions with manufacturers, and/or testing on similar products. We recommend items we would use ourselves.
We provide our XRF testing for general educational or informational purposes only to help consumers identify low lead and lead-free products. We hereby disclaim any and all warranties, expressed or implied, and assume no duty or responsibility with respect to how any person or entity chooses to use the information on this website.