Northwood Grape Leaves Clambroth Ruffled Bowl

Here we present a common Northwood pattern in an uncommon color, clambroth. When one thinks of clambroth Carnival Glass it is not Northwood that comes to mind first, but Imperial. Yet here it is, Northwood clambroth in all its delightful glory. 

In his book Northwood Carnival Glass 1908-1925, Carl O. Burns acknowledges clambroth as a Northwood base glass. He states, "It is rarely found on Northwood pieces, but some examples do exist."

Further, under the Grape Leaves description he writes, "There is also a handful of known examples in what appears to be a true clambroth or "ginger ale" coloring, with a spectacular pastel, multi-color iridescence." That aptly describes this particular bowl.

​Now this was a really fun piece to find and yet another example or proof that there is plenty of good Carnival Glass out there just waiting to be discovered. This beauty was found in the basement of a Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin antique store in a dark corner on a table ​that​ was quite hard to access. I had to stretch and reach a good 5 feet​ to evenn put my hand on it. I had no idea what color it was in the gloom​, but could easily identify it as a Northwood Grape Leaves ruffled bowl. When I first looked at it I thought it was perhaps pastel marigold with lots of blue iridescence.

When brought into daylight, the first thing that struck me was the magnificent iridescence shining through the dirt and grime. The clambroth color was easily seen​ when held to the light. It was not marigold. The iridescence is astounding, these pictures do not do it justice. There is the delightful yellow that one expects with pastel marigold iridescence, then the peacock blue, lime green, hot pink and violet. All of this makes for an interesting and rare Northwood beauty, which this lovely bowl certainly is.

The Kate & Bill Lavelle Collection