Millersburg Glass Appraisal Fair could reveal rare pieces

Somewhere lurking in the corners of a cupboard or resting on a mantle or in a curio could be some carnival glass worth some impressive numbers.

For many years Millersburg Glass has been the most highly sought carnival glass in the world due to its rarity and beauty, but how do you know if what is in your possession is Millersburg Glass?

And if you do know it to be a piece of John Fenton’s ingenuity, how do you know how much it may be worth? The Holmes County Historical Society can help answer both of those questions in one night with the presentation of the Millersburg Glass Appraisal Fair.

The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at the Sieverdes Millersburg Glass Museum, where appraiser Steve Maag and Greg Oswald will offer their knowledge of Millersburg Glass, appraising pieces brought in by the public.

The public is invited to bring in their glass treasures, no matter how big or small, and have the two experts chat about the history and value of the pieces.

Admission is free, and there is a limit of three pieces of glass per visitor. Any donations to the museum would be appreciated.

Not only can visitors bring in their glass, but also they may tour the Sieverdes Millersburg Glass Museum, where curator Chris Sieverdes will share insights into some of the most rare Millersburg Glass pieces.

The two appraisers are excited about who and what will show up the evening of the event.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what people have out there in the community,” Oswald said. “I know there is a lot of Millersburg Glass in our area, some of which they don’t even know what they have. I’m hoping some rare pieces show up.”

Maag said this event was presented many years ago and was well received, and he hopes this event will create plenty of interest in the local glass. He said the real value in this is people who don’t know what they have may find the glass they own is valuable.

“So many people don’t know what they have in Millersburg Glass,” Maag said. “We will be able to tell them what it is and share some history and details of each piece.”

He said the last time this event occurred, some truly rare pieces were brought in, much to the joy of those who took the time to present them.

Oswald said he hopes this event will inspire people to take a closer look at what they have in their homes in terms of carnival glass, and he also hopes it encourages them to take a greater interest in a rare product created right in their own backyard.

“What I like is when people come into my shop and have never heard about carnival glass, let alone Millersburg Glass, and I can share the story and watch them get excited when they start looking around at all of this unique and beautiful glass,” Oswald said.

He said many people end up buying a piece of glass, then come back in to purchase more. Soon they become members of the Millersburg Glass Association.

His goal is to initiate the younger generation in the art of carnival glass and to educate them to become more aware of the history behind John Fenton and Millersburg Glass.

“I just want people to appreciate the glass for what it is,” Oswald said. “So many people don’t realize exactly how rare and beautiful it is. Millersburg Glass is some of the most beautiful glass ever created.”

Maag said the carnival glass hobby is fun and interesting, especially here in Holmes County.

“With Millersburg Glass, it’s local, there’s loads of history and it’s valuable,” Maag said. “We encourage people who aren’t sure what they have to come in and talk with us. It should be an educational and exciting night for all of us.”

Sieverdes Millersburg Glass Museum is located at 434 N. Washington St. in Millersburg, next to the Victorian House.