Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a stunning, highly collectible pressed glass toothpick holder in the coveted 'Inverted Fan & Feather' pattern, featuring a deep, dramatic amethyst color that appears almost black. The piece sits on four elegant scroll feet and features a scalloped, crown-like rim with intricate, deeply molded feather and fan motifs.
Story
Introduced around 1900, this pattern was a triumph of Victorian table styling. Northwood designed these tiny vessels to hold toothpicks, which were a newly fashionable, must-have luxury on wealthy American dining tables.
Maker / Origin
Harry Northwood, an English immigrant from a legendary glassmaking family, founded the Northwood Glass Company in 1896. He became a pioneer of the American carnival glass industry, famous for his innovative iridescence formulas and bold, naturalistic patterns that captured the imagination of the middle class.
Condition & Value
The toothpick holder appears to be in excellent antique condition with no visible chips, cracks, or flea bites along the delicate scalloped rim or the four feet, which are highly prone to damage. Excellent preservation of the molded details. Pristine condition always commands the top end of the market value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.