Imperial Glass

Imperial Glass

Imperial Glass was founded in 1901 by Edward Muhleman, however, glass production did not start until 1904.  The factory was located in Bellaire, Ohio and was called the largest glass factory under one roof.  The former corporate office building now houses the National Imperial Glass Museum.  The factory itself was demolished in 1995. 

The jade glass produced by Imperial is a much darker green color than that produced by other manufacturers of “clambroth” jade, such as Fenton, New Martinsville, and Northwood.  The company was acquired by Lenox China in the 1973 and renamed Lenox Imperial Glass.  Due to low demand the company closed in 1984.

Most pieces of Imperial Glass are marked.  Common hallmarks include:  a cross with the name Imperial, a “G” superimposed over an “I”, and after the purchase by Lenox an L was added to the “I” & “G” logo.  Jade colored glass was produced both before and after the purchase by Lenox.