Featured Pattern:  New Martinsville Radiance

New Martinsville made Radiance from 1936 to 1939 and it was the glass that helped New Martinsville get through the depression.  Apparently this stylish pattern sold well and appealed to people looking for a bit of drama on their table.

New Martinsville Radiance Amber Cordial

You may find Radiance in striking colors like ruby and ice blue and with a bit of searching see cobalt blue, green and pink.  New Martinsville amber is rich and warm, and looks great with crystal or white china trimmed with gold.

New Martinsville made crystal too, which they sold plain and used for etched designs like Meadow Wreath. 

New Martinsville Radiance Creamer with Meadow Wreath Etch

Oddly, the only stemware is the cordial, like the amber piece shown above, and a flat tumbler.  That is unusual since most elegant glass companies made a dozen different stem shapes.

Radiance isn't truly rare, but some pieces are scarce, especially in ruby or cobalt blue.  You can find the amber more easily.

Glass decorating companies must have liked the wide plain panels.  Hughes from Canada used Radiance extensively to hold their Cornflower cut design.  Hughes Cornflower is popular - no wonder!

Hughes Cornflower Cut Radiance Crystal Sugar Bowl

Another interesting thing about Radiance is that some authors classify it as depression glass, others as elegant glass. It was partially hand made and is good quality glass.  

If you enjoy rich colors and striking, unusual shapes then consider Radiance from New Martinsville.