The New Martinsville Glass Company (located in New Martinsville, West Virginia) originated in 1900. It was considered an innovative glassmaker for its time, using color extensively and introducing unusual pieces and types of glass. In the 1920's, their vanity sets were extremely popular. During the prohibition years, they refused to stop producing bar ware, instead openly advertised their liquor sets. They continued to experiment with color, and gradually returned to producing crystal.

The company named changed to “Viking Glass Company” as it was remodeled and modernized in preparation for a new type of glass manufacturing; the manufacturing of hand-made, quality glassware of the “Swedish type”. By July 1943, advertisements marketed the Viking name. At this time, World War 2 was underway, and the emphasis in the USA was “American Made”. Viking glass was being marketed strongly internationally as the new modern glass, and was recognized as “American made glass”. The Viking Glass Company became known for its various handmade objects, including their crystal and glass animal figurines. Its innovation reflected the extra care, time, and exceptional skills necessary to produce their glass pieces.

In the late 1950’s, Viking introduced and used the “spun mold” process of glass making. This technique used centrifical force to raise hot liquid glass up into the sides of a moving mold, giving the product an abstract fluid form. One means of obtaining this look was by utilizing a “swung out” technique. This was true of the Epic line. This technique accomplished the modern look, which was popular from the late 1950’s through the 1990’s. The glass worker would attach the hot glass item onto a snap or other tool, then swing it to allow centrifical force to shape the item into unusual forms.

The Epic line was advertised as “beautiful as a Scandinavian fjord”, “captures and captivates you with its dramatic coloring and striking design”. These types of advertisements romanticized this new and modern Epic line of Viking glass. Because of the vast free form and unusual shape, this is the most eclectic line in the Viking collection. Epic is recognized by its curved lines and elongated style, representing the biomorphic style popular in America during the 1950 and 1960’s. Its rolled edges, free-formed style, sleek curves, brilliant colors, and modern flare make it such a perfect accent for any household even today. The deep blue color of our Viking collection is referred to as "bluenique". The Viking company created this word to describe this vibrant color in 1958, and used it through 1970..

| Click here to go directly to our Viking Blue Items |