In the crazy world of collectibles, Goofus is an ornate form of glass that began as a cheap form of finery. These pressed glass treasures are painted on either the back or the front of the design. The paint is often in gaudy colors of gold, red and greens.

The pressed designs might be fruit, flowers or portraits but they are always showy. Originally given as premiums at carnivals, Goofus Glass was made from about 1890 to 1920 or so. It was cheaply made and cold painted, so that the paint chips easily. Thus, the popular name of this glass with unavoidable imperfections became Goofus Glass.

Other names include Bridal Glass, Mexican Ware, Gypsy Glass, Hooligan Hooleys and Carnival Glass, according to collectible author Carolyn McKinley.

Local manufacturers included Northwood and Imperial. In fact, Harry Northwood is thought to have begun the craze, according to Goofus enthusiasts. Vases, lamps, decanters, salt and pepper shakers, plates and bowls are some of the common pieces of Goofus available on the antiques market.

Of course, no Goofus is common. This is one collectible that is proudly odd, eccentric and even ugly. American made and Yankee celebrated, the late Victorian art glass is a perfect example of the exuberance of pressed glass manufacturers in their heyday.

The decoration was applied to colorless and transparent green, blue or amber glass or perhaps opalescent and milk glass pieces. Sometimes the glass surface would be etched with acid, giving a crackled or pressed pattern. Designs were either embossed or blown-out, or they might be intaglio or cut-in.

I like Goofus because it’s dramatic looking glass that screams, “Look at me.” It must have been exciting to buy a piece of this gaudy glass in the era before mass consumerism, and I bet that the lovely pieces must have made perfect gifts.

Another interesting fact about Goofus Glass that makes it pretty to display is – if the paint scales off, which it invariable does on Goofus – the clear glass turns a delicate shade of amethyst when exposed to light.

This is true in glass that contains the chemical manganese, used to make the glass clear. Some collectors have been known to remove imperfect paint on Goofus Glass and enjoy just the design as it turns amethyst, or touch it up with new paint to suit their tastes.

If you, like most of my readers, have a mystery item like Goofus Glass that you wonder about, the Appraisal Guys are coming back to town soon and will be ready to appraise your treasures from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, at Cabela’s at the Highlands. Tim Luke and Greg Strahm of TreasureQuest Appraisal Group will examine your items for a small fee of $15 per piece. Just show up at Cabela’s with antique in hand.

Actually, that whole weekend will be full of fun for a great cause – the Museums of Oglebay Institute.

At 6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, there’s an Appraisal Guys Price is Right auction held in the Mansion Museum. This twist on the famous game show begins with a social hour and refreshments, then a zany auction game of fabulous prizes, such as food and wine baskets, gift cards and fashion novelties. I enjoyed it tremendously last year and came away with a real bargain: a Larrimor’s Gift Card, purchased at half price (which allowed me to purchase my first REAL Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress!).

And because Greg is a chef as well as an appraiser, he’s added cooking demonstrations to his repertoire and will be offering a garden party cooking class at Goldenrod Cottage at Oglebay from 3-5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10. Plus, there’s a 7 p.m., pig roast planned for Sept. 12 at Goldenrod (and it’s Tim’s birthday)! They’ve even got a new event on their appraising visit agenda: a lovely Opera Brunch at Lawrencefield Bed and Breakfast at10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, combining food by Greg with music performed by Pittsburgh Opera artists.

And if you have a whole house full of antiques that you’ve inherited and you want the appraising duo to do a home visit, that too can be arranged. Just contact the Mansion Museum at 304-242-7272 or visit oionline.com, to find out more about any of the Appraisal Fest opportunities. Thank you, Tim and Greg, for your ongoing support of Wheeling’s heritage and Oglebay Institute.

For comments or suggestions on local treasures to be featured in Antique of the Week, Maureen Zambito can be reached via email at: zambitomaureen@hotmail .com or by writing in care of this newspaper.