Fenton Art Glass, made in Williamstown, West Virginia from 1905 to 2011, is America’s best-known art glass manufacturer. Founded by Frank L. Fenton and his brother John, the company spent over a century producing handmade colored art glass that now fills collector shops across the country. This guide covers identification by era, the most valuable patterns and colors, and current market values.
Fenton Glass History
Fenton started as a glass decorating company in Martins Ferry, Ohio, buying blanks from other manufacturers and decorating them. By 1907, Frank Fenton decided to build his own glass factory in Williamstown, West Virginia, where the company would remain for over a century.
Fenton Production Eras
| Era | Years | Key Products | Market Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Fenton | 1905–1920 | Carnival glass (iridescent); pressed patterns | High; signed originals rare |
| Depression Era | 1920–1940 | Stretch glass; Dancing Ladies; Lincoln Inn | Moderate to high |
| Hobnail Era | 1940–1970 | Hobnail in all colors; Cranberry Opalescent; Silver Crest | High; unmarked pieces challenge collectors |
| Logo Era | 1970–1996 | Script oval logo added; Burmese revival; limited editions | Moderate; easily identified |
| Numbered Era | 1996–2011 | Year added to logo; elaborate limited editions; artist-signed pieces | Moderate; most collectible pieces are artist-signed |
| Post-Fenton | 2011–present | Fenton Gift Shop operates; uses some original molds; no production glass | Lower; some collector interest in final editions |
How to Identify Fenton Glass
Fenton Marks by Era
The most common question Fenton collectors ask: “Is this really Fenton if it has no mark?” The answer is yes — Fenton did not mark its glass until 1970. Any piece made before the script logo was introduced must be identified by pattern, color, and glass characteristics.
| Era | Mark | How to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| 1905–1970 | No mark | Identify by pattern and color characteristics |
| 1970–1996 | Oval script “Fenton” logo | Embossed on base; sometimes hard to see on dark glass |
| 1996–2011 | Oval logo + year in last two digits | Year appears on base alongside oval logo |
| Artist-signed | Script oval + artist signature | Artist name in script on the piece; adds 30–50% value |
Identifying Pre-1970 Fenton
Since pre-1970 Fenton is unmarked, use these characteristics:
- Hobnail pattern: Fenton’s hobnail has uniform, evenly-spaced hobs in a precise hexagonal grid. Each hob is a perfect dome. The grid runs right to the edge with no partial hobs.
- Opalescent glass: Fenton was the dominant maker of cranberry opalescent, blue opalescent, and topaz opalescent. The opalescent effect (milky white glow at the edges) is distinctive.
- Silver Crest (plain milk glass + crystal edge): This pattern is uniquely Fenton — white milk glass body with a clear crystal applied edge. No other major maker used this combination.
- Flame (fired-on orange and red): Fenton’s Flame color was a distinctive orange-red used primarily in the 1960s on hobnail.
- Crimped edges: Fenton specialized in crimped and ruffled edges. The crimping was done by hand while the glass was hot — you can see slight variations in the crimp spacing.
Fenton Glass Patterns
Hobnail
Fenton’s most produced and recognized pattern, introduced in 1940 and made continuously until the company closed. Hobnail was produced in over 50 colors. The most valuable examples are in rare opalescent colors (cranberry opalescent, topaz opalescent, blue opalescent) and unusual pieces like epergnes, bride’s baskets, and large vases.
- Most common colors (lower values): white milk glass, blue milk glass, green pastel
- Medium value colors: French opalescent, blue opalescent, wild rose
- High value colors: cranberry opalescent, topaz opalescent, plum opalescent
Silver Crest
Introduced in 1943, Silver Crest pairs white milk glass with a clear crystal applied edge. It was enormously popular for 30 years. Silver Crest pieces are always Fenton — no other company made this combination. Look for the crisp crystal edge with slight hand-worked variation.
Burmese
One of Fenton’s most prized patterns, Burmese shades from pale yellow at the base to salmon-pink at the top. This heat-sensitive glass (uranium and gold added to the formula) was originally made by Mt. Washington Glass in the 1880s. Fenton revived it in 1970. Hand-painted Burmese pieces with artist signatures can reach $300–$1,500+.
Cranberry Glass (Opalescent and Plain)
Fenton’s cranberry glass uses gold in the glass formula to produce a deep red-pink color. Plain cranberry pieces are valuable; cranberry opalescent (with white opalescent edges) commands the highest prices. A cranberry opalescent hobnail pitcher with tumblers can reach $300–$600 for a complete set.
Carnival Glass (Early Fenton, 1907–1930)
Fenton was one of the five major carnival glass makers (the “Big Five”: Fenton, Northwood, Millersburg, Imperial, Dugan). Fenton produced over 150 carnival glass patterns — more than any other maker. Fenton carnival glass in marigold is generally affordable; pieces in rare colors (red, aqua opalescent, ice green) can reach thousands of dollars.
For a complete guide to Fenton carnival glass and identification, see our Carnival Glass Guide.
Rose Crest, Gold Crest, Aqua Crest
Variations on the Silver Crest theme using different applied edge colors. Gold Crest (yellow edge) was made 1943–1944 and is rare. Aqua Crest (turquoise edge) was 1941–1943. Rose Crest (pink edge) 1946–1948. These limited-production Crest variations are more valuable than Silver Crest by 2–5x.
Diamond Lace
A pressed diamond pattern in French opalescent, made 1948–1950. The short production run makes these pieces more collectible than standard hobnail.
Fenton Glass Colors and Values
| Color | Years Made | Description | Value vs. White |
|---|---|---|---|
| White (Milk Glass) | 1950–2011 | Opaque white; the most common Fenton color | Baseline |
| French Opalescent | 1940s–1970s | Clear with white opalescent edges | 1.5–2x |
| Blue Opalescent | 1940s–1970s | Blue glass with white opalescent edges | 2–3x |
| Cranberry Opalescent | 1940s–1980s | Red-pink with white opalescent edges | 3–6x |
| Topaz Opalescent | 1940s–1960s | Yellow glass with white opalescent edges | 3–5x |
| Plum Opalescent | Limited | Deep purple with opalescent edge; very rare | 5–8x |
| Burmese | 1970–2011 | Yellow shading to salmon-pink; heat-sensitive | 3–8x |
| Peach Crest | 1940s–1960s | White body with pink applied edge | 2–3x |
| Ruby | 1920s–2011 | Transparent deep red; gold in formula | 2–4x |
| Turquoise | 1955–1960s | Opaque blue-green; popular with collectors | 2–3x |
| Wisteria | 1980 | Lavender-purple; one-year production run | 4–7x |
| Black (Ebony) | 1920s, limited revivals | Opaque jet black; Depression-era specialty | 3–6x |
Fenton Glass Value Guide
Hobnail Values (White Milk Glass)
| Piece | Current Value |
|---|---|
| Small bud vase (3–4 in.) | $5–$20 |
| Medium vase (6–8 in.) | $15–$45 |
| Handled basket (7 in.) | $20–$55 |
| Large basket (10 in.) | $35–$85 |
| 4-horn epergne (complete) | $75–$200 |
| Lamp (complete with shade) | $75–$200 |
| Pitcher (water size) | $35–$80 |
| Tumbler | $8–$20 |
| Covered candy dish | $20–$50 |
| Compote | $15–$40 |
Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Values
| Piece | Current Value |
|---|---|
| Small vase (4–6 in.) | $45–$120 |
| Large vase (8–10 in.) | $85–$200 |
| Pitcher | $150–$350 |
| Water set (pitcher + 6 tumblers) | $350–$700 |
| Basket | $100–$250 |
| Epergne (4-horn, complete) | $300–$700 |
| Lamp (complete) | $200–$500 |
Silver Crest Values
| Piece | Current Value |
|---|---|
| Plate (8 in.) | $15–$35 |
| Vase (medium) | $20–$55 |
| Cake plate (footed) | $45–$110 |
| Basket | $25–$65 |
| Compote | $20–$50 |
| Hurricane lamp | $55–$130 |
Burmese Values
| Piece | Current Value |
|---|---|
| Small vase (plain) | $45–$100 |
| Small vase (hand-painted) | $75–$200 |
| Large vase (artist-signed) | $200–$600 |
| Lamp (artist-signed) | $300–$900 |
| Epergne set | $200–$500 |
Most Valuable Fenton Glass
- Early Carnival Glass (Pre-1920) in Rare Colors: Fenton red carnival glass can reach $500–$5,000+ for rare patterns. Aqua opalescent carnival pieces: $200–$2,000+. See our Carnival Glass Guide.
- Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Epergnes: Complete 4-horn sets in excellent condition: $300–$700.
- Plum Opalescent Hobnail: Very short production run; any piece in this color: $200–$800+.
- Wisteria Pieces (1980): Made only one year; vases: $100–$300; larger pieces: $200–$600.
- Artist-Signed Burmese: Master artist Bill Fenton, Kim Barley, or other named artists can add 50–200% to base value.
- Gold Crest (1943–1944): One of the shortest-production Crest patterns; any piece: $100–$400+.
Fenton Glass Authentication
Is It Really Fenton?
Because pre-1970 Fenton is unmarked, collectors must learn to identify pieces by pattern and color. Key tests:
- Opalescent quality: Genuine Fenton opalescent glass has a milky white “fire” at the edges that glows when held to light. The fire is brightest where the glass is thinnest. Reproductions often have a thicker, more uniform white without this glowing quality.
- Hobnail uniformity: Fenton hobnail hobs are perfectly round and evenly spaced. Fake Fenton often has irregular hob sizes or spacing.
- Crimping consistency: Genuine hand-crimped Fenton edges show slight natural variation. Machine-made copies have identical, perfectly regular crimping.
- Weight and feel: Fenton glass is solid and substantial. Thin, light glass that looks like Fenton is likely an import or reproduction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fenton Glass
Is Fenton glass worth money?
Yes, especially in cranberry opalescent, Burmese, and rare colors like Wisteria and plum opalescent. Common white hobnail pieces are affordable ($5–$45), but complete sets and unusual pieces in rare colors can reach $300–$1,000+. Artist-signed pieces command the highest premiums.
How do I identify Fenton glass without a mark?
Pre-1970 Fenton is unmarked. Identify by pattern (hobnail has uniform hexagonal grid), color (cranberry opalescent, French opalescent, Silver Crest are distinctively Fenton), and quality (hand-crimped edges with slight natural variation, solid weight). A reference book like “Fenton Art Glass” by William Heacock or the Fenton identification guides are invaluable.
What is the most valuable Fenton glass?
Early carnival glass in rare colors (red, aqua opalescent, ice green) in highly sought patterns. Among non-carnival pieces: cranberry opalescent hobnail epergnes ($300–$700), artist-signed Burmese pieces ($300–$900+), Wisteria hobnail from 1980 ($200–$600), and plum opalescent ($200–$800+).
What does the Fenton mark look like?
From 1970 to 1996, Fenton used an oval mark with “Fenton” in script. From 1996 to 2011, the year was added to this oval. The mark is embossed on the base and can be difficult to see on dark or opaque glass — tilt the piece in good light or feel for the raised letters with your finger.
When did Fenton Glass close?
Fenton Art Glass ceased production in 2011, closing after 106 years of operation. The Fenton Gift Shop in Williamstown, West Virginia still operates and sells remaining inventory and pieces made by other companies using Fenton molds. However, no new Fenton glass has been produced since 2011.
Is Fenton or Westmoreland milk glass more valuable?
It depends on the piece. Westmoreland Paneled Grape table sets tend to be more valuable than equivalent Fenton hobnail white milk glass. However, Fenton colored hobnail (cranberry opalescent, turquoise, plum) typically exceeds comparable Westmoreland prices. For decorative items like vases and baskets, values are similar.
For related glass collecting guides, see our Milk Glass Guide, Carnival Glass Guide, Uranium Glass Guide, and our complete Antique Glass Collector Guide.