The What’s What Guide to Collecting Fenton Glass

Is there anything more beautiful than seeing colorful glass hit the light just right? If you’ve been looking for ways to bring rainbows to your windowsill or want to start curating a unique antique collection, there’s nothing quite like Fenton Glass. Learn about what that is and how to collect it with our helpful guide, and you’ll be a collectible glass connoisseur in no time.  

What is Collectible Glass?

Collectible class is a broad umbrella term used widely in the world of antiquing. It refers to any vintage or antique glass product from select companies, including designs such as useable drinking glassware, adorable animal figurines, practical vases, and more. There are many glass brands worth collecting, but Fenton is often considered the best of the best. 

The History of Fenton Glass

When John and Frank Fenton first opened the Fenton Glass Company in 1905, they wanted to focus on painting patterns and decorations on blank, transparent panels of glass. But, when they began to dream of a larger world of colors, they decided to take matters into their own hands and open up their own factory in West Virginia. By 1907, they started producing their own collectible glass in a wide range of hues.

As the brand gained traction for its artistic and functional designs, Fenton Glass quickly become a household name. Its popularity lasted throughout the Great Depression and World War II, in a time when people couldn’t afford luxuries. While the company is no longer in existence, it stayed in the family through generations until 2017, and is now a staple for collectible glass lovers. 

Popular Collectible Fenton Glass Items

With over 25 glass colors and patterns produced, there are endless designs to collect. Keep a look out for the Fenton label in glassware aisles at your local antique mall—you could find items such as:

• Footed bowls

• Ruffled vases

• Baskets

• Bells

• Bon Bon bowls

• Figurines

• Goblets

• Decorative slippers

• Drinking glasses

What Makes Fenton Glass Valuable?

If you were to stumble across a vintage glass collectible in your storage unit, odds are your first question would be, “How valuable is it?” With Fenton, the value of an item can depend on a range of things, such as the condition, the year it was produced, or how limited edition the item is. In general, a Fenton piece can go for anywhere from $20 to upwards of $1,200!

3 Ways to Identify and Age Fenton Glass Products

Collectible glass is an easily accessible and oh-so-stylish hobby to start, whether you’re interested in antique jars or one-of-a-kind handblown vases. The next time you’re in an antique mall, use these three methods to determine if the lovely glass piece is an authentic Fenton design:  

1. Search for the Classic Fenton Patterns

After more than a hundred years in the collectible glass business, Fenton managed to produce tens of amazing and stylish glass patterns. Understanding the most popular designs will help you learn how to spot one in a Florida vendor mall. Learn these tell-tale design elements for each sought-after style:

• Carnival: available in a rainbow of hues, their original pattern has a bold iridescent and metallic shine and was often covered with extra sculpted embellishments. 

• Custard: with an opaque yellow color, this dessert-like style is often embellished with rose and gold accents.

• Milk: with the pre-1958 Hobnail styles slightly more transparent than the post, that were more opaque, this solid white color glass is a favorite amongst collectors.

• Coin Dot: This style uses a charming polka dot pattern on the exterior of each piece, with the most popular color choice being the bright pink-red cranberry. 

• Crest: these pieces were white on the outside with a blush of color blooming from the inside.

• Person Medallion: this custard glass glows green under UV light, making it even more collectible to certain vendors.

• Daisy and Button: a specific line of milk glass released with a traditional pressed glass pattern providing lots of embellished texture. 

What is the Signature Fenton Design?

Fenton is known for a great deal in the collectible glass community, from the vibrant color palettes to the sculpted motif details. The biggest clue that you’ve found a Fenton glass product is if it has its signature ruffled edge. Most vases, bowls, and baskets have a ribboned, ruffling shape, standing out from a crowd of other glassware. 

2. Find the Paper Tag or Marks 

When you discover a piece of collectible glass at a vintage event, your first step should always be looking for the maker’s mark. Fenton used paper tags originally, but since those are most likely to fall off, it may not be present. After 1970, they began stamping their name in the glass. Understanding each type of label can help you authenticate and date the design, so you know exactly how much it’s worth! 

Types of Fenton Glass Labels:

1. 1957-1971: used a blue paper label with an illustration of a glassmaker and the words “Authentic Fenton Handmade.”

2. 1970-1985: used a gold paper label with a glass maker drawing and the words “Authentic Fenton Handmade.”

3. 1970-1979: used a raised glass mark with “Fenton” in cursive, molded in an oval onto the glass. 

4. 1980: after 1980, numbers were added to the raised mark to indicate the year, with 1980 having an 8, 1990 having a 9, 2000 having a 0, and 2010 having a 1.

5. 1983: if you see a raised F in a glass circle, it is a piece made by McKee, who had just bought Fenton Glass. 

Note: any flames, stars, or block letters indicate that it is a “preferred second.”

3. Look Out for Imperfections

As one of the most popular collectible glass brands, it’s no wonder that many companies try to create their own copycat designs. But these pieces don’t carry the same value! If you look closely, mimic Fenton glass often has bubbling or internal flaws. These manufacturing flaws are a surefire sign that the item is fake. 

What is the Best Way to Sell Fenton Glass?

Other collectible items like limited edition Hot Wheels may not break in the mail, but since glass is so fragile, online selling and packaged shipping can be an unreliable and risky option. That’s why most collectible glass vendors decide to rent out a booth or showcase at an Illinois antique mall. With mall-style selling, you can set up a careful display, allow customers to get a close-up look at your products, and eliminate the potential breakage that comes with online orders. 

When it comes to collecting collectible glass, anyone can do it! Head to your local antique mall to look for your first piece of Fenton glass, and join the hunt today.