Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Basket Value Guide

The Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Basket is a quintessential piece of mid-century American glassware, produced by the renowned Fenton Art Glass Company. This collectible is prized for its signature raised 'bumps' and the fiery iridescence of the milky blue opalescent finish, which was a hallmark of Fenton's 1940s and 1950s production.

What Is Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Basket Worth?

The typical price range for Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Basket is $35 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition is paramount; any chips or 'flea bites' on the raised hobnails will significantly decrease the $35 market value.
• The clarity and intensity of the opalescence, particularly the 'fire' seen when held to light, affects desirability.
• The structural integrity of the applied handle, ensuring there are no heat cracks or fractures at the points of attachment.
• The presence of original paper labels, though rare for this era, can provide a premium for serious collectors.

How to Identify Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Basket?

• Look for the distinct hobnail pattern consisting of uniform, raised rounded bumps across the exterior.
• Examine the rim for a delicate ruffled or crimped edge, a classic feature of Fenton's handcrafted baskets.
• Check the handle attachment points for smooth, hand-applied glass joins typical of 1940s-1950s craftsmanship.
• Verify the blue opalescent color, which should transition from a translucent blue to a milky white at the edges and hobnail tips.

History of Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Basket

Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905, was renowned for its exquisite handcrafted glass. The hobnail pattern, characterized by its raised, rounded bumps, became one of their most popular and enduring designs, first introduced in the 1930s. Blue opalescent glass, with its milky blue appearance and fiery iridescence, was also a popular color choice, creating collectible pieces like this charming basket.