Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Candy Dish Value Guide

The Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Candy Dish is a quintessential piece of mid-century American glassware, first popularized by the Fenton Art Glass Company in 1939. This specific pedestal design is highly collectible for its striking contrast between the sky blue glass and the milky white opalescence achieved through specialized heat-sensitive chemical treatments.

What Is Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Candy Dish Worth?

The typical price range for Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Candy Dish is $35 - $40 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 tips of the hobnails will significantly reduce the $35-$40 market value.
• The intensity of the opalescence on the ruffled rim can affect desirability among glass collectors.
• Clarity of the sky blue glass, ensuring there is no 'sick glass' or cloudiness from hard water deposits.
• Presence of the original foil manufacturer label can command a premium price at the higher end of the value range.

How to Identify Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Candy Dish?

• Look for the signature ruffled edge featuring a distinct milky white opalescence that fades into the sky blue body.
• Examine the hobnail texture for uniform, raised bumps that cover the exterior of the bowl and the pedestal base.
• Verify the era by checking for the absence of an embossed 'Fenton' logo, as pieces from 1940-1955 were typically identified by paper labels.
• Check the pedestal base for a smooth, polished finish consistent with Fenton's mid-century manufacturing standards.

History of Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Candy Dish

Fenton Art Glass Company introduced the hobnail pattern in 1939, which became one of their most successful and recognizable designs. The blue opalescent color was achieved by adding heat-sensitive chemicals to the glass mixture, causing the edges to turn a milky white when reheated.