Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Candy Dish Value Guide

The Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Candy Dish is a quintessential piece of mid-century American glasswork, first popularized after the pattern's 1939 debut. Its collectible appeal lies in the striking contrast between the sky blue glass and the milky white opalescence achieved through specialized reheating techniques.

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 of the hobnails, as chips or 'flea bites' on the raised points significantly reduce market value.
• The intensity and consistency of the opalescent 'fire' around the ruffled rim and pedestal.
• Clarity of the sky blue glass, ensuring there is no cloudiness or 'glass sickness' from improper cleaning.
• Presence of the original foil or paper factory label, which can push the price toward the higher end of the $35.00-$40.00 range.

How to Identify Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Candy Dish?

• Look for the signature 'hobnail' raised bumps covering the exterior of the sky blue glass body.
• Examine the rim for a distinct ruffled or crimped edge featuring a milky white opalescent finish.
• Verify the pedestal base construction, which was a standard feature for this specific candy dish silhouette.
• Check for the absence of a molded Fenton logo, as pieces from the 1940-1955 era were typically identified by paper labels rather than permanent marks.

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.