Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Vase Value Guide

The Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Vase is a quintessential example of mid-century American craftsmanship from the Williamstown, West Virginia factory. Its enduring appeal lies in the combination of the tactile hobnail texture and the milky, iridescent quality of the opalescent finish on the ruffled rim.

What Is Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Vase Worth?

The typical price range for Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Vase is $75 - $75 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 the $75 market value.
• The intensity and distribution of the opalescent fire, particularly around the ruffled rim.
• The presence of original paper labels or early acid-etched marks which can provide provenance.
• Overall size and the complexity of the ruffling, with more intricate hand-shaped edges commanding higher interest.

How to Identify Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Vase?

• Look for the signature raised 'bumps' or hobnails which should be uniform in shape and spacing across the body.
• Examine the ruffled edge for the characteristic milky opalescence that transitions into the translucent blue glass.
• Check for a pontil mark or Fenton logo; note that pieces from the 1940-1960 era may not have a molded logo but feature distinct hand-crimped edges.
• Verify the specific blue hue, which should be consistent with Fenton's mid-century production palette.

History of Fenton Blue Opalescent Hobnail Vase

Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905 in Martins Ferry, Ohio, later moved to Williamstown, West Virginia. Known for its handcrafted colored glass, Fenton became one of the most prominent names in American art glass. The hobnail pattern, characterized by its raised bumps, was a popular and enduring design, produced in various colors and forms, including opalescent finishes that give the glass a milky, iridescent quality, especially at the edges. Fenton ceased traditional glass production in 2011, making their earlier pieces highly collectible.