Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Bowl Value Guide

The Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Bowl is a quintessential piece of American mid-century glassmaking, prized for its vibrant pink hue and intricate texture. Produced by the Fenton Art Glass Company, these bowls are highly collectible due to the technical difficulty of achieving the perfect opalescent gradient on the ruffled edges.

What Is Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Bowl Worth?

The typical price range for Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Bowl is $75 - $75 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Overall condition, specifically checking for chips or 'flea bites' on the tips of the individual hobnails.
• The clarity and consistency of the opalescent treatment along the crimped or ruffled edges.
• Size and shape variations, with larger bowls or unique 'bride's bowl' shapes typically commanding higher prices.
• The presence of original paper labels or etched signatures which can verify the 1940s-1950s production era.

How to Identify Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Bowl?

• Look for the distinctive 'hobnail' pattern consisting of uniform, raised bumps across the exterior of the cranberry glass.
• Examine the ruffled rim for a milky white opalescence that transitions smoothly into the deep pink body.
• Check the base for a pontil mark or, in later reproductions, the embossed Fenton logo, though 1940s pieces are often unmarked.
• Verify the color intensity, as authentic Fenton cranberry glass was made using real gold chloride to achieve its specific pink-red tone.

History of Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Bowl

Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905, became renowned for its innovative glass-making techniques, especially its opalescent and hobnail patterns. This cranberry opalescent hobnail bowl, a popular design, showcases the company's artistry in producing vibrant, collectible glass pieces. The 'hobnail' texture, characterized by raised bumps, adds a unique tactile and visual dimension, making it a beloved style among collectors.