Fenton Hobnail Milk Glass Fan Vase Value Guide

The Fenton Hobnail Milk Glass Fan Vase is a quintessential piece of American art glass, combining the company's iconic raised-dot pattern with an elegant ruffled rim. Produced between the 1940s and 1970s, this specific silhouette is highly collectible for its unique fan shape and the timeless appeal of Fenton's opaque white milk glass.

What Is Fenton Hobnail Milk Glass Fan Vase Worth?

The typical price range for Fenton Hobnail Milk Glass Fan Vase is $50 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition is paramount, as chips or 'flea bites' on the tips of the hobnails significantly reduce the $50-$70 market value.
• The presence of an original foil sticker or a clear embossed logo can command a premium from collectors.
• The crispness of the mold work and the symmetry of the fan-shaped ruffles affect the overall desirability and price.
• Market demand for mid-century milk glass fluctuates, with larger or more uniquely shaped fan vases reaching the higher end of the value range.

How to Identify Fenton Hobnail Milk Glass Fan Vase?

• Look for the distinctive raised 'hobnail' bumps which should be uniform in size and spacing across the body.
• Examine the rim for a consistent, hand-crimped ruffled edge that forms the characteristic fan shape.
• Check the base for a Fenton logo; pieces made after 1970 typically feature an embossed 'Fenton' mark in an oval.
• Verify the opacity and weight of the milk glass, which should feel substantial and have a smooth, fire-polished finish.

History of Fenton Hobnail Milk Glass Fan Vase

The Fenton Art Glass Company, established in 1905, became renowned for its innovative glassmaking techniques and wide array of colors. The Hobnail pattern, characterized by its raised dots, was one of Fenton's most popular and enduring designs, first introduced in the 1930s. Milk glass, an opaque white glass, was a staple for Fenton, providing a timeless and versatile canvas for their intricate patterns. This particular fan vase shape showcases the elegance and craftsmanship that made Fenton a beloved name in American art glass.