Fenton Hobnail Salt Cellar Value Guide

This square green glass salt cellar is a quintessential example of Fenton Art Glass Company's craftsmanship from the 1940-1960 era. Its iconic spiked hobnail pattern and versatile design transitioned it from a functional tabletop staple to a sought-after mid-century trinket tray.

What affects the value of Fenton Hobnail Salt Cellar?

• The presence of any chips or 'flea bites' on the sharp points of the spiked hobnails.
• The vibrancy and saturation of the green glass color compared to other production runs.
• Market demand for square-shaped open salts versus more common rounded Fenton variants.
• Overall glass clarity and the absence of cloudiness or mineral deposits from use.

How to Identify Fenton Hobnail Salt Cellar?

• Look for the distinctive 'spiked' hobnail texture covering the exterior of the square green glass body.
• Verify the dimensions and weight consistent with American pressed glass from the 1940s-1960s.
• Examine the clarity and uniformity of the green glass, characteristic of Fenton's mid-century production standards.
• Check for the absence of a logo, as Fenton pieces from this specific era often lacked an embossed mark.

History of Fenton Hobnail Salt Cellar

Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905, introduced the iconic Hobnail pattern in the late 1930s. While originally designed as open salt cellars for the table, these miniature square dishes became popular in the mid-century as votive candle holders and trinket trays. The 'spiked' version is a classic example of American pressed glass artistry.