Fenton Iridescent Glass Basket Value Guide

This Fenton Iridescent Glass Basket is a quintessential example of mid-century American giftware, featuring a signature metallic salt coating that creates a shimmering carnival glass effect. Handcrafted by the Fenton Art Glass Company, these baskets are highly collectible for their delicate ruffled rims and intricate applied rope-style handles.

What Is Fenton Iridescent Glass Basket Worth?

The typical price range for Fenton Iridescent Glass Basket 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 applied rope handle, as chips or cracks at the attachment points significantly reduce value.
• The vibrancy and coverage of the iridescent coating, with more colorful 'oil slick' effects commanding higher prices.
• Presence of original factory stickers or labels which help verify the 1950-1970 production era.
• Clarity of the glass, ensuring no cloudiness or 'sick glass' symptoms from improper storage.

How to Identify Fenton Iridescent Glass Basket?

• Look for the distinct iridescent sheen created by metallic salts sprayed onto the hot glass surface.
• Examine the handle for a 'rope-style' texture where it has been manually applied to the basket body.
• Check the base for the Fenton logo, though pieces from the 1950s-1970s era may only have a paper label.
• Verify the ruffled rim pattern, which should be uniform and characteristic of Fenton's mid-century molds.

History of Fenton Iridescent Glass Basket

Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905, became famous for its wide variety of colors and patterns. Baskets like this one were popular mid-century giftware items, often featuring the signature iridescence known as carnival glass which was achieved by spraying metallic salts onto the hot glass.