Fenton Mini Basket Value Guide

The Fenton Mini Basket is a quintessential piece of American glassmaking history, produced by the Fenton Art Glass Company between 1940 and 1970. These delicate items are highly collectible due to their uranium dioxide content, which allows the glass to emit a vibrant, otherworldly fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

What Is Fenton Mini Basket Worth?

The typical price range for Fenton Mini Basket is $175 - $175 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The intensity of the uranium glow, often referred to as 'vaseline glass' fluorescence, significantly impacts the $175 valuation.
• Structural integrity is vital, as chips or cracks in the delicate handle or rim will decrease collector interest.
• The complexity and rarity of the specific molded pattern used on the basket's body.
• Market demand for mid-century American-made uranium glass pieces in pristine condition.

How to Identify Fenton Mini Basket?

• Verify the signature fluorescent green glow by placing the basket under a UV or blacklight source.
• Look for the characteristic intricate pressed or molded patterns typical of Fenton's mid-century production.
• Examine the handle attachment points for the hand-applied craftsmanship synonymous with Fenton artisans.
• Check for the presence of the Fenton logo, though many pieces from the earlier 1940-1970 era may be unmarked.

History of Fenton Mini Basket

Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905, became renowned for its innovative glassmaking techniques and vibrant colors. Uranium glass, also known as vaseline glass, gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for its distinctive fluorescent glow under ultraviolet light, a result of uranium dioxide in the glass mix. Fenton produced various forms of uranium glass, including these charming mini baskets, which are now sought after by collectors for their historical significance and unique aesthetic.