Fenton Ruby Red Hobnail Basket Value Guide

The Fenton Ruby Red Hobnail Basket is a quintessential example of mid-century American art glass, produced by the renowned Fenton Art Glass Company in Williamstown, West Virginia. Its vibrant Colonial Ruby hue and iconic uniform bumps make it a highly sought-after piece for collectors of 1940s-1970s decorative glassware.

What affects the value of Fenton Ruby Red Hobnail Basket?

• Condition is paramount; any chips to the hobnails or cracks in the applied handle significantly reduce the $70-$85 value.
• The intensity and clarity of the Colonial Ruby color, as vibrant hues are more desirable to collectors.
• The presence of original Fenton stickers or etched logos can increase the item's provenance and market price.
• The structural integrity of the ruffled rim, ensuring no 'flea bites' or rough edges are present.

How to Identify Fenton Ruby Red Hobnail Basket?

• Look for the signature uniform bumps of the Hobnail pattern covering the exterior of the ruby red glass body.
• Examine the rim for a distinct crimped and ruffled edge, a hallmark of Fenton's mid-century craftsmanship.
• Verify the presence of an applied glass handle, which should be securely fused to the basket's sides.
• Check the base for a pontil mark or the Fenton logo, though many pieces from the 1940s-1970s era may only have paper labels.

History of Fenton Ruby Red Hobnail Basket

Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905 in Williamstown, West Virginia, became one of the most significant American manufacturers of colored and decorative glass. The Hobnail pattern, characterized by its surface texture of uniform bumps, was introduced early in the company's history and became one of their most iconic and enduring lines, produced in various shapes and vibrant colors like this Colonial Ruby hue, catering to mid-century decorative trends.