Hen on a Nest Dish Value Guide

The Hen on a Nest dish is an iconic piece of American glassware that transitioned from a functional butter dish to a beloved mid-century collectible. Produced by legendary makers like Westmoreland and Indiana Glass, these green glass hens are prized for their whimsical design and historical role as staples of the American table.

What affects the value of Hen on a Nest Dish?

• Manufacturer attribution significantly impacts price, with Westmoreland examples often commanding the higher end of the $30-$50 range.
• The specific shade of green, such as Depression-era light green versus mid-century forest green, affects collector demand.
• Condition is paramount; chips on the hen's beak or the delicate scalloped edges of the basket will decrease the market value.
• Completeness of the set is essential, as mismatched lids and bases are common and greatly reduce the item's worth.

How to Identify Hen on a Nest Dish?

• Check the base for maker's marks such as the 'WG' logo for Westmoreland or the 'I' inside a diamond for Indiana Glass.
• Examine the glass for a distinct basket-weave pattern on the bottom half and detailed feathering on the hen lid.
• Verify the color consistency; authentic green glass from the 1930s-1970s should have a uniform hue without modern iridescent coatings unless specified.
• Look for signs of age-appropriate wear on the inner rim where the lid meets the base, a common area for small flea bites.

History of Hen on a Nest Dish

Hen on a Nest dishes are popular collectible glassware, first produced in the 19th century. They often served as candy dishes, butter dishes, or trinket boxes. Many different glass manufacturers, including Westmoreland, Fostoria, and Indiana Glass, produced variations of this iconic design, leading to a wide array of colors and patterns.