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How to Identify Pre-Logo Fenton Glass Lamps

The Fenton Glass Company began making collectable glass pieces in 1905, including glasses, vases, bowls, plates and lamps. Prior to 1960, the company did not label their products, making distinguishing the items from others manufactured around the same time difficult. Post-1960 items often have the word ̶0;Fenton̶1; inscribed inside an oval on the item or an uppercase cursive ̶0;F.̶1; Identifying non-marked Fenton glass lamps requires a few tricks.

Instructions

- 1
  Ask the seller if the lamp has a paper label. Pre-1960s Fenton items had a paper label on the item that helps identify it as a Fenton piece. If buying the lamp online, request closeup pictures of the Fenton label on the item.
- 2
  Hold the lamp in your hand if possible. Fenton glass should be of moderate weight and not feel too heavy.
- 3
  Look at the glass, particularly carnival glass, or lamps with iridescent colors. The colors should be somewhat muted and not too shiny.
- 4
  Look at online galleries of early Fenton lamps to learn how to correctly identify the look of Fenton glass patterns. Early glass patterns included swirls, dots and bubbles.
- 5
  Purchase a reference book or borrow one from the local library. Reference books will show pre-1960 Fenton glass lamps in detail and offer additional information about the items.

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