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How to Date Fenton Glassware

The Fenton Art Glass Company has been producing decorative glassware since 1905. They are the United State's largest producer of handmade colored glass pieces. Over the years Fenton has created a wide variety of glassware, including vases, baskets, figurines, lamps and bowls. Fenton art glass is handblown by skilled artisans.

Many pieces are decorated with hand-painted flowers, scenes and designs signed by the individual artisan. Early pieces are painted with acorns amid oak or grape leaves, or adorned with blueberry vines or the fruit-laden branches of apple trees. The artist signature will help you date your piece. Many styles and designs are limited production pieces produced during a specific time period.

Instructions

- 1
  Refer to a guide book to help you to identify your piece. The Fenton Art Glass Company recommends several books to help you identify when your piece was produced. "Fenton Glass - The First Twenty-Five Years," by William Heacock, contains photographs and descriptions of pieces produced from 1907 to 1932. Iridill, an iridescent colored glass was one of the first creations of Fenton Glassware. "Fenton Glass - The Second Twenty-Five Years," by William Heacock, covers pieces produced from 1931 through 1955. Spiral Optics and Diamond Lace patterns were introduced in the 1930s, During the 1950s Fenton began producing many pieces in milkglass hobnail, which is a white glass with raised bumps on the surface. . "Fenton Glass - The 1980s Decade," edited by James Measell, contains colored photos of pieces produced during the 1980s.
- 2
  Join a collectors club. Numerous organizations are devoted to collecting Fenton Art Glass. Collector clubs conduct seminars, issue newsletters and share information and resources about Fenton Art Glass pieces. The Fenton Art Glass Club of America, The National Fenton Glass Society, The Pacific Northwest Fenton Association and The Fenton Finders of Greater Kansas City are endorsed by the Fenton Art Glass Company.
- 3
  Refer to an online reference catalog. There are thousands of different pieces of Fenton Glassware that has been produced over the years, picture references will help you identify your piece. There are numerous on-line sites devoted to Fenton collectors (see Resources). Many sites have archives of original Fenton catalogs dating back to 1950. Beginning in 1953, basket handles were stamped with a "maker's mark;" this stamp can help collectors identify the date and pedigree of the piece.

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