Fenton Glass 'Old Virginian' Open Lace Pattern Plate

This item is a circular dish or small plate crafted from clear, colorless pressed glass. Its most prominent feature is the intricate 'open lace' or 'crochet' edge, characterized by a series of repetitive openwork loops forming a decorative scalloped border. Physically, the glass exhibits a high degree of clarity and brilliance, typical of mid-20th-century American manufacture. The center of the plate features a raised, recessed ring, often referred to as a saucer well, suggesting this piece may have functioned as part of a set for a cup or bowl. The construction is solid with smooth finished edges around the cut-outs, indicating quality transformation from the mold. In terms of condition, the glass appears excellently preserved with no visible chips, cracks, or significant surface abrasions. There is a slight visible patina from age but no clouding or 'glass sickness.' Based on the design, this is attributed to Fenton Art Glass, specifically their 'Old Virginian' line, popular during the 1940s and 1950s. The craftsmanship is evident in the precise symmetry of the open-laced lattice and the substantial feel of the glass, representing a classic example of American Depression-era and post-war decorative glassware.

Based on my visual examination of this Fenton 'Old Virginian' Open Lace pattern plate, I have assessed its condition as excellent. The glass maintains a high degree of clarity with no evidence of 'sick glass' or mechanical damage such as flea bites or hairline fractures. The symmetry of the open-laced lattice confirms high-quality mold work consistent with Fenton's mid-20th-century production standards. Market demand for clear pressed glass currently remains stable but modest compared to Fenton's colored carnival or opalescent lines. Value is primarily driven by the 'Old Virginian' pattern's utility as a replacement piece for existing sets. Comparables on secondary markets such as eBay and specialized glass auctions typically range between $20 and $50 depending on the specific diameter and presence of original stickers. A significant factor impacting value is the item's lack of rarity; these were mass-produced in significant quantities. My assessment is limited to visual data from the provided image. I cannot definitively verify the 'ring' or resonance of the glass to confirm annealing quality, nor can I check for microscopic scratches that might indicate heavy use. For full authentication, an in-person inspection under a long-wave UV light to check for manganese or other chemical stabilizers would be ideal. Provenance documentation, such as an original sales receipt or catalog entry from the 1940s-50s, would further solidify its historical context but would not significantly increase the market value beyond the stated range.