Fenton Glass Avocado Green Hobnail Crest Bowl

This is a vintage piece of pressed glassware, specifically a shallow bowl or 'nappy' produced in the iconic Avocado (or Colonial) Green characteristic of the mid-20th century. The piece features a prominent hobnail pattern, which consists of raised, rounded bumps covering the underside and exterior walls. A central sunburst or starburst ray pattern is visible in the base, radiating from the center point. The most distinguishing feature is the deeply ruffled or crimped edge (often called a 'crested' edge), which adds a dynamic and decorative silhouette. This specific style of glass was highly popular in the 1960s and 1970s, often manufactured by companies like Fenton Art Glass or L.E. Smith. The glass displays a consistent, earthy green transparency. Condition-wise, the piece appears well-preserved with no major chips or cracks visible in the photo; however, minor surface scratches (shelf wear) or tiny 'flea bites' common to pressed glass edges might be present upon closer inspection. The quality of the crimping suggests skilled craftsmanship typical of American glass houses of the era. The bowl possesses a significant weight and light-refractive properties due to the thickness and the texture of the hobnails.

Based on my visual examination of the provided imagery, I identify this piece as a mid-century Avocado (Colonial) Green Hobnail ruffled bowl, likely manufactured by the Fenton Art Glass Company or L.E. Smith during the late 1960s to early 1970s. The piece exhibits the high-quality crimping and weight characteristic of American-made pressed glass. The 'sunburst' base and uniform hobnail spacing suggest an authentic vintage mold rather than a contemporary reproduction. The condition appears to be 'excellent' with no visible loss of luster or significant chipping, though the value assumes no internal heat cracks or 'flea bites' on the ruffle edges. The market for mid-century colored glass is currently stable, driven by interior decor trends. However, Avocado Green was a high-volume production color, making this piece relatively common compared to rare opalescent or 'Crest' (milk glass rim) variants. Demand is consistent among entry-level collectors but lacks the rarity to command a premium price. Limitations: A definitive attribution to Fenton requires a physical search for a sandblasted logo (used after 1970) or a match against original catalog numbers. In-person inspection is necessary to check for 'sick glass' (cloudiness caused by chemical imbalance) and to verify the absence of structural stress fractures. Provenance documenting the original purchase or original stickers would bolster the higher end of the valuation.