Fenton Aquamarine Hobnail Footed Bowl

This item is a vintage footed bowl featuring the iconic hobnail pattern, likely manufactured by the Fenton Art Glass Company. The piece is crafted from translucent glass in a vibrant aquamarine or 'Colonial Blue' hue. Its physical structure consists of a flared, crimped rim with a ruffled edge, a globe-like body covered in uniform raised hobnails, and a smooth, elegant pedestal stem leading to a circular flat base. The construction demonstrates high-quality press-molding characteristic of mid-20th-century American art glass. The crimping along the top edge is symmetrical, indicating skilled hand-finishing after the initial molding. While no maker's mark is immediately visible in the photograph, the style and pattern strongly suggest a production date between the 1940s and 1960s. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or significant surface scratches, maintaining a high luster and clarity throughout the glass. The color is consistent and saturated, which is a key quality indicator for collectors. This type of decorative glassware was highly popular for serving candies or as a centerpiece display, representing a classic example of American Mid-Century decorative arts.

I have examined the digital representation of this Fenton Aquamarine Hobnail Footed Bowl. Physically, the piece displays the high-quality hand-crimped ruffled edge and uniform hobnail spacing associated with Fenton's mid-century production. The 'Colonial Blue' (Aquamarine) color appears saturated and consistent, suggesting a production date between the 1940s and 1960s based on the lack of a molded logo, which Fenton introduced in the 1970s. The condition is assessed as 'Excelsior'; the luster is high and no structural failures are visible under magnification. The market for Fenton Hobnail is currently stable but highly accessible. Because this specific color and form were produced in significant volume, it is not considered rare. Current market comparables for a 6-inch to 8-inch crimped footed bowl in this hue typically realize between $35 and $55 at auction or secondary retail. Small variations in value depend on the specific diameter and the presence of the original paper sticker. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to physically check for ‘flea bites’ (microscopic chips) on the foot or verify the presence of a faint sand-blasted logo. For definitive authentication, I would require an in-person tactile inspection of the seams and hobnail tips to ensure no grinding has occurred. Scientific testing is generally not required for Fenton pieces of this era, but provenance documentation from the original owner could verify the specific decade of purchase. Without a physical signature or sticker, we rely solely on the silhouette and color match to Fenton’s known catalog.