Fenton Glass Vaseline Yellow Ruffled Edge Bowl

This item is a decorative pressed glass bowl, likely manufactured by Fenton Art Glass. It is crafted in a distinctive translucent yellow-green 'Vaseline' or 'Canary' glass, a color traditionally achieved by adding a small amount of uranium dioxide to the glass melt. The bowl features a complex 'Hobnail' or 'Thousand Eye' pattern consisting of concentric rows of raised circular bosses that radiate from a starburst-patterned center. The most striking physical characteristic is the deeply crimped or ruffled edge, often referred to as a 'crested' or 'ribbon' edge, which gives the piece a wavy, organic silhouette. Construction is of heavy, molded glass with a smooth circular base. The color suggests it would glow bright green under an ultraviolet (UV) light. Given the style and material, this piece likely dates from the mid-20th century (circa 1940s-1960s). It shows excellent craftsmanship with uniform ruffles and sharp molded details. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or significant surface scratches, and the glass retains a high degree of clarity and luster. There is no visible maker's mark in the image, which is common for older Fenton pieces that originally bore foil stickers.

I have conducted a visual examination of the Fenton Hobnail Vaseline Glass bowl. The piece is a classic example of Fenton’s mid-century production, specifically identified by the distinctive 'Topaz' (Vaseline) color. The ruffled edge, or 'crimped' rim, is executed with a level of symmetry and uniformity characteristic of Fenton's skilled artisans from the 1940s through the 1960s. The 'Hobnail' pattern remains sharp, indicating a relatively fresh mold at the time of pressing. Based on the digital images, the condition appears excellent with no visible 'flea bites' or internal fracturing. The market for mid-century Fenton remains stable, though common patterns like Hobnail are high in supply. Demand is driven primarily by color; the uranium glass composition, which causes a bright green fluorescence under UV light, remains a popular niche for collectors of 'glow' glass. This specific bowl is a standard 6-to-8 inch size, which is less rare than larger baskets or epergnes in the same colorway. It is important to note that while the visual characteristics align perfectly with Fenton's Topaz Hobnail line, a definitive authentication requires a physical inspection. Photos cannot confirm the presence of microscopic surface wear or identify high-quality contemporary reproductions. A hands-on examination would verify the glass weight and 'ring' when tapped. Furthermore, while the visual hue suggests uranium content, a Geiger counter or a 365nm UV light test is necessary to scientifically confirm the chemical composition required for a 'Vaseline glass' designation. No original foil stickers are present, which is standard for pieces of this era but prevents a 100% provenance guarantee without further documentation.