Vintage Fenton Blue Opalescent Ruffled Glass Bowl

This item is a decorative glass bowl, frequently attributed to makers like Fenton Art Glass, featuring a distinctive ruffled or 'pie crust' rim design. The bowl is constructed from pressed glass with a striking opalescent finish, characterized by a semi-translucent sky blue hue that transitions to a milky white opacity along the edges and ruffles. The crimping of the rim is a hand-finished process, indicating mid-century American glassmaking techniques. Physically, the bowl appears to be approximately 6 to 8 inches in diameter. The interior is smooth with a high-gloss finish that reflects light, while the exterior likely features a subtle texture typical of molded glass. There are no immediately visible maker's marks from this angle, which is common for older Fenton pieces that originally bore foil stickers. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or significant surface scratching, though a close inspection for 'flea bites' on the ruffled edges is recommended. This style is indicative of the mid-20th century, specifically the 1940s to 1960s, a period where opalescent hobnail and ruffled ware were highly popular in American glassware.

Based on my visual examination of this vintage glass bowl, I identify it as a Fenton Blue Opalescent 'Hobnail' or 'Smooth' ruffled bowl, produced between the 1940s and 1950s. The opalescence is well-defined, showing a consistent transition to the milky white 'fire' at the hand-crimped rim. The sky blue hue is vibrant, a hallmark of mid-century Fenton production. From this visual inspection, the piece appears to be in excellent condition with no visible fractures or significant 'flea bites' common on ruffled edges. The market for mid-century American glass remains stable, though ubiquitous pieces like this maintain a lower price point compared to rarer colors like Burmese or Cranberry. Current market comparables for small-to-medium Fenton opalescent bowls range from $40 to $75 depending on auction venue and buyer demand. The primary value factor here is the purity of the opalescence and the integrity of the ruffles. However, there are limitations to this digital appraisal. I cannot definitively verify the manufacturer without a physical 'pontil' mark analysis or the presence of the original foil sticker, as Northwood and Jefferson produced similar patterns. A physical examination is required to check for internal stress fractures (heat checks) not visible in photographs and to confirm the 'ring' of the glass, which helps distinguish older lead glass from modern reproductions. Provenance or original sales receipts would further solidify the date of manufacture. For insurance purposes, I suggest a replacement value of $60.00.