Fenton Opalescent Moonstone Hobnail Bowls

This pair of vintage glassware includes two different sized bowls characterized by the 'Moonstone' pattern, featuring clear pressed glass with a white opalescent treatment on the crimped and ruffled rims. The larger vessel is a round, shallow bowl with a heavily ruffled opalescent edge, while the smaller bowl is an oval-shaped nappy featuring two small integrated handles and the same ruffled rim styling. Both pieces are adorned with a hobnail texture on the exterior, consisting of raised, rounded bumps, and a central sunburst or rayed pattern in the bottom of the interior. These items were manufactured by the Fenton Art Glass Company, likely dating from the 1940s to 1950s. The glass appears to be in good vintage condition with clear transparency and well-defined opalescence, though a small speck of brown oxidation or residue is visible in the base of the smaller nappy. The craftsmanship exhibits the high quality typical of Fenton's mid-century production, with smooth hobnails and distinct ruffling that suggests fire-polished finishing.

Upon visual examination of this pair of Fenton Moonstone Hobnail pieces, I have identified them as authentic mid-century productions from the Fenton Art Glass Company, specifically the #389 7-inch ruffled bowl and the #395 double-handled oval nappy. Both pieces exhibit the distinct characteristics of the Moonstone line, which was produced primarily between 1941 and 1953. The opalescence on the crimped rims appears consistent and well-fired, and the hobnails are uniform and well-defined, indicating a quality press and fire-polish finish. The overall condition is good, though the noted brown residue in the nappy base suggests a need for gentle cleaning; provided this is not a permanent 'glass sickness' or an internal fracture, it should not significantly detract from the value. Market demand for Fenton Moonstone remains steady among nostalgic collectors, though prices have leveled off from historical highs. These are relatively common forms, and the current valuation is based on similar successful sales of Hobnail sets. The primary factors impacting value here are the clarity of the clear glass and the lack of chips on the delicate hobnails. It is important to note that without a physical inspection, I cannot verify the absence of 'flea bites' on the hobnail tips or internal stress fractures. A definitive authentication would require checking for the Fenton logo (though many pieces from this era were only labeled with stickers) and a blacklight test to check for uranium content which, while rare in this specific line, can occasionally appear in early runs. Full provenance documentation or an in-person tactile assessment would be required to confirm the absence of modern reproductions, though these specific molds are generally well-documented as vintage originals.