Fenton Ruby Stained Pressed Glass Covered Candy Dish Appraisal
Category: Decorative Glassware
Description
This exquisite piece is a footed, covered candy or bonbon dish, meticulously crafted from clear, colorless pressed glass. It features a striking ruby red stained or flashed interior, where the vibrant red hue is revealed through the intricate clear glass patterns. The vessel's form is a classic round covered dish, elevated by three sturdy, clear glass, stub-like feet, which project slightly outwards, providing stability and elegance. Both the main body and the domed lid are adorned with a cohesive and elaborate geometric pressed pattern, resembling overlapping star shapes, diamond points, or possibly a variation of the 'Daisy and Button' motif, creating a highly tactile and visually complex surface that beautifully refracts light. The red color is a rich, translucent ruby, which provides a dramatic contrast and intensifies as light interacts with the clear glass. The lid is topped with a distinct, multi-faceted circular finial, also molded with a concentric starburst or daisy-like design, serving as an aesthetic accent and a functional handle. The crispness of the pressed motifs and the uniform application of the ruby stain point to high-quality manufacturing, consistent with American art glass production. While specific maker's marks are not discernible from the images, the style, material, and the provided context strongly align this piece with the output of Fenton Art Glass, a manufacturer celebrated for its clear pressed glass and diverse colored finishes, particularly ruby staining, prevalent from the early to mid-20th century (approximately 1900s-1950s). The item appears to be in excellent condition, showing no visible chips, cracks, or significant abrasions, and the clear glass retains its brilliance while the ruby staining remains vibrant and intact.
Appraisal Report
Having thoroughly examined the provided description and image of this footed, covered candy dish, I assess its condition as excellent. The clear glass appears brilliant, and the ruby red stain vibrant and intact, with no visible chips, cracks, or significant abrasions noted. The crispness of the pressed geometric motifs further suggests its well-preserved state. Based on the typical manufacturing characteristics, style, materials, and the distinctive ruby stained finish, this piece strongly aligns with the known output of Fenton Art Glass from the early to mid-20th century (specifically 1900s-1950s). While Fenton produced a wide array of pressed patterns, the description of "overlapping star shapes" or "diamond points" is consistent with their prolific production. The market for vintage Fenton glass remains active and robust, with a consistent demand from collectors who appreciate its quality and aesthetic appeal. Ruby-stained or flashed pieces, like this one, are particularly popular. Comparable Fenton covered candy dishes in excellent condition typically transact in the moderate range. This specific form and general pattern are not considered exceedingly rare, which influences the upper end of its market value. Its excellent preservation is the most significant factor impacting its strong appeal. However, it is crucial to note the limitations of appraising from images alone. A definitive authentication and full condition assessment would require a physical examination. This would allow me to inspect mold lines, assess the glass clarity and feel, check for subtle damage or repairs not visible in photos (e.g., under UV light), and search for any faint maker's marks or pontil characteristics. Verifying the exact pattern name and cross-referencing against Fenton catalogs would also solidify its provenance. Without this in-person verification, the attribution to Fenton is based on high probability rather than absolute certainty.
Appraisal Value
$125