Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Ruffled Vase Appraisal
Category: Art Glass Vase
Description
This appears to be a Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Ruffled Vase, a classic example of American art glass from the mid-20th century. The vase stands approximately 5-7 inches tall, featuring a distinctive bulbous lower body with a pronounced hobnail or dot pattern in milky white opalescent glass, contrasting against a translucent cranberry pink ground. The upper portion transitions into a narrower neck that flares out dramatically into a wide, ruffled, and crimped rim. The ruffles are numerous and irregularly shaped, giving the opening a floral or organic appearance. The opalescent effect is particularly noticeable where the glass is thicker, such as the hobnails and the rim, appearing milky white when light passes through. The glass exhibits a translucent quality, allowing light to diffuse beautifully through the pink and white hues. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant abrasions from the provided image, suggesting good overall condition. The craftsmanship indicates a hand-blown or pressed piece, typical of mid-century art glass manufacturers. The absence of a visible mark is not uncommon for older Fenton pieces, as labels were often paper and are now lost. The style is classic American opalescent art glass, often collected for its vibrant color and unique texture.
Appraisal Report
Based on my examination of the provided image and information, this Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail Ruffled Vase appears to be an authentic example of mid-20th century American art glass. The distinctive cranberry hue with milky opalescent hobnails, bulbous body, and dramatically ruffled rim are all hallmarks of Fenton production. Visually, the vase presents in excellent condition, with no apparent chips, cracks, or significant abrasions, which positively impacts its value. The craftsmanship is consistent with Fenton's repute for quality pressed and hand-finished glass. The market for vintage Fenton art glass, especially the popular Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail pattern, remains steady. While not exceptionally rare, pieces in superb condition with attractive forms like this ruffled vase command a consistent demand among collectors of American art glass. Comparable sales for similar Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Hobnail ruffled vases typically fall within the $150-$250 range in today's market, depending on the venue and specific buyer. This piece's desirable color, classic pattern, and apparent pristine condition make it very appealing. Limitations: My appraisal is based solely on visual assessment from the provided image. A full in-person physical examination would be necessary to definitively confirm the absence of hairline fractures, internal damage, or minute imperfections not visible in photographs. It would also allow for tactile verification of the glass's weight and quality, and rule out any professional repairs or alterations. Provenance documentation, while not always available for items of this nature, would add further certainty regarding its history. Scientific testing is generally unwarranted for this type of vintage art glass unless specific unusual characteristics prompted a need for material analysis for authentication purposes.
Appraisal Value
$175-225