Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a beautiful footed glass compote in a striking ice-blue stretch or transparent glass, featuring a stylized dolphin or marine-inspired pedestal base. The bowl and foot feature a dramatic, deeply scalloped shell-like ribbing that captures and refracts light beautifully.
Story
Introduced in the Roaring Twenties, this marine-themed design brought the romance of the ocean into landlocked American parlors. Its icy blue hue was achieved using precise chemical additives, offering affordable luxury during a decade of rapid cultural change.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton, the Fenton Art Glass Company became one of the most celebrated names in American glassmaking. Operating out of West Virginia, they were pioneers in iridescent carnival glass and colored art glass, surviving the Great Depression by constantly innovating their color formulas and whimsical mold designs.
Condition & Value
The compote appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or flea bites along the delicate scalloped rim or foot. Excellent condition is vital for glass of this era and commands a premium. Value is driven by the popularity of early 20th-century American colored glass.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.