Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a classic mid-century milk glass epergne featuring Fenton's iconic hobnail pattern, complete with three removable horn-shaped vases (cornucopias) and a ruffled bowl base. Designed to hold elaborate floral arrangements, this modular centerpiece showcases the beautifully crimped edges and opalescent quality that made Fenton a household name.
Story
Introduced in the mid-20th century, this epergne revived a Victorian dining tradition where hosts used elaborate multi-tiered centerpieces to display wealth and sophistication. Fenton's milk glass version brought this high-society drama into the cozy, post-war American suburban home.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton, the Fenton Art Glass Company became legendary for its innovative glass colors and patterns, particularly its hobnail design introduced in 1940. Operating out of West Virginia for over a century, Fenton was beloved for keeping traditional, hand-pressed glassmaking alive in America.
Condition & Value
The photos show the epergne in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or flea bites on the delicate ruffled edges or the peg bases of the horns. Having all three matching horns intact is a major plus. Excellent condition commands a premium. Value is heavily driven by completeness and condition.
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.