Overview
A premier example of early American Carnival Glass featuring a highly detailed embossed swan centered within a lush floral and foliage border.
Preliminary identification
Millersburg Glass 'Swan' Pattern Ruffled Bowl
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
In 1909, John Fenton broke away from his family's famous glass dynasty to establish a factory that would produce the most brilliant iridescent glass the world had ever seen.
Maker / Origin
John Fenton was a visionary who believed that 'the poor man's Tiffany' should be just as beautiful as the real thing.
Condition & Value
The iridescence appears exceptionally well-preserved with no obvious 'high-point wear' on the swan's body. The ruffled edges appear crisp in the photos; any small nicks or 'flea bites' on the base ring would be typical for its age but should be checked. Excellent luster preservation is the primary driver of value here.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
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.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD