Overview
This is a classic piece of American 'Black Amethyst' glass, featuring the iconic hobnail pattern and a hand-crimped ruffled rim.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a classic piece of American 'Black Amethyst' glass, featuring the iconic hobnail pattern and a hand-crimped ruffled rim.
Story
The mid-20th century saw a shift in American home decor away from the delicate pastels of the Depression era toward more dramatic, saturated colors.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton, the Fenton Art Glass Company became the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States.
Condition & Value
The glass appears to have a high gloss with no visible chips to the delicate hobnails or the ruffled rim. The feet show minimal shelf wear. Excellent condition for this type of glass significantly helps maintain its value, as the 'hobs' are prone to nicking. Condition is consistent with light display use.
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.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375