Preliminary identification

Fenton Black Amethyst Glass Hobnail Ruffled Bowl, c.1950s

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

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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 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD