Overview
This is a beautiful vintage Fenton art glass bowl featuring a classic basketweave pattern on the exterior and a delicate open-work, lattice-style rim.
Identification
Fenton Blue Opalescent Basketweave Open-Edge Bowl
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Produced by the Fenton Art Glass Company in Williamstown, West Virginia, this piece dates to the mid-20th century (c. 1940s-1950s). Fenton was renowned for popularizing opalescent glass in America, utilizing a technique where bone ash is added to the glass mixture and selectively cooled to create the milky white edges. The basketweave pattern with an open-edge (or open-lace) rim is one of their most recognizable and widely produced mid-century designs.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the seller's description, the bowl appears to be in good vintage condition with a strong, even opalescent strike transitioning from translucent blue to milky white.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for mid-century American art glass, particularly Fenton, is highly saturated but maintains steady, accessible demand. Buyers are typically casual collectors, home decorators, or nostalgia buyers browsing platforms like eBay, Mercari, and Etsy. While rare or highly unusual Fenton pieces can command premiums, common patterns like the basketweave open-edge bowls trade consistently in the $15 to $30 range. They move reliably when priced competitively but tend to sit if listed above $30.
Value Drivers
▲ Exact pattern match (Basketweave with Open-Edge) to multiple recent sales anchors the $15-$25 range.
▲ Strong, even opalescent strike along the rim is highly desirable to Fenton collectors.
▲ Recognizable mid-century American maker (Fenton) ensures steady baseline demand.
Concerns
▼ Unverified rim condition — any 'flea bites' or hairline cracks in the delicate open-work lattice would drop the value below $10.
▼ High market saturation — common Fenton patterns face stiff competition, capping upside potential.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like Mercari, eBay, or Etsy. Price optimistically at $25 to $28 to allow room for offers, or set a firm 'buy-it-now' price of $20 for a faster sale. Ensure clear, well-lit close-up photos of the delicate open-lace rim are included to assure buyers there are no hidden chips or cracks.
Upside Potential
Given the high production volume and market saturation of this specific pattern, there is virtually no realistic upside above the stated high of $25 unless sold in a bundled lot with matching pieces.