Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A striking pink elegant glass console bowl featuring a wide, deeply ruffled rim and two highly detailed, clear glass dolphin-shaped handles. This piece showcases Fenton's mastery of combining colored and clear glass elements in a single, harmonious design.
Story
During the dark days of the Great Depression, Fenton brought affordable luxury to American tables. This whimsical dolphin motif was inspired by classical 19th-century French glass, transforming a simple centerpiece into a conversation piece.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton, the Fenton Art Glass Company became one of the most celebrated names in American handmade glass. Operating out of West Virginia, they were renowned for their innovative colors, hand-pressed patterns, and iconic ruffled edges that defined American decorative glass for over a century.
Condition & Value
The glass appears bright and clear with no obvious cloudiness or major chips. The delicate points where the dolphin handles fuse to the ruffled rim should be inspected closely for hairline stress fractures, which are common in this pattern and can reduce value by 30-50%.
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.