identifying Fenton Glass

Reader Beau asks, How can I tell if I have a real FENTON piece?

The Fenton Art Glass Company has a number of online resources for collectors including history of the company, books and catalogues, and newsletters.

The Fenton label images and Fenton logos images may help in your pattern identification.

You may also wish to consult some of the independent Fenton Glass collector clubs. There is a list of clubs on the Fenton Art Glass Company site.

Chat About DG: Depression Era Elegant and Everyday Glass Discussion Board is a great place to discuss depression and elegant glassware, and meet other DG collectors online. A great stop for IDing your Fenton glass. (registration required)

You can also browse the great pictures in the Glass Etch and Pattern Gallery (no registration required).

Hope these resources help you in IDing your Fenton pieces!

Depression Glass set

I spotted this gorgeous Depression Glass set at Newmarket Antiques. It’s missing the creamer.

If you can help in the pattern identification, drop me a line via the moderated comment form, or Twitter direct message me @icollectglass.

Fostoria American bowl

I purchased this bowl awhile ago. The vendor had it labelled as Jeanette Glass Company’s Cubist pattern. Looking through my Depression Glass books, I discovered that Jeanette Glass never made a bowl in clear. The pattern is actually Fostoria’s American which is offen confused with Cubist.

Jeanette Glass Company manufactured Cubist (Cube) from 1929 to 1933. Only three patterns were produced in crystal (clear): 2 5/8″ creamer, 2 9/16″ sugar, and, 7 1/2″ round tray.

Fostoria produced American from 1916-1986 in clear (crystal) , amber, blue, green, yellow, white, red, and pink.

Generally, if your pattern is not listed in the Cube production line, it’s most likely American.

Depression glass vs Elegant glass: clearing up the confusion

No doubt, one of the first questions a new glass collector asks is, “what is the difference between Depression Glass and Elegant Glass?”

Just Glass Online reviews the difference between Depression Glass and Elegant Glass. The article includes a list of the most recognized Depression Glass manufacturers including:

• Federal Glass Company
• Hocking Glass Company
• Hazel-Atlas Glass Company
• Indiana Glass Company
• Jeannette Glass Company
• MacBeth-Evans Glass Company
• U.S. Glass Company

NewsAntiques.com clears up the confusion between Depression Glass, Elegant Glass and Etched Glass.

The National Depression Glass Association (NDGA) has some very useful glassware articles including:

• What is Depression Glass? by David Adams

• Patterns Important to the History of Depression Glass by Joyce Krupey

More articles to related to glass companies, glass patterns or glass manufacture can be found in the NGDA News archive.

glassing at the Barrie Antique Centre

We drove out to the Barrie Antique Centre last week.  The Barrie Antique Centre is over 1/2 acre is size, and to the dismay of my husband and son, I spent hours hunting through the vendor aisles. 

I was ecstatic to find an amber coloured Madrid relish plate for $5.00. 

Madrid was produced by the Federal Glass Company from 1932-1939.  Madrid was reproduced by Federal in 1976.  Reproductions are easily identified by the number 76 imprinted on the plate edges.   

I also found a great list of reproduction glassware by GlassShow.

We’re heading out Guelf in a few weeks to visit my niece.  We’ll be visiting the Flamboro Show at the Aberfoyle Antique Market. 

Can’t wait! 

glassing in Cookstown

We took a drive out to the Cookstown Antique Market today. Lots of depression glass in The Barn.

My bargain purchase?  Cameo, “Ballerina” (“Dancing Girl”) compote for $5.00!  Cameo Ballerina was manufactured by the Hocking Glass Company from 1930-1934 in green, yellow, pink and crystal with a platinum ring.  It is one of the most popular and sought-after depression glass patterns.  

Can you see the dancing ballerina? Pretty, eh?

Alas, I had to pass on a few tumblers that I’m sure were slightly overpriced…  they’re in my wish list.

A visit to the 400 Antiques Mall

Despite the pouring rain, I had a chance to visit the 400 Antiques Mall just south of Barrie today.  I found a beautiful three footed cake plate which is definitely depression glass. Unfortunately, I can’t locate it in Warman’s or any of my other glass encyclopedias.

I also came across a gorgeous creamer and sugar set in the Georgian “Lovebird” pattern. Georgian “Lovebird” was manufactured by Federal Glass Company from 1931-1936. At $69 for the set I figured it was overpriced. My DG price guides confirm this is the case, so I’m glad both my pocket book and better judgement passed up on this one!

I also came across a new vendor specializing exclusively in pressed glass. Patty George has an entire booth devoted solely to pressed glass. Pressed glass is also known as pattern glass, and was manufactured from 1850-1910 in factories across Canada and the US. The seams are very visible in pressed glass because it is manufactured in cast iron moulds. If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop by the 400 Antiques Mall and see this amazing collection of pressed glass.