Fenton Glass Company

The Fenton Glass Company had its beginning in Ferry, Ohio in 1905. Founded by two brothers, Frank Fenton and Jon Fenton, the focus for the firm was creating painted glass pieces that other glass manufacturers made. When they couldn’t get the type of glass they preferred, they began making their own in 1907, moving operations to Williamstown, West Virginia.

Frank Fenton seemed to be a driving force for creativity and innovation. From the outset of the company until well into the 1920s he stressed artistic designs, hand blown art glass, and iridescent glass (what we call Carnival glass modernly). At Fenton the glass was called Iridie or Rubi glass, and it was advertised as having a similar “luster” as Tiffany. Unlike Tiffany, however, Fenton glass carried a price tag consumers could generally afford, and a range of colors that include see-through red, yellow and green in the early line.

The 1920s were among the most prosperous years for the Fenton Glass Company. Sales rose and employees received both stock dividends and bonuses. That peak, however, slowed to a stop by the 1930s and the depression. The company was not profiting but they were determined to remain open. They managed by making practical household items like mixing bowls and adding more colors from which to choose. Another saving grace was the Fenton hobnail perfume bottles that were produced in high volume.

Fenton Depression Glass

Fenton is the creator of one Depression Glass pattern, Lincoln Inn - a magnificent pattern with bright vivid colors. It was made in the late 1920s.

Fenton Carnival Glass Design and Colors – Overview

Fenton created over 130 patterns of carnival glass, each of which combined color with iridescent coatings. Some of the most popular colors in the Fenton line included Cobalt Blue, Amethyst, Marigold, Green, Amberina, Lime Green, Ice Blue and Smoky. As for patterns, there was the Orange Tree (1911) and Water lily and Cattail patterns. No matter the color or pattern, the most popular sellers for the Fenton Glass line were their vases often made in jade green or moonstone. Buyers also gathered up lamps, baskets, and artistic kitchenware. See What is Carnival Glass?

World War II brought another boom to Fenton because European glass could not be guaranteed. By the 1940s – 1950s the competition in the glass market was harsh. European glass became available again and unions were making new demands. Fenton wisely returned to the hands-on approach and worked independently with the Unions to come up with resolutions. Around the same time Fenton was changing up their sales methods and working toward new designs to please the ever-demanding buyer. In particular the Apple blossom hand-painted design and the Violet design were both popular. Apparently this approach was so successful as carry company profits well into the 1960s.

Moon and Stars:

Fenton Glass also manufactured the popular and long lasting Moon and Stars pattern from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Fenton and QVC

In 1987 QVC approached Fenton Glass and discussed the idea of bringing glass to the show, specifically collectible items. The two companies agreed to a trial run. The first item to appear was a Birthstone Bear. It immediately sold out and was re-ordered by QVC. Since that time Fenton has supplied over 1,400 other specialty pieces for the program. That relationship continues to grow and prosper to this day.

Here are the vintage Fenton Glass Company listings on eBay - Or click to see all Fenton Glassware listings:


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