A writer from Northumberland County asks about her Fenton carnival glass hexagonal dish, which she acquired at an estate sale.  It is deep purplish blue with a flower motif in the center and surrounding the edge, and is in perfect condition.  It bears the raised mark, “Fenton” on the bottom.
Fenton is the oldest continuously manufactured glass in America.  The company began in Ohio in 1905, and produced its first pieces in 1907.  Its longevity and success have resulted from its ability to produce a very wide range of products, in short, something for everyone. That tradition continues today, and all major antiques and collectibles price guides cover Fenton in detail.
Carnival glass became popular in the early twentieth century, when pieces often were prizes at carnivals, thus the colloquial name. Because of the company’s long tenure during which it manufactured the ever-popular pieces, dating individual items is difficult without seeing them in person.   By examining the amount of wear on the bottom one can get a better picture than merely by seeing a photograph.
That much said, this piece appears to date since 1970, the year the company began using a trademark in the form of an embossed oval with “Fenton” inscripted in the center.  The hexagonal shape is particularly popular, as is the purplish blue coloring.  

This piece is worth $55, assuming it is of the age I am estimating.  If it is of a later production date, the price would fluctuate.  Obviously, the earlier pieces command the highest prices, and are the most For those interested in Fenton, I recommend FENTON GLASS, A WARMAN’S COMPANION by Mark F. Moran, published by Krause Publications, Iola, WI, and a later version, WARMAN’S FENTON GLASS, 2nd Ed., by the same author and publisher.
Happy antiquing!
Lisa and Henry Hull operate Commonwealth Antiques and Appraisals, Inc. at 5150 Jessie DuPont Hwy. 22570. (P.O. 35). Wicomico Church, VA 22570. Write to them there or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with pictures and info on items.