Historical information
The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton in an old glass factory in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Originally, they painted glass blanks from other glass makers, but started making their own glass when they became able to buy the materials they needed. They moved across the Ohio river to Williamstown, West Virginia, and built a factory in 1906. The first year for glass production was 1907. Frank Fenton was the designer and decorator. Jacob Rosenthal, a famous glass chemist is known for developing chocolate and golden agate glass. Perfume bottles for the Wrisley Company in 1938 were made in French opalescent glass with the hobnail pattern In 1939, Fenton started selling Hobnail items in milk glass. During the Great Depression and World War II, Fenton produced practical items such as mixing bowls and tableware. Fenton ceased "traditional" glassmaking at the Williamstown, West Virginia factory in July of 2011. However, the factory remains open as a jewellery making operation, producing handcrafted glass beads and Teardrop earrings.
Physical description
Late early to mid 20th century Jack-in the- Pulpet style Fenton vase. Hand-blown outer aqua blue glass over base of white milk glass. Heavily ruffled and crimped rim, with clear glass edging. The narrow neck joins to larger circular base. The body of the vase is also decorated with swirling ridges. Clear glass handle.
Inscriptions & markings
Pont mark on base, but no Makers Mark. Fenton's glassware bore no Makers Mark until the 1950s.
