Fenton Hobnail Square Glass Personal Ashtrays / Trinket Dishes
Fenton Art Glass Company · Collectibles & Antiques > Art Glass
Era / Decade
1940s - 1960s (Mid-Century Modern)
Material
Pressed glass in Amber, Kelly Green, and Crystal (Clear). The green piece may be Uranium glass if it glows under UV light, common for this era.
Condition
Good to Very Good. Minimal visible chipping in photo, but 'teeth' on hobnail edges are prone to micro-chipping.
Demand Level
Moderate. Fenton collectors are active, but small ashtrays have a niche market compared to larger vases or bowls.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $15.00 | Mid: $25.00 | High: $40.00 (As a set of three)
Estimated Retail Value
$10.00 - $15.00 (Original vintage price adjusted for inflation is negligible; comparable modern artisanal glass is $25+ each)
Comparable Sales
Recent individual sales on eBay range from $8 to $12 per dish. Sets of three successfully sell for $25-$35 plus shipping depending on color rarity.
Description
Set of 3 vintage Fenton square hobnail glass dishes. Includes one amber, one emerald green, and one clear glass. These versatile pieces can be used as personal ashtrays, ring dishes, or salt cellars. Feature a classic all-over hobnail texture with a scalloped/pointed edge typical of Fenton's mid-century production.
Key Features
Fenton brand recognition, highly collectible hobnail pattern, multi-color assortment, Mid-Century Modern appeal, potential Uranium/UV reactivity in the green piece.
Authenticity Indicators
Fenton usually didn't mark glass before 1970; check for a 'Fenton' in an oval mark. If unmarked, the quality of the hobnails (uniformity and sharpness) suggests authentic Fenton production. High confidence.
Flaws to Note
Potential 'fleabites' or tiny chips on the sharp points of the hobnails. Interior residue or 'clouding' from use can occur but isn't visible in the photo.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (for vintage home decor enthusiasts), eBay (for glass collectors), or Facebook Marketplace (for local MCM home decor flippers).
Selling Tips
Photograph under a UV/Blacklight to see if the green one glows—if it does, market it as 'Uranium Glass' to double the value. Use keywords like 'MCM', 'Hobnail', 'Trinket Dish', and 'Boho Decor'. Ship with heavy bubble wrap as the pointed edges are fragile.