FENTON FLYER FOTOS MARCH - APRIL 2014
This page is designed to complement The Fenton Flyer.  The Fenton Flyer is printed in black and white, with color highlights on several pages, but without full color photos.  We hope the members of the NFGS enjoy viewing the photos in color, and the visitors to the NFGSwebsite enjoy them and are curious to learn more about the articles they represent.  To learn more about the NFGS or to join, please visit the Membership page by clicking on the title in the panel on the left or on the bottom of this page.
NFGS dues are due January 1st of each year.  If you have yet to renew, you may do so by visiting the NFGS Membership page and using the PayPal option.  Your 2014 dues must be received  in the NFGS office before February 15th to ensure you don't miss an issue of The Flyer.  Missed issues of The Fenton Flyer may be purchased from the NFGS office.  They're Here--our 2014 NFGS Mice! Offered in Ruby and Beautiful Autumn Gold By Sharon Fenner The NFGS mice for 2014 were pressed at Fenton's Collectibles, Republic, Missouri.  They arrived at the NFGS office the weekend of December 7th, were checked, boxed for shipping, labeled, and mailed shortly thereafter.  They were available at one per member who has renewed their membership for the 2014 membership year.     Fenton to Purchase will Brighten your Day! Fantastic Lavender Mice with a Spring Design By Sharon Fenner  At right is our cute Lavender satin mouse with a spring-time lilac and bird design by former fenton designer CC Hardman.  We have 33 of these available for $35 each. Below is the Fenton Art Glass Carnival Catalog produced in conjunction with the Museum of American Glass in Weston, WV.  Nine mono- graphs are available for $16 (s/h incl.).  Also available are five DVDs of the August 2, 2005 Live QVC broadcast from Williamstown for $11 (s/h incl.). Below right are Ruby/Milk slag pressed Hippos.  They were made from Fenton cullet at Fenton's Collectibles at Republic, MO.  The picture shows the range of color - the outside hippos are shiny and the center hippo is satin.  We have 15 shiny hippos and 4 satin hippos available for $80 each.  Each of these items is available at one per household until after April 1, 2015.     Share Your Collection - Set Up A Display! By Sharon Fenner One of the best educational opportunities of the Convention viewing the member displays.  Shown are three uniquely different displays - the Favrene (rare color), the assorted pieces (time period), and the dolls (shape/figurines).  Each is beautiful in its own way.  Contact information is on page 3 of The Fenton Flyer.        Fenton Museum Shuttered                          Gate Closed to Future Study By Anne Blackmore It has been very disconcerting knowing the Fenton Museum is closed and a century-long collection of glass will be sold at public auction.  With the superior pieces in the Museum to soon be scattered across the country, and the paper archives to be disposed of in a manner to be determined, there will be nowhere to go to study Fenton Art Glass - the company or the glass.     FYI Convention First-Timers By Karen Biehl Check out the article on page 4 of The Fenton Flyer for information great to have prior to attending your first convention. Convention Headquarters Converting to Quality Inn By Millie Coty Comfort Inn will become Quality Inn about May 1st.  Everything will stay the same - only the name will change.  For reservations please call 740-374-8190.      Critter Corner Is it Fenton or Not? By Becki Ann Selby and Neva Wood There have been many bears listed on eBay as Fenton's 5151 bear.  They can fool even an avid collector until compared directly with a Fenton bear.  At left is a comparison - the multicolor bear is not Fenton, while the one with a Cobalt "shot" is a Fenton special order example.  Below are photos of the "knock-off" bear, back and side views.  The article gives several helpful tips on determining whether you have an authentic Fenton bear or an imposter.     "Just Cuz" it Says Fenton... By Anne Blackmore   There are way too many pieces mis-labeled as Fenton.  Below are three examples: Right:  Steuben Pink Crested Iridescent Luncheon Plate found in an antique store. Below left:  McKee "Laurel" Candelstick made between 1934 and 1940.  It was listed on eBay. Below right:  Westmoreland Mint Green Decorated Bell - this line #754 Cameo bell was found in an antique store.  The tag bears the description of "Fenton". This is a regular column in The Fenton Flyer.  NFGS members have access to tips and hints for avoiding a disappointing purchase.  Knowing Fenton characteristics  is very important when determining if a piece is Fenton. If you know your Fenton shapes, you will be less likely to accidentally purchase a mis-labeled piece, and more likely to find a Fenton rarity!  Remember Tom Smith's mantra, "Know your shapes!!"          The Cameo Glass Artistry of Kelsey Murphy, an Exhibit Opening at the West Virginia State Museum  By Millie Coty Below:  Kelsey Murphy attending the unveiling of this permanent exhibit of  the 55-piece collection of Pilgrim Cameo glass (representing the 55 counties in WV) donated by Drs. Touma.  The museum is located at 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston, WV  25305.  Admission is free!        Special News for Ghost and Bridesmaid Doll Collectors Fenton's Collectibles of Republic, MO. has leased several FAGCO moulds including the Bridesmaid, Ghost, Hippo,  and Dinosaur.  They will be producing these figurines in their own colors and multi-color slags.  The pieces will bear the Fenton logo, and they will be sandblasted with the Fenton's Collectibles crown logo to ensure collectors know their provenance.     Keeping Your Eyes Open! By John Walk In addition to studying glass, one can find great enjoyment in going through old magazines and ephemera.  Read about John's discovery of the illustration of the luncheon table in July 1953 issue of Woman's Home Companion.  Notice the plates, cups and saucers.  All are crested, but not just any crest, these are Ebony of Black Crest.     In the Movies Another collectible is literature pertaining to the Cinema.  Note the Charleton decorated Peach Crest vase sitting on the dresser in the 1944 Lon Chaney Classic "The Mummy's Curse".  It was there for the duration of the movie. At right is a 1940s ad for Jello.  Note the crest bowl and plate, especially the odd color of the crest.     More Fenton in Old Advertising                   By Anne Blackmore Many different crests were used, plus a Coin Dot milk pitcher!     Above:  Nile Green Panther bowl, with Butterfly and Berry pattern on the exterior. Below:  Green Opalescent Waterlily and Cattails whimsy vase made from a berry bowl.  Above:  Green Opalescent spittoon-shaped whimsy. Below:  Rose-colored pipe or spoon rest.     Fantastic Post-1940 Fenton Finds From eBay and Elsewhere By Anne Blackmore Left:  Rare 1988 Fenton Clock Louise Piper Painted Cardinals - eBay Item #: 400635604801 - didn't achieve the seller's Buy it Now price. Row 2 left:  Emerald Crest #1523 Candlesticks, Pair - found in Williamstown, WV. Row 2 right:  Silver Crest Vase Murrhina Hat Vase - Jim Ralson - eBay Item #: 271370240814 - sold for $36.55 after 10 bids. Row 3 left:  Favrene Sunfish figurine - sold at live auction in Ohio to an internet bidder for $115. Row 3 right:  Rare Vintage 1960s Fenton Art Glass Rose Mist Vasa Murrhina Elephant - eBay Item #: 380810502391 - sold for $170.21 after 14 bids.     Right:  Fenton Apple Blossom Crest Lamp, Hand Painted by Frances Burton - eBay Item                     #:  121257889680 - this lamp didn't meet the seller's minimum bid.  Below:  Rare Vintage Fenton Ruby Red Hobnail Glass Ewer Wine Set with Stickers, c. 1970 - eBay Item #: 131066128538 - sold for $360.55 after 19 bids.                                                                                       Time Machine?  Hardly!  Buyers Beware and Be Educated By Anne Blackmore   The dealer labeled this basket as a piece from the Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893, and the basket itself has a painted date on the side of 1893, but it is a Fenton basket.  Fenton didn't begin making glass until 1907.  This Fenton Peach Crest basket was made between 1942 and 1954, approximately 50 years after this event took place.  The booth contained two blue vases of European origin similarily painted.  Buyer beware!     The Fenton Barometer: A Few Bright Spots By Doug McIntosh Right:  #549 8-inch Celeste Blue and Topaz candlesticks - $1901.76 - 14 bids Center left:  Louise Piper OOAK lamp - $1,900 - one bid Center right:  OOAK Robin Spindler Blue Burmese vase - $1,402.88 - 22 bids Bottom left:  11-inch 1920s Mosaic vase - $1,882 - 20 bids Bottom right:  Blue Carnival Soldiers and Sailors Home plate - $1,175.99 - 11 bids        Make Plans to attend the 24th Annual NFGS Convention July 26, 27, & 28, 2014 Enjoy a cruise on the Valley Gem!! Stretch Glass Society Convention July 23 - 25, 2014     A Blast from the Past - Fenton News from 1985 ..........................Contributed by Millie Coty Written by Dave Poe, Marietta Times Staff Writer and published in the July 25, 1985 newspaper.  Photos also courtesy of the Marietta Times. History Found in Old Camera By Anne Blackmore Frank M. Fenton, taken by Thomas K. Smith.  Our best guess for when this photo was taken is summer of 2008.     A Day at the Auction - Soper Fenton Auction By Anne Blackmore The author breaks down the bidding and applies the 80/20 Rule, which says you will do 80% of your business with 20% of your customers.      Mould Use Follow-Up By Anne Blackmore Following the article in our last issue, members sent two photos showing additional sugar bowls made from the #596 mould.  Note the wonderful cuttings on these examples!!     Fenton Angels and Santa Clauses By Bruce Bentz Above:  Fenton ornaments hang from a beam Right: Trees decorated with Fenton ornaments Row 2 left:  Display of  Fenton angels Row 2 right:  Fenton Santas on display Row 3 left:  #5542 Radiant Angel (and mould), #5533 Guardian Angel Row 3 right:  #5143 Angel Bell (girl) and 5144 Angel Bell (boy) Row 4 left:  #5014 Inspirational Angel and #5053 Snow Angel Row 4 right:  #5042 Gloria Angel, #5034 Child Angel, and #5298 Renaissance or Nativity Angel Left:  The first angels created by designer Tony Rosena.  On the top row is the original shape -      # 5113 boy angel and # 5114 girl angel.  The number for the set is # 5112.  Bottom row left shows the first modification of the mould, and on the right is the set with longer wings; the final mould change. Below left:  # 5356 Santa holding a stocking (2007), # 5279 Kneeling Santa (1999), # 5249 Santa holding a cat (1998), # 5294 Hugging Santa (2003), and # 5299 Old World Santa (1997). Below right:  One-of-a-kind Milk/Grey/Black slag and a Cobalt/Milk Iridized example.      Fenton Archaeology Exceptional Early Fenton Found On Line or in the Wild  By Anne Blackmore Left:  #1565 Turtle Aquarium Base Row 2 left:  "Pair" Stretch #549 Candlesticks Row 2 right:  #1935 "Franklin" Ruby Decanter Set Bottom left:  #3020 12-inch Hanging Hearts Early Off-hand Vase Bottom right:  #16 Spiral Optic Bathroom Bottle with Flower Stopper      Fenton or Northwood? The mould was originally made by Northwood, but when they closed in 1925, the mould went to the Fenton Art Glass Co.  The photo shows both Fenton and Northwood turtles; but what is the key to identifying which company made which turtle?  The answer is in the Mar./Apr. Flyer. Make plans now to attend the 24th Annual NFGS Convention July 26, 27, & 28, 2014. Exclusive Glass * Seminars * Banquet Dinner Cruise * Bingo * Glass Displays