The new Fenton logo shown left is from a Chameleon Green Hen Egg Plate, # 5188 XE and was put into use in 2008, after Fenton restructured the Fenton company to include wares that were not only made in the USA, as they had been for 102 years. This newest embedded Fenton logo clearly shows that the items it was used on were made in the USA. Fenton Hen and Rooster collectors rejoiced over this! |
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| The variety of Fenton's permanent embedded logos, including those used to mark seconds, or inferior wares deemed not to be of First Quality, and the meaning for the use of each type of logo, can offer valuable information to collectors and evidence as to the identity and authenticity of a "Fenton" hen on nest in question. But, what these embedded markings can offer doesn't end there. Fenton claims their hen on nest forms as their own, and because of that the logo embedded on the Fenton hen on nest dishes made since 1972, when Fenton's items began to be marked with their embedded logo, should be marked with variations of the Fenton logo reserved for wares who's moulds originated with Fenton. To the right are logos used by Fenton for their wares, such as their hen on nest dishes, and also for their Roosters designed by Fenton's talented Designers, Jon Saffel and Suzi Whitaker. Moulds claimed by Fenton as their own are marked with the logo which spells the Fenton name out, in an oval. See the samples of these logos to right, with more about Fenton's logos and, their Decade Indicators discussed and shown in the section below. The column to the left shows 2 Fenton logos, (the top logo is shown as a sketch, and below from a photo of the Chocolate Rooster Box.) The top Fenton logo, the "Script F in an Oval" would not be found on any Fenton hen on nest form. Although there are roosters that are marked with the logo used for Fenton's hen on nest moulds. At the top of this column is the "Script F in an Oval" logo, which is also shown in the photo below as it appears on Fenton's 8" Chocolate Rooster Box, #4680 CK, with a small number 0 also embedded with the logo, which is discussed in detail below. This logo is used for Fenton items produced from moulds that did not originate with Fenton, such as the moulds used to produce Fenton's 2 sizes of Rooster Boxes, their large standing rooster, and of course, the Chanticleer. The moulds for each of these Roosters were bought from former competitors, and each should be marked with the "Script F in the Oval" logo. The logo shown on the bottom of the far left column, the "Fancy F in the Circle" is used by Fenton to mark items made by them for other companies to market through their own companies as Fenton. For example, determining correct colors can be especially problematic when shopping for Fenton Art Glass hens and roosters online. Getting the color correct is essential for collectors since Fenton used very similar colors with fairly subtle changes for their hen on nest dishes, rooster boxes and standing roosters over the years. Adding to that, is the fact that colors usually vary in appearance from PC to PC. With the decks seemingly impossibly stacked as far as knowing which color is which, what does a tiny number embedded with the logo have to do with the determining the actual color of a Fenton hen on nest? Plenty! Decade Indicators can be used to help collectors pin down the exact color, which is a relief to any collector who's ever purchased duplicate hens by error, thinking the color was other than it appeared. |
| Above and below are images of the first logo Fenton used, shown here on their base of their 5" hen on nest, ware # 5186 CN, in Carnival. The Carnival 5" Fenton hen on nest was produced from 1971 through 1973. Therefor, this logo has no "Decade Indicator" since Fenton did not begin embedding those tiny, albeit very helpful, numbers until the early 1980s. |
| In 1980 Fenton began embedding a (very) tiny number 8 with their logos. This number, which was put in the mould and thus permanently embedded into the glass with the logo was used to identify Fenton wares are excepted as having been manufactured in the 1970's. In 1990 the number was changed to a 9 and used to identify Fenton wares of the 1990s decade. It was changed to a 0 for wares produced after 1999, and for 2011 the number will again be changed, this time to the number 1, which Fenton chose to represent the decade beginning in 2011. This wonderful, scarcely noticeable number, which we refer to as a Decade Indicator, can be a very useful tool for collectors. What this often missed number looks like, and where it can be found is shown in the photos to the right. The "Decade Indicators" and Fenton logos shown to the right are all from various Fenton 5" hen on nest dishes #5186, with them located in the center of the underside of the base's, or nest's bottom. Some Fenton Hen on Nest dishes have hen tops which are also marked, however a hen on nest with a marked top and bottom is not necessarily worth more than those with their bases only marked affects its fair market value. The Logos and Decade Indicators are the same on Fenton's large 8" hen on nest bases, although the underside of those bases varies in appearance from those underside of the base used with Fenton's 5" hen top. Although all Fenton roosters are marked, they are not all marked with the same type of logo. Fenton's "home-grown" roosters for each decade with an assigned number. The Decade Indicator determines at a glance (well, make that at a glance in good, strong light with the possible assistance of a magnifying glass!) during which decade a Fenton ware was made. This easy to recall Decade Indicator breaks down easily with no complicated codes to remember.
The newest Fenton logos being used on Fenton's hen on nest dishes was put into use in 2008, and includes the words "Fenton USA." (03.9.09) |
| Above are images of the underside of the bases of Fenton's Cobalt 5" hen on Nest, # 5186 KN, made in 1999 and therefor marked with the number 9 Decade Indicator. Fenton's 5" Dusty Rose Hen on Nest, ware # 5186 CP, was produced 1984, 1985 and 1986 and in keeping with what Decade Indicators offer is marked with an 8 for its Decade Indicator and the base from #C 5186 C9, the base from the Ivory Satin HP Hen On A Ruby Nest, special ordered for QVC, who debuted this Fenton hen on April, 2004, and is marked with the 0 Decade Indicator used for Fenton wares made after 1999. |
| Above: Embedded Logo from the 1970s, No Decade Indicator. Base of #5186 CN, Carnival 5" Hen on Nest. |
| Above: Embedded Logo from the 1990s, with the Decade Indicator of 9. Base of #5186 KN, Cobalt 5" Hen on Nest, YOP 1999. |
| Above: Embedded Logo from after 1999. Decade Indicator of 0. Base of #C 5186 C9, from the Ivory Satin HP 5" Hen on a Ruby Nest, special ordered for QVC, April 2004. |
| Above: Embedded Logo from the 1980s, Note the Decade Indicator of 8. Base of #5186 CP, Dusty Rose 5" Hen on Nest, YOP 1984, 1985, 1986. |
| The final embedded logos Fenton put into use was in 2008, following the restructuring of the Fenton Art Glass Company, resulting in a shocking announcement that some brand name Fenton wares were to be production overseas, outside of the USA. For a family owned and operated company which took such well deserved pride in its wares having been made in the USA for over 100 years, the fall out caused by this sudden change in policy-and direction- caused a considerate loss of collectors of all types of Fenton Art Glass. Fortunately, their hens and roosters are still being made in the USA. So far. The logo shown above right is from the 2008 Fenton Chameleon Hen Egg Plate, ware # 5188 XE, which Rosso Glass special ordered in Limited Numbers. The "0" Decade Indicator, and the new letters USA that were added to the embedded logo of this Hen Egg Plate. |
| The single digits, or Decade Indicators, that Fenton began embedding with their logos in the early 1980s, can be very helpful for determining during which decade an item was made, although deciphering which number is which can be difficult without the use of strong light and possibly a magnifying glass. These Decade Indicators are very helpful to collectors, since many Fenton colors are similar and difficult to determine from photos. Knowing when a piece was made can help narrow down the actual color possibilities, since if a piece is marked as having been made in the 1990s, then only the colors made during that decade need to be considered as the potential color for the hen in question. |
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| A Time-line of Fenton (USA) Hen on Nest Forms |
| Fenton Chicken Server Ware #5188 Debuted in 1952- Semi-Retired 1958 |
| Fenton Hen Egg Plate Ware #5188 (Formerly called the Fenton Chicken Server) YOP:1995-Until Closing |
| More about the Queens of the Fenton Curio Coop |
| Shown: Ware #5188 YZ, Mother of Pearl Hen Egg Plate, Hand Painted, Ltd. Ed. of 950 pieces, 1995. Fenton's Chicken Server, retired in 1958, was re-issued in 1995 as the Fenton Hen Egg Plate. Over the years other Hen Egg Plates were produced, including another decorated LE issue. Beautiful colors were special ordered by other companies such as Rosso, most recently had this dish done in Fenton's hit of 2008, Chameleon Green and Martha Stewart's Martha by Mail. 1995--2012. (09.03.08) V2-02.14.17 |
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| Shown: Ware # 5182 MI, 8" Milk Glass Hen on scallop rim Nest, YOP: 1968-72. After a decade without an inline hen on nest, in 1968 Fenton debuted their revised 8" Hen on Nest. A familiar 8" hen top with bulging eyes was used on a Vallerysthal style, scallop rimmed basket-woven base. 1967-2012. |
| Shown: Ware #5183 MY, Amethyst with Milk Glass Head and smooth rimmed Nest, YOP: 1953. Fenton next used their 8" hen top on the Challinor style, smooth rimmed, basket woven base, ware #5183. Produced from 1953 to its retirement early in 1958. |
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Fenton roosters were put into production long after Fenton began marking wares with their logos embedded into the glass, so there is no such thing as "pre-logo" Fenton roosters. Any Fenton rooster lacking a logo should be suspect as being defective, and not of first quality. Unmarked "Fenton" roosters of all shapes and sizes should be studied carefully before considering its purchase. Occasionally defects can appear to be less obvious in photos, so if you have doubts about the item contact the Seller. Learning as much as you can about the various hens and roosters produced by Fenton and their shapes, sizes and features is essential to enjoying a successful online collecting experience-especially when shopping on eBay. |
| Shown right: Ware #5185 YM Chick on Nest, Amethyst Chick on Milk Glass Nest, YOP: 1953 & 1954 Fenton's 5" Chick On Nest's debut coincided with that of their Chicken Server. Early colors of Chick On Nest #5185, Chicken Server #5188, & Hen on Nest #5183 were often offered in matching colors & combinations, many which have never been reproduced. To date Fenton's Chick on Nest has been made inline in 7 colors, including 2 ordered by Martha Stewart's Martha by Mail in Mint Green and Shell Pink, the 2 glass colors of the Hen Egg Plates also ordered by Martha by Mail. 10.11.08 V2 02.07.17 |
| In August, 2007, Fenton stunned the North American art glass community when it was announced that the doors to Fenton Art Glass were to be permanently closed, after over 100 years of success as a family business. Although the Fenton Art Glass Company fought rising costs for producing art glass in the USA for longer than many experts thought possible, with Fenton continuing to produce and sell their wares until 2011, eventually Fenton did out-source some wares for production to be done overseas. Many believe this was one of the many reasons for the ultimate failing company. Although it is true that the art glass of many other companies in the USA had begun to out-source the production of their wares to factories overseas and since their production was less costly, as was the cost of their ware produced overseas, their were many inconsistencies and problems with the production, which is obvious when comparing wares made overseas to the beautiful Art Glass was made in the USA by Fenton. However, many collectors and Fenton Dealers believe the management of the company, and the primarily high end direction much of Fenton's wares were taking was hurting the company demographically. Although at the time there seemed to be little hope for Fenton to meet its debts and continue its business operations, through a massive restructuring of the Fenton Company, which included the introduction of Fenton International, and other changes, Fenton was able to stay in business, and their Hen on Nest dishes & Roosters continued to be produced in the USA, until 2011, when Fenton ceased making their wares. It should be noted that many members of Fenton Clubs and eGroups are those who are responsible, at least in part, for keeping Fenton in business, whether they can afford to purchase every LE ware produced, or not. Their continued patronage to Fenton despite all, has proven Fenton still has a remarkably loyal client base. With the recent changes following Fenton's restructuring, and their decision to move production of some Fenton wares out of the USA, came the apparent need for new logos and labels, as shown below. Fortunately, to date all the hen on nest dishes and covered Rooster Boxes have continued to be made in the USA and are marked as such. (Although difficult to photograph, please refer above to view the photo of the green embedded USA logo, on the Chameleon Green Hen Egg Plate, Ware # 5188 XE, that was special ordered by Rosso Glass, who also special ordered many other new Fenton items in 2008 Chameleon Green.) |
| As has been mentioned here several times, Fenton's Quality Control checks each item thoroughly. If that item does not meet Fenton's strict requirements the piece it is deemed a Second, and permanently marked that way. Items that were to have been Limited Editions have all reference to that sandblasted off, which is also done to logos that have already been applied. Below are some common marks used to identify Fenton wares that are not of First Quality. While some of these items make their way to eBay via purchases from the Fenton Gift Shop's Bargain Bin, that in no way is meant to imply that only Seconds are sold through the Gift Shop. Quite, to the contrary! Many wonderful, and unique First Quality items can be found there! Below, left to right are: Dancing Flame, Double Star (singles also used), and Block F. The letter "F" scratched into the surface of a piece also identifies it as a second. |
| This additional section about Fenton's hen on nest dishes is to help familiarize you with the appearance of Fenton's various hen on nest "moulds," a term used by many art glass enthusiasts to quickly and concisely describe the size and shape of brand name art glass ware, such those manufactured by Fenton Art Glass. Providing as many large photos of Fenton's hen on nest moulds as we can, and from various angles, with general information about them located near their respective photos should help make learning to recognize Fenton's hen on nest forms easier. Please review the Sections for each of the forms shown below. There you will find large photos, close-ups of mould details, measurements, and more about the interesting features and characteristics of each mould shown here can be found in the separate Sections for each of Fenton's hen on nest forms. |
| Fenton's markings for Second Quality Wares |
| As previously mentioned, the term "pre-logo" is often seen when searching the web's Secondary Market Venues for nest and covered chicken dish that has no Maker's Mark, or at least none found by its seller. Often these unmarked hens are listed as "pre-logo" Fenton, although many companies did not mark their hens. True pre-logo Fenton hen on nest dishes are not common, and are fairly easy to spot once a Buyer knows that to look for. There are more Fenton hen on nest dishes in circulation which are marked, than those that are not, due to lower numbers of unmarked hens having been made and breakage of those that were. Fenton began embedding their logo, the complete word "Fenton" spelled out in an oval, in 1971 (see images and photos to right). By 1972 the 8" and 5" Fenton Hen on Nest dishes were being produced marked with Fenton's embedded logo, and there were no longer any Fenton hen on nest dishes being made unmarked-or "pre-logo." All of Fenton's inline roosters were put into production nearly 2 decades after Fenton began embedding logos into their wares. Therefor are no "pre-logo" Fenton roosters, and those that are marked are not marked with the logo, shown to the right, used for Fenton's hens. Over the years Fenton's use of embedded markings evolved in ways that provided more than simple confirmation of an item's brand name as Fenton's. Because Fenton lays claim to all their Hen on Nest dishes/forms, Fenton marked them with the logo reserved for marking items made from moulds which originated with Fenton. Those logos, and the roosters created by Fenton's designers, are different from those used with their rooster boxes and large standing roosters-the moulds for all of which came from outside sources. |
| Above is the new logo shown on the large #4680 Rooster Box Base, with the Chameleon Green logo below, all part of Fenton's last logos to be used, which thrilled Fenton's art glass poultry enthusiasts since this new logo & final logo used for Fenton Roosters and their Hen on Nest dishes made from early 2008 to their closing were marked with Fenton's logo- and the addition of USA! |
| We have seen Fenton hen on nest dishes and roosters listed for sale on eBay as "Rare," "Turn of the Century," "depression glass." "vintage Estate find," and some even more creatively enticing titles. Since Fenton didn't use a time machine to go back to their beginnings in the early 1900s, and since Depression Glass and the late 1990s to the early 21st century are not compatible, we've created a simple Timeline of Fenton hen on nest forms to clarify which of the gals arrived when! The Timeline below should clarify what hen on nest forms were introduced when and when/if the mould was retired. Photos of each mould or ware included in the roster of Fenton's hen on nest dishes displayed below in the order they were introduced-from the debut of the Chicken Server in 1952, to Fenton's return of the Chicken Server with the new name, Hen Egg Plate in 1995 are shown below with information about what hens were made when, and whether they are still being produced. |
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| The above Fenton Roosters from the 2001 Folk Art Collection, were made of black glossy glass, before being painted by Fenton's artisans in the handsome decorative design for that year's Folk Art Collection. Unfortunately, their were no hen on nest dishes made in this color scheme. It should be noted, the interior of the rooster tops and bases are not painted and show the original color the glass was prior to being painted. This can be especially helpful when a Rooster Box is listed as Burmese, when instead its decorated in colors resembling Burmese, usually on white glass. |
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| An Introduction to Enjoying the Art of Online Fenton Hen & Rooster Collecting ~&~ Why Buyers should Beware! |
| Mrs. Shirley Smith, a renowned Glass Covered Hen on Nest expert, author and keynote speaker, has identified over 250 glass hen on nest forms now known to exist, produced by more than 100 companies. Each, even those that are marked with their maker's name or logo, has the possibility of being erroneously listed online as Fenton. That, in a nutshell is an excellent reason for a collector to make some time to learn what they can about what Fenton Art Glass hens and roosters are-and what they are not! Ebay can be a wonderful place to shop for Fenton-however, Buyers must beware! An average of 20 to 35% of the hens listed on eBay as Fenton are not Fenton. Many see the contradiction from the thumbnail photo of those hen that's erroneously listed, although the creative use of angles, and poor photography may entice one to venture further to read the listing., especially when sho listed hen usually clearly indicate-if the one looking knows what a brand name Fenton hen looks like. Learn as much as you can about Fenton, and the various hens and roosters produced by Fenton. As you learn to use your eyes, also use your knowledge of Fenton to help you really see and observe the hen you're looking at. Eventually you'll be able to quickly access a hen with a practiced eye. Studying the features of each of Fenton's hen on nest forms with an ordered, yet almost artistic approach. Learning to "see," observe and study the features of the Fenton hen on nest forms is essential to enjoying a successful online collecting experience. |
| Welcome! This is an introduction to enjoying the art of online collecting brand name Fenton Art Glass Hen on Nest dishes, wares from their impressive roster of Rooster moulds, and the other beautiful art glass poultry produced by Fenton. This site is for our fellow Fenton Hen and Rooster enthusiasts, from novice to experienced, who enjoy buying and selling Fenton's beautiful Art Glass poultry on eBay, or one of the many other Secondary Marketplace Venues available on the Internet. We hope you enjoy your visit! The convenience of shopping for brand name collectibles via a plethora of expansive online Secondary Market Venues is not without problematic issues of its own. This seemingly accepted trade of can and does affect the collecting of brand name goods-including Fenton. Unresolved purchases of items that were erroneously listed as a brand name are financially draining to the collector, to say the least. Over the years Fenton's popularity as a highly collectible Art Glass continued to increase as did sales on the Internet and on eBay, which added a Category just for brand name Fenton Art Glass, with several subcategories included. With sustained popularity on the Secondary Market the term "Fenton," once a name synonymous with high quality North American Art Glass, began to be used incorrectly by many uninformed online Sellers as a generic term for any glass hen, chicken or rooster they elected to list on eBay. BUYERS BEWARE! |
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| Fenton's Rulers of the Roost |
| Fenton's Rulers of the Roost |
| www.fentonaddict.com www.FentonHenAndRooster.com |
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| Whether a novice to eBay and online shopping, or a longtime veteran, familiarize, or re-familiarize yourself with some very important facts and rules relative to accurate online listings for Brand Name items, such as Fenton. This information is readily available for review on most online market venues, including eBay, links to which are included below. Reviewing and understanding the Terms of Service, especially with regard to the sale of brand name goods is for your protection as a buyer-as well as for Sellers of brand name goods. Reviewing this information may be one of the easiest, least expensive ways with which to increase your brand name collecting enjoyment-while also providing protection from eBay and PayPal, if that service is used, should your purchase not turn out as expected, including not being the brand name it was listed as. The importance of taking the time to do this small bit of reading about the Terms of Service, or TOS, for where you shop online cannot be over emphasized! Each venue has specific rules Buyers and Sellers must comply with in order for them to participate in that venue-whether buying or selling. The rules that Sellers must also follow can also assist you, as a Buyer if a Fenton hen on nest purchase arrives and makes you want to cry "Fowl" when she turns out not to be Fenton. If PayPal is used to pay for eBay and other purchases, be sure to check the details and requirements of PayPal's Buyer Protection Program. PayPal offers Buyers great assistance when purchases go wrong, but their service is regulated by specific guidelines and time frames that must be followed to the letter in order to be eligible for PayPal Buyer's Protection. eBay's Buying and Selling Terms and Guidelines are easy to access. The following links will take you to eBay' Terms of Service and Buying and Selling, Rules and Guidelines which provide a wealth of information, especially about the listing by Sellers of Brand Names, including the brand name of Fenton, that catches even some seasoned eBayers by surprise. http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/compliant-listings.html http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-ov.html For more information about the rules that govern the listing of brand name items, please click here: More About The Sellers Responsibilities to Authenticate Brand Name Items Listed on eBay-Prior to listing! |
| Per eBay's Selling Rules, ALL BRAND NAME ITEMS MUST BE VERIFIED & AUTHENTICATED AS THE BRAND NAME THE ITEM IS LISTED AS PRIOR TO IT BEING LISTED ON EbAY! Sellers are ultimately responsible for the legality of any item they offer for sale on eBay and the listing describing that item. If a Seller's item or listing violates eBay policy by not being the brand name listed as, or by being listed in a brand name category when the item is not that brand name, that Seller may be reported to eBay and the listing may be removed from eBay. Additionally, the incorrect listing of an item by a brand name, such as Fenton, prior to its authentication, may be cause for the Seller to take the item back and refund all funds paid, again per eBay and PayPal rules. The listing of non-Fenton wares can be especially problematic for those who may be new to Fenton collecting, or eBay. During the weeks prior to Easter 2009, there was an average of 22 hens listed as Fenton in the Fenton Category on eBay. Actually, 6 to 10 of the hen on nest dishes listed as Fenton clearly were not the Fenton brand. The Sellers of those items were notified about their errors. Not so shockingly, many chose not to correct their listings, quoting non-existent eBay rules as their reason for not being able to correct, revise, amend or add to their listing(s). Oddly, despite this rule, most eBay auctions seem to contain a form of a written bail out term written into their listings with wording such as "All items sold as is" or a similar attempt at relieving the Seller of any liability for posting an incorrect listing because they failed to do their homework-which eBay requires when selling items as a brand name! |
We've done our best to help collectors & enthusiasts avoid the pitfalls of buying online from photos & the written word of Sellers, by helping to point out what to look for, & what if seen is a red flag for the hen not being Fenton, when searching for authentic Fenton Art Glass Hens & Roosters. Described on the pages of this site are above are more reasons for BUYERS to BEWARE!! Learning the forms of Fenton's hen on nest dishes, which colors were marked and knowing that all first quality Fenton roosters should be marked with an embedded Fenton logo are just a few tips that learning about what you collect can provide. Fenton collecting can become more enjoyable-and in a sense, an art. |
multiple part wares, including covered Hen on Nest dishes, and Rooster Boxes. Fenton's 8" hen top, a copy of the 8" Atterbury Hen Top was developed in the early 1950s for use with Fenton's first Hen on Nest form to debut-their huge Chicken Server #5188. Fenton's 8" Hen Top is still in production to this day in 2009, and is known as Hen Top mould # 5199. Each of the 3 bases used with Fenton Hen Top #5199 have mould numbers of their own. To avoid confusion, for the most part we've used the 4 digit mould number for the completed wares throughout the site. Fenton's complete 2 part Hen on Nest moulds each have their own 4 digit Mould number. The 4 digit mould number is incorporated into a Ware Number for the completed 2 part wares. For example, each Ware Number is specific to a particular hen or rooster mould (size and shape) and the specific type, color(s) &/or finishing treatment(s) of the glass used to manufacture the item, or ware. The Ware Number generally consists of the 4 digit mould number (for the complete hen on nest) and a suffix of 2 letters, or combination of a digit and letter, which represents Fenton's Color Code. The color code suffix which is added to the 4 digit mould number to create a Ware Number for a specific item, represents the specific color, treatment, and even the decorative designs painted on items. Knowing which color helps avoid the purchase of duplicates, which is easy to do since the same color hen doesn't always look the same from camera to camera, and PC display to PC display. There are ways of pinpointing the colors which we discuss in the section on colors. Fenton's contemporary mould numbers generally consist of a 4 digit number assigned to the completed item, regardless of the number of moulds required to complete the item, or an item's multiple components, or whether its a solid 5" cat, or a 5 piece Epergne. Fenton's ware numbers have become somewhat interchangeable with mould numbers in some collecting circles, which is not far from true. A Fenton Ware Number is not actually complete without its suffix of a 2 digit, or a combination of a letter and a number, code which represents the Fenton color of an item. Occasionally, ware numbers also have lettered prefixes, indicating they were made by Special Order for a company with plans to market the item themselves. QVC, Rosso, and Martha Stewart's special ordered Fenton hens and roosters are some examples of this type of ware number. Detailed information about mould and ware numbers is included below. |
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| Fortunately for Fenton hen and rooster enthusiasts, the number of “pre-logo,” or unmarked Fenton hen on nest dishes believed to still exist is substantially less than those that are marked, and is relative to the online Secondary Market and eBay, where a greater number of marked authentic Fenton hen on nest dishes are known to exist and are more frequently seen listed for sale than those that were made prior to the early 1970s. |
| The term "pre-logo" is commonly seen when shopping for Fenton, on the online Secondary Marketplace when the listing is for a glass item lacking any permanent marking, such as a logo embedded or maker's mark embedded into the glass which verifies the brand of the item. Fenton produced many items in the decades prior to the early 1970s, when they began the practice of marking First Quality wares with permanent logos, spelling out the word Fenton, embedded into the glass of items, such as their hen on nest dishes. |
| Fenton's various labels have their own stories, but these labels are not nearly as reliable as Fenton's embedded logos for proving an item to be an authentic Fenton ware, since labels can be easily removed and applied to other items. Per our own purchasing experience, more than a few non-Fenton hens and roosters have appeared on eBay sporting Fenton labels, some of which were older than the item they were pictured on, which only serves to cast doubt about the seller's integrity. Just as disturbing are the pages of unused Fenton labels that have been listed on eBay, and sold quickly. The scan above is of a part of a roll of unused Fenton labels bought on eBay for use on this site-the very first day we searched for them. |
| Stick on foil and paper labels are not considered reliable for confirming the authenticity of an item as being brand name Fenton. More than a few obviously non-Fenton hens, roosters, chickens and other wares have appeared on eBay and other online Secondary Market venues sporting Fenton labels that do not belong on them. Although frequently the item is obviously not Fenton attempting to argue that point with the seller of a glass hen with a Fenton sticker isn't easy. We've also seen other errors, where hens are marked by another maker-yet the Fenton sticker is of a priority to the seller since if an item has a Fenton sticker into the Fenton category it goes-right or wrong. |
| The lack of a sticker should not affect the value of an authentic Fenton piece in any great sense. Very dry weather, a gentle cleaning of an item with a damp cloth, and apparently even a trip via USPS can cause stickers to come loose, or even fall off. We've purchased new Fenton items from authorized Showcase Dealers, and Fenton direct and on more than one occasion have had these new items arrive with their foil stickers found hanging off, in the bottom of the box, and so on. To us, the presence of a sticker on an authentic Fenton piece does not affect its value. However, this is a personal opinion, and in the world of collecting-to each his own! |
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| The end of over a century long run of success by Fenton! |
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| Copyright © Silver Stirrup Studio at Sweetwater Farms, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 All rights reserved. Web site designed, hosted and maintained by Silver Stirrup Studio at Sweetwater Farms. This page last updated on 02/02/2020 15:48:59 This site is not affiliated with Fenton Art Glass, eBay or any other organization. The opinions expressed here are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of the Fenton Art Glass Company, eBay or any individual, named or unnamed. The facts are stated to the best of our knowledge based on information obtained from the Official site of the Fenton Art Glass Company, and the list of other sites and printed media listed in this site's Bibliography. |
| Enjoying the Art of Online Fenton Art Glass Collecting~ For Fenton Collectors & Enthusiasts-by Fenton Collectors & Enthusiasts. |
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| Ware #5188 YM, Milk Glass body with Amethyst Head, Chicken Server, YOP: 1953, 1954, retired in this color, 1955. (rare) Hen top is a copy of the 8" Atterbury hen top later used on the smooth rimmed base. Fenton Chicken Server produced: 1952-1958. |
| Fenton entered the covered hen on nest market relatively late, in 1952 with the debut of their first hen on nest, in the form of their massive Chicken Server, ware #5188. A copy of the hefty 8 inch Atterbury hen, Fenton ware #5199, was used for the hen top nesting on a suitably sized, 12" long platter made with depressions for deviled eggs placed all around it. The slotted eyes of the Atterbury Hen were replaced with big, round bulging eyes that are void of detail, and have since become a renowned identifying factor for Fenton's large hens on nests dishes. Pieces from the 1950s are not marked. Fenton's 8" hen top #5199 made her debut topping the massive Fenton Chicken Server that Fenton entered the hen on nest market with in 1952. Produced: 1952-1958. |
| Fenton 8" Hen on (smooth rim) Nest Ware #5183 Debut:1952- Retired January 1958 |
| Fenton Chick on Nest Ware #5185 YOP:1953--2012 |
| Fenton 8" Hen on (scallop rim) Nest Ware #5182 YOP: 1968-2012. |
| Fenton 5" Hen on (arched) Nest Ware #5186 YOP: 1967--2012 |
| Fenton's Chick on Nest, ware # 5185, was released in 1953. Only 7 colors/glass combinations were produced inline since the 1950s. The colors of Fenton's Chick On Nest dishes often coincided with the color of that year's Chicken Server and/or #5183 Hen on Nest. Although infrequently produced, Fenton's Chick On Nest has been produced as recently as 1999 in Dusty Rose, and was special ordered by Martha Stewart's Martha by Mail to match the Hen Egg Plates she'd also special ordered in Mint Green and Shell Pink. |
| Ware #5185 GM, Chick on Nest, released in 1953. Only 7 Fenton Chick on Nest color/glass combinations have been produced inline or by special order since the Chick On Nest debuted in the 1950s. Colors of the chick and its nest often coincided with the color of that year's Chicken Servers and/or #5183 Hen on (smooth rim) Nest. |
| About a year after the Fenton Chicken Server was introduced, the hen top from it, #5199 was used over a Challinor style, smooth rimmed base, for the release of the #5183 Fenton Hen on Nest. The #5183 hen on the smooth rimmed nest had a fairly short life span, which began in 1953, and ended early in 1958, when the #5183 mould was retired, coinciding with the retirement of the original Chicken Server. These hens are not marked with embedded logos. |
| Ware #5183 -- Not inline. 8" Ruby Headed Milk Glass Hen on a (Smooth rimmed Challinor style) Nest. (Rare) 8" Hen on Smooth rimmed base, Ware #5183 produced 1952-January 1958. |
| In 1968, after nearly a decade without an inline Hen on Nest, Fenton unveiled a revised version of their large 8" hen on nest, assigned ware #5182, which does seem out of order since the |
| Ware #5182 MD, 8" HP Milk Glass Hen on inline Hand Painted or decorated 8" Fenton hen on nest, excluding the Hen Egg Plates) produced to date. Ware #5182 produced: 1968-2012-close of Fenton Art Glass Factory. (01.04.13) |
| This compact beauty was destined to become a long-term favorite. Fenton's 5" hen on nest featured a very detailed hen top, similar in style to other brands in that size range, but with visible differences in and under the tail area, and other places. The 5" Fenton hen top sits on a beautiful uniquely styled base featuring 10 distinctive triple outlined arches, which form the sides, rising from bottom to top, where broad petals form along the upper rim of the base. Fenton lays claim to the from the Butler Bros dating back to the late 1880s depict a hen on nest that appears to be Fenton's #5186. This hen on nest has been made in many colors and decorative treatments, and remains very popular among today's collectors. |
| Ware #5186 RX, 5" Fenton Ruby Marble (red slag) Hen on Nest, special ordered by Levay in 1984. (HTF) Ware #5186 produced: 1968-2012-close of Fenton Art Glass Factory. (01.04.13) |
| Fenton's Chicken Server, retired in 1958, was re-issued in 1995 as the Fenton Hen Egg Plate. Over the years other Hen Egg Plates were produced, including another decorated LE issue.eir Chicken Server Hen, with the new name of the Fenton Hen Egg Plate was done in Mother of Pearl which was decorated with a hand painted pastel floral design. This Hen Egg Plate features Fenton's 8" hen top, as does the Chicken Server of the 1950s, the Hen on smooth rim Nest of the 1950s, and the Hen on the scallop rimmed Nest, that were introduced in 1967 and have yet to be retired. (01.04.08) This Hen Egg Plate, Ware # 5188 YZ was issued as a Limited Edition of 950 pieces total, with each piece signed and numbered, and accompanied by a Fenton tent card. Another Limited Edition of 950 signed and numbered Hand Painted Hen Egg Plates, done in an Iridized Milk Glass and decorated with the English Daisy pattern was produced a couple years later in 1997 Beautiful colors were special ordered by other companies such as Rosso, most recently had this dish done in Fenton's hit of 2008, Chameleon Green and Martha Stewart's Martha by Mail. 1995--2011 (09.03.08) V2-02.14.17 The Fenton Hen Egg Plate has also been special ordered by Martha Stewart in other colors, and by Rosso in Topaz Opalescent (Vaseline) and most recently in the early summer of 2008, in Chameleon Green. Ware #5188 Hen Egg Plate, 1995--2011. (09.03.12) |
| Ware #5188 YZ, Hen Egg Plate released in 1997 as a Limited Edition of 950 hand painted pieces done in the English Daisy Pattern. Ware #5188 Hen Egg Plate 1995--present day. (01.05.08) |
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| There are those who believe that a Fenton sticker on a glass item alone verifies the authenticity of that item as Fenton's. However, Buyers must beware! Sheets, strips and rolls of unused Fenton stick on labels have been listed and sold on eBay, including the strip of unused Fenton stickers shown above which was easily found and bought for use on this site on eBay. In some instances authentic Fenton hens or roosters may be advertised for sale but shown with an outdated Fenton label on it, meaning the label was retired before that particular Fenton hen or Fenton rooster box was put into production. That is an equally disturbing misuse of a Fenton label, although why anyone would choose to put an outdated sticker on an authentic piece makes me wonder. Seller's must use caution, since situations like the above could cause a Seller's integrity to be questioned. |
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| Important Tips to Review for Safe, Enjoyable Online Collecting & Shopping |
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| after Fenton began marking wares with logos embedded into the glass! Therefor, all first quality Fenton roosters should be marked with one of Fenton's embedded logos. Some roosters, such as those made by Fenton Designers Jon Saffel and Suzi Whitaker, are marked with the same logos used on Fenton's Hen on Nest dishes. This logo, with the entire name "Fenton" spelled out in an Oval is reserved for Fenton wares produced from moulds which originated with Fenton. Fenton Roosters and other Fenton wares produced from moulds which did not originate with Fenton, such as their large standing rooster, formerly Paden City's, their large and small rooster boxes which were made from moulds purchased at the going out of business sales of 2 former competitors, and the beautiful but problematic Chanticleer, formerly a Fosteria mould, are all marked with a Script F in an Oval, denoting these items did not originate with Fenton. Each logo shown above can be found on a Fenton Rooster of one mould or another, and ALL roosters also have Decade Indicators. Yet, only the spelled out "Fenton" logos as shown above on the right, can be found on Fenton hen on nest moulds and the roosters made from moulds created by Fenton's Designers. |
Every now & then something may catch
your eye but not fit as far as what's this
striking Plum Slag #5183 Hen on Nest
from 1960! She was a test run & is
considered very rare! Naturally she fit
right in my Fenton Curio Coop!
your eye but not fit as far as what's this
striking Plum Slag #5183 Hen on Nest
from 1960! She was a test run & is
considered very rare! Naturally she fit
right in my Fenton Curio Coop!