These are the earliest version of Fenton's Hobnail milk glass — and for a collector, the differences matter.
Maker: Fenton Art Glass Co. (unsigned, pre-1972); Hobnail pattern
Materials: Blown glass, early milk glass — slightly translucent; pontil marks present
Dimensions: Each approx. 3.0" tall x 1.5" diameter
Origin: West Virginia, USA
Era: Vintage, 1950–1958
Condition: Very good — 3 chipped hobnail points, not noticeable without running your hands over the glass; one lid shows visible wear and slight corrosion from salt, photographed and priced accordingly. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.
Fenton introduced the Hobnail pattern in 1939 and milk glass in 1950, but this pre-1958 glass has a slightly translucent quality rather than the dense, bright white of later pieces. The ring of fire is very pronounced, the hobnail points are sharp, and the lids have no chrome — just aged metal, patinated and honest. Not marked, since the Fenton logo wasn't added to Hobnail pieces until 1972–1973, but the pontil marks confirm blown glass, and the characteristics are unmistakably early Fenton.
A meaningful gift for a Fenton collector, a milk glass enthusiast, or anyone who furnishes their home with pieces that have genuine history.
For a collector who loves patina and authenticity, these early pieces — objects from the early 1950s that have lived a life — are exactly right.
We also carry the middle (1958–1970) and later (1970s–1980s) generations of this same Hobnail #3806 shaker — browse our shop to compare all three eras side by side.
