Investing in Fenton Art Glass—Fenton Ceasing Major Lines of Art Glass Production! With Fenton ceasing their major lines of art glass production, now is the time to invest in antique, vintage and contemporary pieces, as prices will rise exponentially!
A few practical rules to follow when investing in Fenton art glass are as follows:
1. Always buy from a reputable dealer.
2. Internet venues are good sources for collecting, as long as the seller offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
3. Auction sites can be a great source; however, you are almost certainly going to pay much more for a piece due to much competition in bidding and the shipping costs associated with most auctions these days.
4. If you buy your item from an antique dealer, make certain to examine the piece thoroughly for any damage. Even the slightest chip, crack or fleabite will highly affect the value of the piece. Run your finger along all of the edges to check for any chips. A jeweler’s loupe is a great tool to take along to assist you in reading makers marks or to inspect different areas of the piece you are considering.
5. If you buy from an Internet retailer then you should examine the piece as soon as it arrives for any damage and for authenticity. Again, the slightest bit of damage will make the piece less desirable and worth much less than one in mint condition.
6. Always purchase insurance if you are buying from an Internet retailer; this way your investment will be covered if the piece incurs damage during the shipping and handling process.
7. Always read the entire description for any piece you buy off the Internet. Although most dealers are very detailed and truthful in their descriptions you want to make certain there are no misunderstandings as to the condition or size of the piece you are purchasing.
8. Read the sellers return policy thoroughly, as many sellers have a “no returns accepted” policy.
9. Only purchase pieces you have researched thoroughly. If you are considering an item, and there is time, then complete all of the research you possibly can through the Internet, books or past Fenton catalogs.
10. If you are uncertain about a piece, do not be afraid to ask the seller questions. One of the most important questions to ask is whether the piece you are considering has had any repairs. Pieces that have had repairs are going to be valued much lower than those that are in mint condition.
Certainly, there are many factors to consider when investing in art; be it paintings, sculptures or glass. You must determine the most important qualities of a particular item for yourself. Remember, if you find an item and the price seems too good to be true then you need to ask questions about this particular item, as there could be unmentioned damage, repairs or improper identification of the actual company that made the item. All of the information in this article holds true for any art glass pieces you may consider collecting—Fenton or not.
I have researched, procured and sold antiquities of many varieties for nearly three decades and I have found that placing
