Page 32 - April 2024

a hit. In the years to follow, they would produce Stretch
A beautiful glass in nearly 30 colors, many different from the array of
Fenton ruby colors produced 60 years earlier. This Stretch glass was
amberina stretch
4 horn epergne. intended for a similar audience – home entertainers and
Signed Scott those who decorated with particular colors. Stretch glass was
Fenton. Made for featured on QVC and sold in gift and jewelry stores by authorized
the 2003 Historic Fenton Glass dealers. Much of the Stretch glass made after 1980
Collection. Selling still resides in the homes of the original purchasers and
online for $695 continues to accent their homes with touches of color,
at Collector’s iridescence, and style.
Showcase. Because of the iridescence on stretch glass, the
“patterns” were kept clean and uncomplicated,
allowing any item to be about the color as much as
its shape. So, while lifestyles have shifted, the huge
variety of stretch glass makes it perfect for entertaining
and decorating in the 2020s just as it was in the
1920s – from Edwardian to Mid-Century
Modern, the 60s Generation to Millennials,
Gen-Xers and beyond, this glass has a way of
bringing out the best in any setting.
This 1980 Fenton Art Glass catalog page
introduces the Velva Rose Stretch for Fenton’s The Market for Stretch Glass
75th Anniversary. Velva Blue followed soon after.
Note the special maker’s mark for the anniversary – the Stretch glass, like glass, china, and other
Fenton name in the oval with “75th” placed just below, items from various eras, is a desirable
making these rare pieces highly desirable to collectors. and much sought-after collectible.
photo: Stretch Glass Society Auctioneers frequently offer it
for sale, antique mall dealers
At right: A completed Twin Dolphin include it in their offerings, it is
Compote made by Fenton Glass in the sold on eBay and Etsy, and
1990s. There is an industrial film on the from time to time it even shows
making of this model of stretch glass that is up for sale in house, garage, and
available here: yard sales. But it is much more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqFE3kUHgM4 than an antique or collectible due to
The series of quick movies includes several the promotional activities of The Stretch
different designs and color treatments. Glass Society, the only club exclusively
If you want to see them all, you can subscribe devoted to promoting and preserving
to Dave Shetlar’s YouTube channel.
stretch glass.

The Best for Socializing and More
In the 1920s, lemonade sets, luncheon
plates, salad bowls, serving plates and bowls,
and even a bowl especially for mayonnaise
were available for those hosting lunch or
other daytime social events for friends.
Dozens of styles of candleholders, console
bowls, vases, candy jars, and other items
for adding color to homes were also offered
for sale. Vintage hand-painted ice blue covered candy dish.
For the lady of the house, a wide range of Measures about 6" x 5.4" diameter x 3.5:" diameter
cologne bottles, powder puffs, bath salt jars, and base. This classic form sold for $85 at
more could bring color and prestige to her vanity www.jacksantique.com
while the smokers of the day enjoyed stretch glass
cigarette holders, ashtrays, cigarette boxes, and there were Today, anyone can purchase stretch glass in sufficient
other specialty items, even a shaving mug! Hand-painted and signed quantity and variety to be able to utilize it once again
Fenton chop plate made of for entertaining friends and for in-home decorating.
The Gap in Producing Stretch Glass Carnival/Stretch glass, c. 2000s. Bowls, center-handled servers, candleholders, and plates
Sold at www.carnivalglass.com
The first use of iridescence was introduced by for $75. are among the more readily available items in today’s
Tiffany and Steuben art glass, but their glass was fine, resale market. With a few of these, your buffet table will
delicate, blown glass, individually created and pricey. Stretch glass, in take on a whole new look as will your home once you
contrast, is always molded. Sometimes the hot glass is pressed in a add a Stretch glass epergne, basket, vase, candy jar, or candleholders.
mold and other times it is blown into a mold, but it is always shaped in Stretch glass, for the most part, remains relatively affordable for those
a mold before it is finished by hand, including re-shaping or otherwise who seek to incorporate it into their lifestyles.
being modified such as adding a handle or decorative edge treatment. For more information on American iridescent Stretch glass, visit
While the original run of stretch glass would include the Roaring ’20s www.Stretchglasssociety.org or join the Stretch Glass Society Facebook
and the early 1930s, the Great Depression made luxuries a thing of the group. The Stretch Glass Society is currently marking 50 years of
past for most, and production of stretch glass ceased to be followed by promoting and celebrating American Stretch Glass and encourages you
the mass production of Depression-era glassware. to see what you are missing by not having stretch glass in your home
But stretch glass was not done! In 1980, The Fenton Art Glass and on your table.
Company introduced a line of pink (Velva Rose) stretch glass and it was

30 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles