This collectible glass bell was made by Fenton in 2003 in the United States. Fenton Art Glass Company, who had been in business since 1905 was started by brothers Frank and John Fenton. This famous company became the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States. Can you imagine? After more than 100 years, the third and fourth generation of the Fenton family decided to cease production of art glass, although a company in Ohio bought their molds and may produce Fenton pieces in the future. In 2017 the buildings were demolished and Williamstown Elementary was built on the site in Williamston, West Virginia. We found a wonderful site while searching for information. Spruce Crafts had so much fabulous information and excellent pictorial examples. If you’re a Fenton lover, this is a site you must visit: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/fenton-art-glass-identification-value-guide-4066121
Made of ruby red hand-blown glass, this bell really stands out among any collection. There is the slightest mix of yellow in the glass of the handle, as well as some places along the ruffled edge of the bell.
Portrayed on one face of the bell is the seal of Ohio etched in white outlined by the words “OHIO LIONS MD-13” and the words “2003 Denver, Colorado”. On the other face of the bell is an image of Ohio’s first state house etched in white above the words “OHIO’S FIRST STATE HOUSE CHILLICOTHE, OHIO 1803”. These etchings have magnificent detail.
On the interior, the bell is textured with the diamond optics pattern. The clapper is a faceted clear glass bead hanging on a silver chain.
With no chips, cracks, or scratches, this bell is in excellent condition with its original Fenton sticker!
It measures 3.5” wide x 6.25” tall x 2.5” deep and weighs 8 ounces before packaging.