Gold Crown Store Fenton Special Edition

Item Description

• Type: Limited Edition Art Glass Vase
• Maker: Fenton Art Glass Company (USA)
• Series: GCC (Gold Crown Collector's Club) Exclusive
• Model: "Chardonnay on Mulberry" Vase
• Design:
  • Mulberry-colored glass with ruffled top.
  • Hand-painted floral decoration (Chardonnay grape motif).
  • Signed by the artist E. Everson and endorsed by Don Fenton (a hallmark of authenticity for special editions).
• Markings:
  • Factory applied "Fenton Handpainted in USA" sticker.
  • Hand-signed bottom: "Handpainted by E. Everson" with Don Fenton's signature.
• Included Materials:
  • Original Fenton Limited Edition box.
  • GCC display card verifying it as a "Chardonnay on Mulberry" vase.
  • Handwritten historical note from a former Gold Crown store owner.
• Production Info:
  • Only 1,000 vases made.
  • Limited release to only 250 stores nationwide.
  • Your vase is #103 in the edition.

Historical Context

• Fenton Art Glass was one of America's premier glassmakers, renowned for vibrant colors, hand-painted designs, and small-run exclusives.
• Gold Crown Exclusives were premium pieces offered only to a select group of Fenton Gold Crown retailers, often sold via lottery or limited pre-orders.
• "Mulberry" coloration was particularly sought after, blending deep plum and blue hues — challenging and expensive to produce consistently.
• Pieces signed by Don Fenton and original artists are highly collectible today, especially after Fenton ceased traditional glassmaking operations in 2011.

Condition

• Mint condition:
  • No chips, cracks, repairs, or paint loss.
  • Vibrant color retention.
  • Retains original packaging and documentation (which significantly enhances collector value).

Current Market Value Estimate (2025)

Venue

Estimated Value

Private Sale (Collector to Collector)

$175 to $250 USD

Online Auction (eBay, LiveAuctioneers)

$150 to $225 USD

Retail (Specialist Vintage Glass Dealer)

$225 to $300 USD

Factors boosting your piece’s value:

• Pristine condition
• Complete provenance (box, display card, handwritten note)
• Low edition number (#103 out of 1,000)
• Highly desirable color (Mulberry)
• Hand-signed by both artist and Don Fenton

Professional Appraisal Recommendation

If you need an official insurance or estate appraisal, contact:

• Heritage Auctions (HA.com) — they appraise fine art glass.
• Crescent City Auction Gallery — specialists in American decorative arts.
• Replacements, Ltd. — appraises and buys vintage Fenton glass.

You could also self-appraise for insurance by documenting:

• Clear photos (which you already have)
• Full descriptions (like this one)
• Current comparables (recent sales)

Conclusion

This is a very desirable mid-to-late 20th century Fenton Gold Crown Exclusive vase, highly collectible due to its:

• Limited production,
• Beautiful Mulberry coloration,
• Mint condition,
• Original paperwork.

You have a real gem — definitely a worthy piece to keep safe!