Gold Crown Store Fenton Special Edition

By DjIndy, 26 April, 2025
Description

An extraordinary piece of Fenton Glass. As detailed in the enclosed note, these limited-edition vases were only made available to Gold Crown Store Owners. "250 stores in the US had the opportunity to purchase this particular vase. 1,000 vases were made."

This vase is #103, signed and numbered. It was purchased at a fundraising auction approximately 30 years ago and has never been used.

It's a beautiful piece of work and certainly an ideal addition to any collection. The vase includes the original box, display tag, and as noted, a handwritten note from the then-owner of the Gold Crown Store in Rushville, Indiana. The store has recently closed.

Category
Glass
Medium
Glass
Distinguishing marks
Signed/Numbered - A GCC Exclusive
Condition
Mint
Date Period
1980s
For Sale?
No
Photos

NaidaTheCollector

2 months 4 weeks ago

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!

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