- 1). Visit the Fenton website (see link in Resources) to access their markings database. Fenton's identification markings have changed throughout the years, so you will have to scroll through the various markings to find yours.
- 2). Turn your vase gently upside down to get a closer look at any markings which may exist on the bottom of the base.
- 3). Scroll through the Fenton markings directory to determine if the markings on your vase matches any of the markings on their website.
- 4). Once you locate the marking on your vase and match it to the directory, write down any additional information provided by Fenton in the directory, such as the manufacture date.
- 5). Make a trip to your local library to check out a book on Fenton glassware. Fenton is a highly collectible item and chances are good that there will be several books on collecting Fenton at the library (a link to purchasing one of them in particular--"Fenton Art Glass", by Debbie Coe--is in References). Because you have already determined your manufacture date, you will be able to peruse the photos in order to potentially find your piece, and determine its title, if it is listed in the book.
- 6). If you were unable to successfully determine that your vase matches any of the Fenton markings, visit your local antiques dealer. He or she may be able to provide a guess as to when the piece was made. Because the company has been in business for over 100 years, it is helpful to have an idea as to when your vase was manufactured. Most Fenton identification books are grouped by manufacture date, making it much easier to identify your piece if you at least have that information.