Part of the wonderful tradition of Fenton Art Glass is the sense of Family.  Having been a family owned and operated business for over 30 years, is one thing we share in common.  Everyone, from Fenton family members, to Fenton collectors, to ourselves have favorite Fenton memories.  Our most memorable moment was December 9 2000 when Don A. Fenton came to our store.  We had been a Fenton dealer since before the 80's, but it was not until Don's appearance that we brought Fenton to the forefront of our collectibles.  By Don's own admission, our event was the most multifaceted in Fenton history.  We were saddened by the loss of Don's father, Bill Fenton, and especially heart-struck when Don passed away unexpectedly.  Below is our favorite photo.  Don unveiled the upcoming Carnival color for 2001 by presenting these three Carnival cats which were going to be offered as a match numbered set.  This marks one of the very few times in Fenton history that a match numbered set of limited editions was made, and we were proud to have been a part of it.  Also shown here is the vase that was exclusive to Showcase Dealers at the time.  It is my favorite color, mulberry, limited to 1950, and is inscribed with the signature of Don Fenton.  Read below to understand the difference between a hand-signature and a inscribed signature.

When a particular glass treatment is being created in a mould shape that captures the fancy of a Fenton Family member, that family member may elect to have the piece bear their name.  For example, Don liked mulberry (which is where I got my fascination of it from), and Don established the Showcase Dealer.  Therefore, it was only fitting that the fall 2000 Showcase Dealer exclusive be inscribed with Don's signature.  The inscription is not a hand-signature.  At the appearance, Don hand signed each piece purchased with a special pen.  When you have a piece that is hand-signed and has the inscribed signature, it is easy to tell the difference.  Pieces that bear a the inscription of a family member's signature are certainly worth having.  Of all the pieces introduced in a year, only a few will be offered with a family member' signature, and every so often, a piece will be offered with several signatures.  Although you must select pieces to add to your collection based on what you like, we strongly suggest you do not pass on a piece that you like and that is signed.  This comes from experience.