A farmhouse favorite
Covered glass hen dishes have been made since the 1800s and were especially popular in the mid-20th century as candy dishes and kitchen decor. Many American glass houses made them, including Westmoreland, Fenton, Imperial, Indiana Glass, Kemple and Boyd, and later Mosser.
Milk glass and beyond
White milk glass is the classic, but hens also came in carnival, slag, amber, blue, green, jadeite and Vaseline glass. Those Vaseline and uranium hens glow under a blacklight, so we always check. Sizes range from tiny salt-dip hens to big centerpiece dishes.
Who made it? Reading the marks
Many hens are unmarked, so maker IDs often come down to mold details: the shape of the comb, the feather pattern and the basket weave. Some are marked, though. Westmoreland is known for its interlocked "WG" mark, used from the mid-1940s, and Fenton hens from the 1970s on may carry the oval Fenton logo.
Molds also changed hands over the years. Mosser, for example, has made hens from molds that once belonged to other companies, and imported reproductions exist, so a mark or mold alone doesn't always settle it.
Check the lid
The lid and base should be a true match. Molds differ in size and detail, so a married lid can rock or sit off-center. Also check the comb, beak and the base rim, where chips like to hide. We check every hen before it goes live and point out any flaws on camera.
Hen on Nest Dishes FAQ
Who made vintage hen on nest dishes?
Many glass companies did, including Westmoreland, Fenton, Imperial, Indiana Glass, Kemple, Boyd and Mosser. Marks, mold details and colors help tell them apart.
Are hen on nest dishes marked?
Some are, many aren't. Westmoreland's WG mark and Fenton's oval logo are the ones collectors see most. Unmarked hens are identified by mold details like the comb, feathers and basket weave.
How much is a hen on nest dish worth?
Most are affordable. Maker, color, size and condition drive value, and a matching, chip-free lid matters a lot. Unusual colors and glowing Vaseline hens tend to draw the most interest.
How do I know the lid matches the base?
A matching lid sits level without rocking, and the colors and mold details line up. We check every hen before it goes live.