by Julie Noyas | May 24, 2021 | Bowls & Centerpieces
Item Number: CP-01
Diameter: 15″
Production Dates: 1935-1944
Of all the centerpieces that the American pattern produced, the 15″ size is the largest and the least plentiful. Some folks refer to this piece as the “hat-shaped” centerpiece, based on how it looks. With its large diameter flaring out like a rim on a hat, it’s easy to understand the visible connection. Fostoria Glass simply called this item their 15″ Centerpiece, and it is approximately 4¼” tall. Please note that many times this centerpiece may have a larger measurement of 16-inches. That is the measurement of the one I have in my collection. Fostoria Glass; however, described its size as 15-inches. As we all know, expect slight size variations with glass that has been finished by hand.
Being in production for less than ten years greatly impacts it current supply in the aftermarket – especially when compared to the smaller centerpieces. This item was produced from the original Hotel Cracked Ice mould, which resulted in a beautiful and distinctive center design. This same design can be seen in a couple of other pieces, such as the 18″ Torte Plate. It is, without a doubt, one of the most gorgeous and artistic pieces in the entire 2056 line. Due to its unique appearance, it is relatively easy to identify.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Centerpieces on eBay.
Please realize that you might need to modify your search results, as some people refer to these items as punch bowls, hat centerpieces, etc.
by Julie Noyas | May 20, 2021 | Bowls & Centerpieces
Item Number: 611-CP
Diameter: 11”
Production Dates: 1935-1980
The Fostoria American Centerpieces are absolutely beautiful. Different styles and sizes were produced, each bringing their own style of elegance to the table. The 11″ Centerpiece began its life in 1935 and was a popular piece for many decades. It has a smaller sibling, the 9½” Centerpiece. Both are styled the same way, and their only difference is their size.
It is very easy for collectors to confuse the Centerpieces with the punch bowl bases. While the two pieces are basically the same item, there is one distinguishing difference between them. The true supports for the punch bowls (whatever the size) will not have a rayed center in their glass base. The 9½” and 11″ Centerpieces all have rayed bottoms, and that is the easiest way to tell whether you have a Centerpiece or a Punch Bowl Foot.
The 11″ Centerpiece is approximately 4⅜” in height, slightly taller than the 9½” Centerpiece. These centerpieces make an ideal choice for great visibility around the table. Flowers, fruit, candy, and other food items will display beautifully in it. A centerpiece can also be decorated for different seasons – such as using mini-pumpkins, pine cones, and acorns for an autumn display. Even everyday food items like lemons and limes look stunning in this piece of glass!
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Centerpieces on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | May 19, 2021 | Bowls & Centerpieces, Miscellaneous
Item Number: M-02
Diameter: 7¼”
Production Dates: circa 1925
The Water Cress is unique, mysterious, and often misunderstood. Even though the “watercress” vegetable is spelled as one word, I write it as two words when referring to the American 2056 item – simply because that is how Fostoria Glass listed it in their price list. It is unique because we don’t see too many bowls like this, with a hole in the bottom of the dish for drainage. It is mysterious because it was only made for a very short period of time; hence, there is not too much documentation on it. It is misunderstood because previous book authors printed erroneous information about it, mainly stating that it was the exact same dish as the 3-Toed Bon Bon.
Due to what has been written about this piece in the past, many people think the Water Cress Bowl is the same dish as the 3-Toed Bon Bon. I can’t tell you how much confusion this caused me when I first started collecting the American pattern. For years, I was looking for the wrong piece. The Water Cress looks remarkably similar to the basic shape of the 3-Toed Bon Bon; however, there is one distinguishing factor that makes it different. The Water Cress has a center drainage hole in it. This makes perfect sense, as most vintage watercress bowls of this time period had drainage holes to catch the last drops of water from the vegetable greens. Similar dishes from other glass manufacturers are usually seen with a series of drainage holes; however, the Fostoria American Water Cress only had one – which was slightly larger. In contrast to popular opinion, the 3-Toed Bon Bon is not the same piece as the Water Cress. It could prove to be a costly mistake to think otherwise.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Water Cress dishes on eBay.
These type of pieces are rarely offered online; however, anything is possible. Very often the 3-Toed Bon Bon will show up as the Water Cress, which it is not.
by Julie Noyas | May 19, 2021 | Plates, Saucers, Tortes, & Tid Bits
Item Number: P-09
Diameter: 8”
Production Dates: 1925
The Water Cress Plate was not available as a separate item and was sold with the Water Cress. The Water Cress is about 2½” high, and the Water Cress Plate is about 8″ in diameter. The plate is about an 1″ high, with the sides caressing and following the lines of the bowl that sits above it. The sole purpose of the Water Cress Plate is to catch the water as it drips down from the bowl. This is perfection at its finest – in function, form, and design.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Watercress-related items on eBay. Please note that these type of pieces rarely show up online. The plates are often misidentified, so be sure to look for the 8″ size, with upward-turning sides.
by Julie Noyas | May 13, 2021 | Bowls & Centerpieces
Item Number: 163
Approximate Size: 6½″ W – 5¼″ H
Production Dates: 1948-1973
I think it is important to list the Wedding Bowl (without a cover) as a separate item in the American 2056 line. The reason for that is because it was, indeed, a piece with its own identification number. This Wedding Bowl is Item #163, and the Wedding Bowl & Cover is Item #162. Many collectors think that when they come across a Wedding Bowl without a cover that it is not complete. That simply is not true. Fostoria Glass offered the Wedding Bowl two ways – with, or without a cover. Therefore, should you find this beautiful piece without a cover, know that it could have very well been bought in just that configuration. Not everyone wanted a cover for this bowl.
It is my belief that these Wedding Bowls are some of the finest, and most beautiful, of all the pieces in the Fostoria American line. The history of wedding bowls goes back many years – over a century ago. They were cherished, and often used on a daily basis. When these items were being produced, they were very popular wedding gifts. Even though times and customs have changed drastically over the years, I can’t imagine any bride-to-be (even in today’s world) not falling in love with one of these exquisite and stunning Wedding Bowls.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Wedding Bowls on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 15, 2021 | Bowls & Centerpieces
Item Number: 241
Approximate Size: 11¾″ L – 2⅞″ H
Production Dates: 1938-1982
Many collectors confuse the Oval Bowl with the Oval Vegetable Dish. The dishes are similar in shape; however, the Oval Vegetable Dish is smaller than the Oval Bowl. The Oval Vegetable Dish is approximately 9″ in length, about 2¾″ smaller than the Oval Bowl. The Oval Bowl came in two variations – with a plain glass bottom, and a rayed bottom. The bowl without the rays is the first variation; therefore, they will be the older pieces.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Oval Bowls on eBay.
