by Julie Noyas | May 20, 2020 | Boxes & Boudoir Items, Smoking Accessories
Item Number: CC-06C. AO
Dimensions: 5½” x 2½” x 2″
Production Dates: 1925-1926
When used in the colored Boudoir Sets, this item was known as the Small Cigarette and Cover. However, when this same box was produced in clear crystal, it was known as the Jewel Box and Cover. During its very limited life as a Small Cigarette and Cover, it was produced in the colors of Amber, Blue, and Canary. This item was one of several pieces included in the colored Boudoir Sets of 1925-1926.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Small Cigarette Boxes on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | May 6, 2020 | Boxes & Boudoir Items
Item Number: CC-05
Approximate Size: 3½” L – 1¾” W – 1½” H
Production Dates: 1915-1925
(aka Match Box)
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Hair Pin Boxes on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 23, 2020 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-04
Height: 3”
Production Dates: 1915 – late 1920’s
These shakers were introduced in 1915. After thorough research through Fostoria records, it was determined that they were produced for at least thirteen years. While book authors have not published production dates for this item, I am pleased to state that they were produced from 1915 until the late 1920s. They were no longer being offered in the early to mid-1930s.
The glass tops are approximately 1½” in diameter. The lids are more flush with the sides of the shaker as opposed to the metal H.N.T. shakers. Each top has 16 holes. One lid has smaller holes, while the other has larger holes. I could find no documentation in Fostoria records that designated which top was for salt, and which one was for pepper. There seems to be much debate in modern times when it comes to the “Salt and Pepper Rule”. I will leave that final determination up to you.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay. The chance of Salt Shakers No. 1 – F.G.T. showing up on eBay are rare, though it is possible. I encourage you to keep looking, for they are word the time spent hunting.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 15, 2020 | Miscellaneous, Vases & Bouquet Holders
Item Number: 716
Height: 4″
Production Dates: 1940-1958 (Crystal Version)
Since all other American Toppers were part of the Smoking Accessories category, one would logically assume that this grand 4″ size would be too. It’s bigger, so maybe it was used for cigars – instead of cigarettes? One could use it as a cigar holder; however, the 4″ Topper was considered a vase – not a smoking accessory. Each Topper had a specific purpose, and this larger one had nothing to do with smoking – and everything to do with flowers!
Being the largest of all Toppers produced in the American pattern, it stands about 4″ high and has a top diameter of approximately 6″. It was also offered in white milk glass. The Topper Vase was only produced in milk glass for about five years, circa 1954-1959.
After the sale of Fostoria Glass and under the new ownership of Lancaster Colony, the Topper Vase was then produced by Dalzell Viking Glass in a plum and bluish-gray color. Other experimental colored Toppers might show up from time to time; however, the only color put into production at the Fostoria Glass factory was white milk glass. The plum and bluish-gray Toppers were produced by Dalzell Viking Glass, under the American label.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Toppers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 10, 2020 | Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 374
Approximate Size: 4¾” L – 3½” W – 2″ H
Production Dates: 1934-1958
The Cigarette Box & Cover is really a stunning piece of glass. Even though many of us don’t smoke today, there was a time in our history when it was quite the popular thing to do. Look at any old Hollywood movie, and it seems everyone was smoking. I believe Fostoria Glass would have been amiss if they had not produced a cigarette holder for smokers, as it was quite in vogue at the time this piece was born. Decades later, this glass box is still a stunner – and it makes for a beautiful addition to any room. Ladies love to use them today for holding jewelry, pearls, or other special treasures. This box can really be used for anything, as there is nothing in the design that shows it was initially used for cigarettes.
The Cigarette Box and Cover is about 2″ high, 4¾” in length, and 3½” in width. It consists of two separate pieces, the box and the cover. While this item was originally sold separately, it was also one of the items in the 5-Piece Smoker Set. The Smoker Set consisted of one Cigarette Box and Cover and four Square Ash Trays. Smoker Sets were often set out on tables when entertaining guests, and were often seen accompanied by other American items – such as the Decanters and Ice Tubs.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Cigarette Boxes on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 1, 2020 | Shakers & Salt Servers
From the collection of Dennis and Pat Early
Photo Credit: Dennis and Pat Early
This is a unique shaker, and worthy of sharing. Underneath the overlay is a Fostoria American Shaker, with a “W” Top. This particular style of shaker is not common. One rarely sees them online, or even at estate auctions and antique stores. Since they are over 100 years old, and rather difficult to find … imagine your excitement if you were to stumble across one with a beautiful silver overlay. Well, that is exactly what happened to Dennis and Pat Early.
The silver overlay treatment is mainly applied to the edges of the cubes, and this application really highlights the design of the American pattern. As with most vintage shakers with decades of use, the tops would often become iodized and their finish worn down to their bare metal. Since the metal bands on these shakers were pristine and full of shine, I inquired about their finish.
“When we obtained these tops, the original plating was almost completely gone. We had them replated with nickel.”
– Dennis and Pat Early
The Early’s have a large Fostoria American collection; however, they only have one of these shakers. They purchased it on eBay years ago, and it was sold singularly – not as a set. This silver overlay design was not produced at Fostoria Glass for the American pattern; therefore, it is important to note that this treatment was done by a third-party. By whom, remains a mystery. We also don’t know if multiples were produced, or if this is a “one-of-a-kind” piece. Personally, I like a little mystery in my collecting – which makes this piece very intriguing.
Photo Credit: Dennis and Pat Early
In this photo, the silver overlay shaker is on the left; a regular Shaker (“W” Top) is on the right. Both shakers; however, have had their metal bands replated with nickel. These pieces are a fine example of how you can bring a vintage treasure back to its original luster. If your vintage tops are in good condition, with the exception of a worn finish, getting them replated might be all that is needed for them to shine like the day they were born.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Dennis and Pat Early for sharing a piece from their American collection. If you would like to learn more about this particular style shaker, please refer to this post for size, pictures and details. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.