by Julie Noyas | Mar 18, 2020 | Miscellaneous, Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 714
Height: 2½”
Production Dates: 1939-1958
The 2056 line of Toppers includes some of the most under-appreciated items in the entire American pattern. Many times they are ignored or overlooked, for when the Toppers stand empty and alone … they just don’t stir up a lot of excitement for most folks. In truth, they are very versatile pieces which can be used for a multitude of purposes and holidays. These hats are adorable for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and many other celebrations!
The smallest of these Toppers is the Topper Ash Tray. From there, the next size up is this 2½” Topper. When it was first introduced, it was listed as 2¼” tall, and then later it was described as being 2½” in height. Therefore, you can expect slight size variations between those two measurements. The top diameter is approximately 3¾”, with a clear glass rim.
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 | Mar 11, 2020 | Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 123
Approximate Size: 5″ Sq.
Production Dates: 1957-1974
Out of all the smoking accessories that Fostoria produced in the American pattern, it is this Ash Tray that is the largest. The official Fostoria documents state the measurement at 5-inches. My Ash Trays; however, are about 4¾” – when measured from side-to-side. It has a squarish shape, with rounded corners. The bottom of the piece has a nice star-burst design, and flares outward from the bottom to the top edge.
The 5″ Ash Tray is a heavy specimen, and is crafted beautifully. As far as smoking accessories go, this piece is definitely one of the most gorgeous ash trays I have ever seen. It displays a perfectly-sized indentation for a cigarette to rest in each of the four corners. Due to its weight, size, and allowance of four cigarettes to be used at one time, this is the perfect ash tray to be used by multiple smokers and/or guests.
Even while many of us don’t smoke today, one can still appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of these items. Use them for alternate purposes, and enjoy them … for a complete Fostoria American collection would not be complete without them.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Ash Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Nov 7, 2019 | Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 115
Approximate Size: 5½” L
Production Dates: 1915-1958
Years ago, smoking was very popular – and Fostoria Glass produced smoking accessories to meet the demands of its many consumers. Even while many of us don’t smoke today, one can still appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of these items. The Oval Ash Tray is the oldest ash tray in the American line. When it was first introduced, it was called the “Oval Ash Tray and Safety Match Stand”. During its final years of production, it was simply known as the Oval Ash Tray. It was also produced in a black Ebony color for a very short period of time, circa 1925-1926.
The Oval Ash Tray is the only smoking accessory in the American line that acts as an ash tray and a matchbox stand. Interestingly, it does not have a notched area in the rim to hold a cigarette or cigar. It has a thick protrusion of glass that sits on the ash tray’s upper edge – acting as a stand for a box of matches. The key word here is “box” of matches … for this application does not work with a book of matches.
For me, personally, I like to place these ash trays right next to candle holders. I never have to go looking for matches when the time comes to light a candle, and once I do light them – I simply place the extinguished match back in the holder. This solves the problem of me having to look for a trash can to dispose of them. It is a unique and productive way to use the Oval Ash Tray, while still being attractive in the process.
Trying to find boxes of matches that fit these vintage Oval Ash Trays is no easy task. The block of glass that acts as the match stand has a depth of ½”, is about 1″ tall, and approximately 1¼” wide. Today, most boxes of matches you find at the local store are smaller than these dimensions. The boxes are usually too narrow or not deep enough to fit over the piece of protruding glass (match stand). I have had good luck finding vintage
and retro-looking boxes of matches online. I like the way they look, and they fit the time period of when they ash trays were produced.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Ash Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Oct 17, 2019 | Miscellaneous, Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 713
Approximate Size: 1″ H
Production Dates: 1939-1958
The American 2056 line was the most popular (and expansive) pattern ever produced by Fostoria Glass. The pattern debuted in 1915, and throughout the decades since, hundreds of different items were designed for a variety of lifestyles.
The Topper Ash Tray is the smallest of all the Toppers. Other Toppers were also used as smoking accessories; however, the only one used as an ash tray was this smaller Topper. Interestingly, it does not have a notched area in the rim to hold a cigarette or cigar.
This piece was also produced in White Milk Glass. Milk glass pieces had a much shorter production run, so they are not as plentiful.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Topper Ash Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Oct 15, 2019 | Cake Salvers & Servers
Item Number: 307
Diameter: 12″
Production Dates: 1938-1983
This is the Fostoria American Footed Cake Plate. It is approximately 12 inches across. The Footed Cake Plate (3-Toed) had a long production life and it is still fairly easy to locate in today’s aftermarket. It was produced from approximately 1938-1983.
Be informed, for there is also a Look-Alike Cake Plate in the American Whitehall pattern. Many people selling the Look-Alike item often classify it as Fostoria American, when in truth – it is not. The American Whitehall piece is called a “3-Toed Cake Plate”.
The Footed Cake Plate is very versatile when it comes to serving your guests different food items. You can serve many desserts other than cake on this plate – from appetizers to cupcakes and more. The possibilities are endless.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Cake Plates on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Oct 10, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: 314. AL
Height: 2⅞”
Estimated Production Dates: Late 1990s to early 2000s
With no accurate records to validate exact production dates for items produced by L. E. Smith Glass Company, I can only give an approximation as to when these items were produced. My best estimate would be from the late 1990s through the early 2000s. These items were being sold, under the Fostoria American label, in the Wheeling Fostoria Outlet Store during that time.
Fostoria Glass primarily produced this candlestick in clear crystal. Dalzell Viking Glass also made it in a few different colors – such as pink and green. The L. E. Smith Glass Co. produced these pieces in cobalt blue and amber. I will state; however, that the quality of glass and craftsmanship on the L. E. Smith pieces that I own do not compare to those made by Fostoria Glass.
My personal opinion on these candlesticks is this … the ones actually produced at the Fostoria glass factory have the greatest clarity and craftsmanship of them all. They; however, are also the most plentiful.
The colored candlesticks, whether produced by L. E. Smith or Dalzell Viking, are more difficult to find. They had a much shorter production life. They do; however, offer a way to introduce different shades and colors into your tablescape, which is always a nice option for the hostess.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Candlesticks on eBay.
