by Julie Noyas | Mar 18, 2019 | Miscellaneous
Item Number: 380
Diameter: 3¾”
Production Dates: 1937-1980
While there were a few differently-designed Coasters in the American line, the Coaster featured in this post was produced longer than any other design. It made its debut in 1937 and was produced for over forty years. This Coaster showcases the famed cubes all over its surface, encased within a circular glass rim.
The origin of the term “coaster” dates back to the mid-1700’s, at a time when they were commonly used by household servants to hold decanters and wine bottles. The intent of the coaster was that it would easily slide (or “coast”) from one person to the next around the table. Earlier coasters were often made out of wood, silver and paper. Any type of coaster that slid easily would work – even glass. These days; however, most people use coasters for an entirely different purpose.
Today, we mainly use coasters to help protect the surface of a table from condensation and moisture. This layer of protection also helps in protecting surfaces from being burned by hot beverages. Many modern coasters are made from paper, cork, and wood – all highly absorbable materials. Glass, while not being noteworthy for whisking away condensation, at least offers a layer of protection. The American Coaster will not absorb moisture; however, it will happily catch the drips, and do so beautifully.
On a personal note, I like to use my American Coasters in other ways – in addition to table top protection. For example, I also use them as toppers for drinks to prevent contamination from airborne particles or insects. This strategy is wonderful for outdoor parties, keeping flies and other insects from getting in or near your drinking glasses.
The Fostoria American Coasters are truly beautiful. Each one is a little piece of art – approximately 3¾” in diameter. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Coasters on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Feb 27, 2019 | Ice Dish, Liners, Tubs, & Plates
Item Number: 430
Height: 2¾”
Production Dates: 1940-1958
The Fostoria Glass Company produced three different types of Liners that could be used with the 2056 Ice Dish – the Fruit Cocktail Liner, the Crab Meat Liner, and the Tomato Juice Liner. These inserts (unlike the actual Ice Dish) are “blown” glassware; therefore, they are lighter, thinner, and more fragile than the pressed American pieces.
The Crab Meat Liner (pictured in the center) has a holding capacity of approximately 4 ounces. It is about 2¾” in height and has the smallest holding capacity of all three liners. The Tomato Juice Liner is the tallest and the Fruit Cocktail Liner is the shortest – each with a 5 oz. holding capacity.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Crab Meat Liners on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Feb 19, 2019 | Ice Dish, Liners, Tubs, & Plates
Item Number: 429
Height: 3⅝”
Production Dates: 1940-1958
The Fostoria Glass Company produced three different types of Liners that could be used with the 2056 Ice Dish – the Fruit Cocktail Liner, the Crab Meat Liner, and the Tomato Juice Liner. These inserts (unlike the actual Ice Dish) are “blown” glassware; therefore, they are lighter, thinner, and more fragile than the pressed American pieces.
The Tomato Juice Liner has a holding capacity of approximately 5 ounces. It is about 3⅝” in height and fits perfectly inside the chamber of the American Ice Dish. Ice is then placed between the Liner and the Ice Dish, keeping the tomato juice chilled throughout your meal.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Tomato Juice Liners on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Feb 5, 2019 | Ice Dish, Liners, Tubs, & Plates
Item Number: 431
Height: 1⅞”
Production Dates: 1940-1958
The Fostoria Glass Company produced three different types of Liners that could be used with the 2056 Ice Dish – the Fruit Cocktail Liner, the Crab Meat Liner, and the Tomato Juice Liner. These inserts (unlike the actual Ice Dish) are “blown” glassware; therefore, they are lighter, thinner, and more fragile than the pressed American pieces.
The Fruit Cocktail Liner has a holding capacity of approximately 5 ounces. With a height of 1⅞” and an opening of approximately 3¾”, it fits perfectly inside the chamber of the American Ice Dish. Ice is then placed between the Liner and the Ice Dish, keeping your food chilled throughout dinner.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Ice Dish/Liners on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jan 24, 2019 | Ice Dish, Liners, Tubs, & Plates
Item Number: 427
Height: 2¾”
Production Dates: 1940-1958
The Fostoria American Ice Dish is a fascinating piece of glass. Eating habits have certainly changed since this dish made its debut in 1940; hence, a lot of people today don’t even know what it is. The Ice Dish is considered a dinner accessory piece and is truly the ultimate serving dish! It will keep a variety of foods chilled – and on ice – as long as the dinner party continues.
The Ice Dish is approximately 2¾” tall, and is about 5¼” in diameter. It came into production around 1940, and was made through 1958. With less than twenty years of production life, the Ice Dishes are not rare … yet, they are not plentiful either. Luckily, most of the ones I have seen while treasure hunting are in very good to excellent shape.
While the Ice Dish is one piece, it has companion pieces (Liners) that are to be used with it. The dish has three glass dividers evenly spaced and affixed to the inside of the bowl. These dividers securely hold a variety of liners in place, aided by a recessed area at the bottom of the dish. Fostoria Glass produced three liners that fit the Ice Dish, which are the following: Crab Meat Liner, Tomato Juice Liner, and the Fruit Cocktail Liner.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Ice Dishes on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jan 3, 2019 | Covered Containers, Cream & Sugars
Item Number: 673
Approximate Size: 5¼″ H
Production Dates: 1924-1982
The Handled Sugar and Cover is the only sugar server in the American pattern that was both handled and covered. It was introduced into the 2056 line in the mid-1920’s and remained a popular item for many years. The Handled Sugar and Cover is larger than the Tea and Individual Sugars, making it the perfect sugar dish for serving a large gathering.
While this particular item was not sold in an official set, Fostoria Glass did produce a great companion piece in the Cream. These two items, when paired together, make for a beautiful presentation. Due to their bigger size, they look quite appropriate sitting on a dinner or banquet table that has been set for multiple guests.
Contrary to popular belief, the Handled Sugar was also available without a Cover! The Handled Sugar, without a lid, is about 3¼” tall. They were cataloged as separate items, and one could purchase either the covered version – or just the sugar bowl (without a lid). The covered version is item #673; the uncovered version is item #674.
The Handled Sugar and Cover is about 5¼″ tall. The sugar bowl has a smooth top rim, void of any serrated edges. This is an item that disproves the age-old myth that we so often hear, “All Fostoria American pieces have three seam lines.” The Handled Sugar and Cover has a total of four mould seam lines – both in the sugar bowl itself, and also in the Cover.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Handled Sugars on eBay.
