by Julie Noyas | Jun 5, 2018 | Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 109
Approximate Size: 2⅞” Sq.
Production Dates: 1936-1973
The Fostoria American Square Ash Tray is one of the smaller smoking accessories in the 2056 line. It is approximately 2⅞” square and has two indentations to hold cigarettes. Other American ash trays were made; however, the Square Ash Tray and the Topper Ash Tray are the smallest of the group. The Square Ash Tray was introduced in the 1930’s and was produced through 1973.
One of the sets that Fostoria sold in the American pattern was a 5-Piece Smoker Set. This particular Square Ash Tray was part of that grouping; in fact, the set included four (4) of these ash trays and one Cigarette Box and Cover. Smoking was a big part of the American culture back in the 1930’s, which made smoker sets quite popular.
In today’s world, many people don’t smoke. Even so, that does not mean we need to throw out all smoking accessories – especially pretty ones like these American Square Ash Trays! With their ruffled edges, they are very attractive. They sparkle and gleam just like any other American piece. I use mine quite often – in a variety of ways. From serving after-dinner mints to storing vintage jewelry, the Square Ash Trays will provide you with many years of happy service.
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 | May 24, 2018 | Boats, Celery, Olive, Pickle, & Relishes
Item Number: RB-01
Approximate Size: 10″ to 11″ Square
Production Dates: 1934-1943
The Fostoria Glass Company classified this piece as a relish and/or buffet dish. With four separate compartments, it can easily hold relish, food, and a variety of other items. The lipped edge makes it easy to transport from one room to the other.
The 4-Part Square Relish was only made for about nine years, from 1934-1943. When it was first introduced in 1934, catalogs stated it as being 11″ square. A year or two later, Fostoria changed their description to reflect it as being 10″ square. When I took the tape measure to my own pieces, the 4-Part Square Relish is exactly 11″ square, measured from the outermost edge of one rim to the other.
This particular buffet dish is very similar to the 10″ Square Tray. The 4-Part Square Relish has a substantial rim of clear glass all the way around it. The four partitioned components help keep everything separate and organized.
Years ago, most relish trays were for finger foods. They not only offered something simple and delicious to eat, but were also attractive to look at. Arranging the food in a pleasing and attractive fashion was almost as important as the food itself.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available 4-Part Square Relish dishes on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | May 16, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: T-09
Approximate Size: 10″ Sq.
Production Dates: 1924-1943
While the American pattern produced quite a few trays in various sizes and shapes, the 10″ Square Tray stands out from the crowd. This particular tray has a plain rim, void of any cube design (much like the 12″ Round Tray). The surface of the tray is smooth, to allow for glasses and other items to sit properly. Any American piece would look stunning on this handsome tray.
Catalogs state the Square Tray as being 10″ in length and width; however, expect some slight fluctuations. My own personal trays are closer to 10¼” in measurement. Regarding production dates, I am estimating them to be between 1924-1943, and under two different names. It is thought that this piece started its life as a “Square Plate”, and then a couple of years later it was called the “Square Tray”. In comparison to other pieces in the American line that enjoyed a long production life, the Square Tray was only made for less than twenty years.
This piece is not a common find, simply because of the initial supply. When you do find one, pay special attention to the inside lip and four corners of the tray. This is where you might find the most damage, either from the removal of the mould, or from normal usage. Since the top of the Square Tray has smooth glass, one should also look for scratches and other possible imperfections from lifting, storing, or sliding items on the tray.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | May 8, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: 732
Diameter: 9″
Production Dates: 1948-1982
One of the more unique trays in the American pattern is the Handled Utility Tray. While it looks similar to the Handled Muffin Tray, there is one defining difference. The Utility Tray has sides that curve upward, while the Muffin Tray has sides that flare outward. They both came from the same mould; however, they were designed and crafted differently.
The Handled Utility Tray was introduced in the 1940’s and it remained in production until 1982. It was later produced in Ruby, by Dalzell Viking Glass, under the Fostoria American label. From handle to handle, it is approximately 9″ in diameter. The edges of the tray curve upwards, and are about 2½” high. I have noticed slight size fluctuations regarding this tray, so one can expect that some items will have higher (or lower) side measurements.
As a noun, the word “utility” means the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial. That being said, the Handled Utility Tray’s greatest advantage is that it can be used for multiple applications. While serving food is one of the most common uses of the tray, it can also be utilized for displaying flowers to holding potpourri. The possibilities are endless!
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Handled Utility Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 23, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: 738
Length: 9″
Production Dates: 1936-1943; 1952-1958
Over the years, the Fostoria American pattern offered a couple of different trays to be used as Condiment Trays. This particular tray was the second and last tray to be featured as part of a Condiment Set. The tray itself is about 9″ in length; however, from handle to handle it measures in at about 10½” in length.
The Condiment Tray (cloverleaf shape) came into the American line in the mid-1930’s. Being part of a Condiment Set, it was in and out of production throughout the years. It made it’s last appearance around 1958, utilizing the #653 Shakers (Chrome Top “A”). An earlier version of the set (circa 1936) included Shakers with Fostoria Glass Tops.
The 6-Piece Condiment Set pictured here consists of the following items:
2 Oil Decanters and Stoppers – approximately 5 oz. each
2 Shakers, with Fostoria Glass Tops
1 Mustard, Cover & Spoon
1 Condiment Tray
It is important to note that the center of the tray has a circled inset rim. This rim fits the Mustard piece perfectly – preventing it from moving around the tray. With the originally intended pieces assembled together, the Condiment Tray is a work of art – perfectly proportioned, down to the tiniest of details.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Condiment Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 3, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: T-07
Length: 7″
Production Dates: 1916-1925
I am thrilled to share what I know about the American Candy Tray, for it is one of those pieces that is not seen all that often. Unfortunately, the Candy Tray is rarely talked or written about. Indeed, there are books on the American pattern that don’t even mention its existence! The reason for it is still a mystery to me, for it is a rare gem and definitely worth our admiration.
The Candy Tray is special because of its age, unique shape, and limited production run. It was born in 1916, over one-hundred years ago! This is not an item that was produced for decades on end, like many of the other pieces in the American line. The Candy Tray was only made from 1916 – 1925. These pieces are respected elders in the Fostoria family, and they certainly deserve our utmost respect.
The Candy Tray is often referred to as an “Open Candy Box”. With higher sides than most trays, it easily looks like a box. However, most boxes have lids; this piece does not. With no lid or cover, this might be the reason why Fostoria officially classified this piece as a tray, rather than a box.
The overall measurement of the piece is approximately 7″ x 5″, with sides that are about 1½” high (considerably higher than most American trays). It is extremely well-crafted, with great clarity, luster and weight.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Candy Trays on eBay.
Since people call this item a tray and/or a box, I have included those terms in the search criteria. Results will be minimal for this exact item, if any. Do keep checking; however, for they do show up every now and again.
