by Julie Noyas | Mar 23, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: 721
Size: 10⅝″ L – 7½″ W
Production Dates: 1917-1958
At one time or another, the Oblong Tray was known by different names or descriptions. Unofficial names were the 10½″ Rectangular Tray and the Dresser Tray. The tray is oblong in shape and is about 7½″ in width. The top portion of the tray is smooth glass, and it has a beautiful rim that flows along all four sides. These traits help ensure that any items placed on the tray will sit securely and not be prone to slippage.
Some books state that this piece was only produced through 1943; however, I do not agree with those findings. The Oblong Tray was still being offered in the late 1950s. In fact, it was available for purchase in 1957 as a single item, or as part of the following sets – the 8-Piece Decanter Set, or the 7-Piece Appetizer Set. The Decanter Set consisted of the Oblong Tray, a Decanter & Stopper, and six 2 oz. Whiskeys. The Appetizer Set consisted of the Oblong Tray and six Individual Appetizers.
While the majority of these trays were produced in clear crystal, this item was also produced in the colors of Amber, Blue and Canary. Obviously, the trays of color are more valuable and rare when compared to the more plentiful clear crystal items. The colored trays were available in the mid-1920s, when Fostoria Glass was mainly promoting them as part of their 8-Piece American Boudoir Sets.
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 | Mar 12, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: T-04
Length: 10½″
Production Dates: 1915-1943
The Oval Comb and Brush Tray was originally featured in the 1915 catalog supplement, debuting the American line. It was described as being 10″ in length, and 5″ in width. In the same catalog, it is also listed as one of the pieces in the Condiment Set. The Condiment Set included two Oils, two Shakers and a Condiment Tray (AKA Oval Comb and Brush Tray).
This particular piece was produced from 1915 to 1943, and throughout those years, it had different names and/or descriptions attached to it. In the tray’s last years of production, its final name was simply the 10½″ Oval Tray.
In addition to clear crystal, the Oval Comb and Brush Trays were also produced in limited colors. Pictured here are the Orchid, clear Crystal, and Green trays. The colored versions were produced in the mid-1920s. Of the two colors, Orchid was produced last and is more scarce. All colors; however, are considered rare. The colored trays are often seen paired with a cream and sugar set.
The approximate length of the tray is between 10 – 10½ inches. Per Fostoria records, the measurement was first recorded as 10″ in length in 1915; however, by the year it was last produced in 1943, Fostoria listed it as 10½″ in length. When measuring the trays from my own personal collection, all of them were closer to 10½″ in length. All trays have a clear glass rim, which is about ½″ tall when measured from the inside of 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.
Since this tray is known by different names, you will probably have to fine-tune your search to either a “handled tray”, “comb and brush tray”, “condiment tray”, or “oval tray”.
by Julie Noyas | Mar 1, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: T-01
Diameter: 12″
Production Dates: 1924-1943
Many of the trays in the Fostoria American line were either square, oblong, or rectangular in shape. There is only one that is round in shape, and that is the 12″ Round Tray. The only other item that looks similar to the Round Tray is the cubed Coaster (the one with no central rays and a plain rim). The Coaster looks like a miniature version of the Round Tray.
The Round Tray is quite handsome, and it is a solid piece of glass. The surface of the tray is smooth, to allow for glasses and other items to sit properly. The 12″ Round Tray was also an item that was featured in the American Old Fashioned Set, which included a Decanter, a Bitters Bottle, and six Old Fashioned Cocktail glasses.
The diameter of the Round Tray is 12-inches. It has a plain rim, void of any cube design. The measurement of the inside rim is about ½″ high.
The circular surface of the tray exceptionally displays the design, craftsmanship, and artistry of the American pattern.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Round Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Feb 22, 2018 | Drinkware & Stemware
Item Number: D-03
Height: 5¾”
Production Dates: 1916-1925
It is with great honor that I present the Footed Handled Ice Tea, from the American pattern. Once you have seen this magnificent piece, I dare say you will not forget it. It looks like no other piece of drinkware, and it proudly stands approximately 5¾” tall. The Footed Handled Ice Tea is a very rare piece, adorned with a graceful handle and a supportive foot.
Some people refer to this piece as the Handled or Footed Lemonade. During the last year it was produced, Fostoria Glass simply referred to it as the Footed and Handled Ice Tea Tumbler. Don’t let the different names confuse you, for this treasure is easy to distinguish simply by its footed and handled design.
Since the Footed Handled Ice Tea first made its debut in 1916, an entire century (and more) has passed! These vintage treasures are not easy to find. If you should find one while treasure hunting, consider yourself lucky. If the price is worthy, I highly recommend adding this piece to your collection.
The Footed Handled Ice Teas are limited in quantity and were produced for less than ten years. Treat them with the respect they deserve, and they should last another 100 years!
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Handled Ice Teas on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Feb 15, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: T-08
Length: 5″
Production Dates: 1917-1943
The Fostoria American Oblong Pin Tray was originally designed to hold pins, or other small items. It was primarily produced in clear crystal. During the mid-1920’s; however, it was chosen to be one of a few items that was also produced in three colors – Amber, Blue and Canary.
The tray was introduced in 1917 as the Oblong Pin Tray, as this was a time in our history when pins and buttons were a necessary item in one’s wardrobe. As the years went by, Fostoria Glass officially changed its name to the “5 in. Oblong Tray”.
The Oblong Pin Tray is approximately 5″ in length, and about 2⅝” in width. This piece was produced through 1943, known by the two names mentioned previously. You can use this tray for a variety of purposes, even today. In fact, this particular tray is often used in what some people refer to as a Pomade Set. A Pomade Set consists of one Oblong Pin Tray and two of the 2″ Pomade and Covers. The Pomades are square in shape and fit quite nicely on the tray, which makes for a lovely presentation.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Trays on eBay. You will probably have to sift through a variety of Trays in order to find one Oblong Pin Tray (if you should find any). They do; however, come up on the market every now and again.
by Julie Noyas | Feb 8, 2018 | Plates, Saucers, Tortes, & Tid Bits
Item Number: P-05
Diameter: 20″
Production Dates: 1932-1943
Fostoria Glass produced several Torte Plates – all in various sizes. Unlike the Oval Torte Plates, the regular Torte Plates have a round or circular shape. Fostoria made four different-sized American Torte Plates over the years – 14″, 18″, 20″, and 24″ (the largest size is considered the rarest, by far).
In general, dimensions on Torte Plates vary – no matter what size you might have. That is true for any handmade item; however, it is especially true on the Torte Plates. For example, the Torte Plate that is pictured in this post is actually 21″ in diameter; however, it is classified as the 20″ Torte Plate. This measurement discrepancy can be confusing; therefore, the best way to judge the size of any Torte Plate is to take two measurements – that of the total plate circumference, and then the measurement of the diameter of the foot.
The 20″ Torte Plate was born in the early 1930’s, being produced through 1943. It came into existence to replace the larger 24″ Torte Plate, which had to be a very difficult and expensive piece to make if only for it’s mammoth size. The 24″ Torte was produced for just a few years, clearing the way for the smaller 20″ Torte Plate.
Another characteristic of this Torte Plate that I find amazing is the size of the cubes. They are enormous. At the outermost edges, they are 3″ wide … and in the second row below that, they are 2½” wide! Typically, because of its age and fire polishing, the glass color is usually superb – with great clarity. It is a beautiful and stunning piece of glass.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Torte Plates on eBay.
