by Julie Noyas | Oct 20, 2021 | Bitters, Cordials, & Decanters
Item Number: BOT-1
Approximate Size: 5¾” H – 4½ oz.
Production Dates: 1934-1943
For those that collect the American pattern, I feel we are fortunate that the Fostoria Glass Company provided us with a few different liquor items. The various bottles are gorgeous, and even if one does not consume alcoholic beverages, these wonderfully crafted treasures will bring you pleasure. The Bitters Bottle is different from the Decanter and Cordial bottle, as it has a “Tube” (a chrome-plated metal top, affixed with a cork on the bottom). Today, people might refer to this item as having a dasher cork. The tube allows for the appropriate dash of bitters, providing a precise method of delivery.
Contract Piece – Fostoria American Bitters Bottle w/ Label
The American 2056 Bitters Bottle that was sold to the general public did not have a glass label. The term “label” is referring to those bottles that have a glass name plate moulded within their body. The labeled bottles, frosted or clear, were contract pieces made for other companies – most notably, the National Silver Deposit Ware Co. of NY. These contract pieces can be found with different names inscribed on their labels – such as Bitters, Angostura, Brandy, and Orange. Please remember, though, that the regularly produced Bitters Bottle that was cataloged and sold from Fostoria’s regular production line is the bottle without a glass label (shown in the post’s main photo).
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Bitters Bottles on eBay. If priced correctly, these items usually sell quickly, so your search results might be minimal. Keep looking; however, for they do pop up for sale every now and again.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 26, 2021 | Bitters, Cordials, & Decanters
Item Number: BOT-3
Approximate Size: 7¼” H – 9 oz.
Production Dates: 1934-1943
The Cordial Bottle is the next size down from the Decanter & Stopper. Both of these liquor items were introduced at the same time; however, the Cordial Bottle & Stopper had a much shorter production life. A “cordial” is often described as a sweet tonic. They are usually flavored with a variety of fruits, nuts, spices, etc. – and when added to the main liquor, make the drink more flavorful. It makes sense that this bottle would be smaller in size when compared to the larger Decanter, as Cordials usually act as additives – enhancing the main spirit or whiskey. If you live in the UK; however, a cordial can refer to a sweet, non-alcoholic liquid.
The Cordial Bottle is very similar to the Large Cologne. The outside dimensions are approximately the same; however, the Cordial has a larger volume capacity. (Cordial = 9 oz. Large Cologne = 8 oz.) Even though these are the recorded holding capacities from Fostoria Glass, it is always wise to expect some slight fluctuations in this regard. Some books state that the Cordial Bottle was introduced in 1915; however, that information is flawed. It was the Large Cologne that debuted in 1915, not the Cordial. Since the two bottles are almost identical in design, this is probably a contributing factor to the confusion between the two items.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Cordial Bottles on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 19, 2021 | Bitters, Cordials, & Decanters
Item Number: 400
Approximate Size: 9¼” H – 24 oz.
Production Dates: 1934-1965
The Fostoria American Decanter & Stopper is absolutely gorgeous! Of all the liquor serving items produced in the 2056 line, this piece is the largest – with a holding capacity of approximately 24 ounces. Smaller liquor containers were also produced, such as the Cordial and Bitter bottles. The Decanter & Stopper; however, had the longest production run of them all.
This piece of glass is heavy and durable, with clear spines on each of the four corners of the decanter. The height measurement given is overall, with the Stopper in place. The Stopper is a substantial piece of glass, too, and one needs to be careful when inserting and removing it from the Decanter. I have seen Stoppers range in size from 1½” to 1¾” square. The Stoppers and the necks of the Decanters can be found in two variations – ground (frosted) or unground (clear).
Decanters with glass labels molded into the bottles were contract pieces. These were not produced for the general public; hence, they are not shown in the Fostoria American catalogs. Some of these Decanters were produced for the National Silver Deposit Ware Co., Inc. of New York, which in turn, sold them under their own name and label. National was very active in the 1920’s – 1950’s with a variety of different products.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Decanters on eBay.
