Cream Soup

Item Number:  669
Diameter:  5”
Production Dates:  1938-1958

Fostoria American Cream Soup - Tomato BasilThe Cream Soup is one of the most elegant pieces of the American 2056 line.  It has an outward flowing shape, with a graceful handle placed on each side.  The actual bowl diameter is approximately 5″, and it stands about 2¼” high.  While this piece is beautiful enough to be served solo, it is often seen paired with the Cream Soup Plate.

When the two pieces are used together, they make for a beautiful presentation.  There are two variations of the Cream Soup Plate, and both versions aid in keeping the Cream Soup stationary.  The center of the plates will either have a raised retainer ring, or a slight depression in which to hold the Cream Soup.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Cream Soups on eBay.

Shallow Fruit Bowl

Item Number:  260
Diameter:  13″
Production Dates:  1939-1974

Born from the mould of a 10″ bowl, the Shallow Fruit Bowl is a beautiful item from the American 2056 line.  It is a very large and versatile piece, and is strikingly handsome.  The actual height of the bowl is approximately 3 inches, with sides that flow gracefully outward and upwards.

Fostoria American Shallow Fruit Bowl - HolidaysOne thing worth remembering, especially if you are a new collector, is that Sellers will sometimes incorrectly describe items.  It is not uncommon to see the Lily Pond piece being described as the Shallow Fruit Bowl.  There are differences, but with a quick glance – they might not be so noticeable.  Just remember that the genuine Shallow Fruit Bowl is the larger of the two pieces.  The Lily Pond is smaller; it is approximately 12″ in diameter and about  2¼” in height.  The Lily Pond has edges that go straight up and slightly inward – as it usually holds water.

The Shallow Fruit Bowl is just that – shallow.  That is one of the big differences between it and the many other American nappies and bowls.  Since the diameter of the bowl is large, one can display a large amount of fruit on it.  Even if you don’t want to use it as a fruit display, the Shallow Fruit Bowl is multipurpose.  It is excellent as a cake stand, a bread basket, and even as a display piece to uplift and hold a floral arrangement.  I use mine every year to hold my holiday centerpiece, with great results!

Any type of fruit bowl needs to allow for good ventilation, which allows the fruit to stay fresher longer.  With shallow sides and a large diameter, the Shallow Fruit Bowl can hold quite a bit of fruit while still providing adequate air flow.  It is also aesthetically pleasing to look at.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Shallow Fruit Bowls on eBay.

Centerpiece – 9½”

Item Number:  602-CP
Diameter:  9½”
Production Dates:  1935-1982

The Fostoria American Centerpieces are absolutely beautiful.  Different styles and sizes were produced, each bringing their own style of elegance to the table.  The 9½” Centerpiece began its life in 1935 and was a popular piece for many decades.  It has a bigger sibling, the 11″ Centerpiece.  Both are styled the same way, and their only difference is their size.

It is very easy for collectors to confuse the Centerpieces with the punch bowl bases.  While the two pieces are basically the same item, there is one distinguishing difference between them.  The true supports for the punch bowls (whatever the size) will not have a rayed center in their glass base.  The 9½” and 11″ Centerpieces all have rayed bottoms, and that is the easiest way to tell whether you have a Centerpiece or a Punch Bowl Foot.

The 9½” Centerpiece is a nice size, and I like that it is not too tall – making it an ideal choice for great visibility around the table.  Flowers, fruit, candy, and other food items will display beautifully in it.  A Centerpiece can also be decorated for different seasons – such as using mini-pumpkins, pine cones, and acorns for an autumn display.  Even everyday food items like lemons and limes look stunning in this piece of glass!

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Centerpieces on eBay.

Wedding Bowl and Cover

Item Number:  162
Approximate Size:  6½” D – 8″ H
Production Dates:  1948-1973 (Crystal Version)

Fostoria American Milk Glass Wedding Bowl & CoverThe Wedding Bowl and Cover has a top opening of approximately 6″ square. The bigger Square Footed Bowl has a 7″ square opening.  The main difference in size between the two bowls primarily deals with their top square opening measurement.  The Wedding Bowl is approximately 8″ tall, with the Cover on.  Without the Cover, it is about 5¼” tall.  The foot of this Wedding Bowl is 4″ square, compared to the 4½” foot on the larger Square Footed Bowl.

It is my belief that these Wedding Bowls are some of the finest, and most beautiful, of all the pieces in the Fostoria American line.  The history of wedding bowls goes back many years – over a century ago. They were cherished, and often used on a daily basis. When these items were being produced, they were very popular wedding gifts.  Even though times and customs have changed drastically over the years, I can’t imagine any bride-to-be (even in today’s world) not falling in love with one of these exquisite and stunning Wedding Bowls.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Wedding Bowls on eBay. This item was also available in White Milk Glass; see sponsored link for available Milk Glass items on eBay.

Salad Bowl

Item Number:  211-SB
Diameter:  10″
Production Dates:  Estimated 1940’s-1985 for this “footed” version

Featured in this post is the last official version of the American Salad Bowl.  It was produced from the 8″ Deep Nappy (522), flaring out the sides to give it a more conical shape.  Even though this piece was available in the 3 Pc. Salad Set, it was also available as a separate purchase.

This Salad Bowl was also available in a Ruby color.  The American 2056 line also offered a Ruby 14″ Torte Plate, which one could pair with the Ruby Salad Bowl.  Even though the Ruby pieces were never offered as an official salad set within the line, they could easily be used and paired in the same fashion as the crystal pieces.  With the addition of wood utensils, the hostess could then enjoy a beautiful and colorful way to serve salad.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Bowls on eBay.

3-Toed Bowl 10″

Item Number:  222
Approximate Size:  10½
D – 3½H
Production Dates:  1937-1985

The 3-Toed Bowl, and its different configurations, can be somewhat confusing.  Over the years, it was made in three variations:  unfooted, without lugs – unfooted, with lugs – and footed, with lugs.  Many people today call all 3-Toed Bowls footed, which is incorrect.  All the bowls will have toes; however, only one variation will have a foot.  I have received so many requests for information on this subject that I wrote a brief report on it, titled “What’s the Difference between Footed and Unfooted 3-Toed Bowls?”  It is located in the Premium Section of this website, and should prove to be very helpful for those that might need assistance in determining what variation of the 3-Toed Bowl they own.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available 3-Toed Bowls on eBay.