by Julie Noyas | Aug 28, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: 460
Height: 3”
Production Dates: 1939-1943 and 1953-1958
Here is another piece in the Candle Holders & Lighting category that is truly special. The complete Hurricane Lamp consists of two pieces – a base and a chimney. While one could certainly use the base without the chimney, it is not considered complete without the two pieces. The base is substantial; however, the chimney is quite fragile.
The Hurricane Lamp is one of those items in the American line that was made for a short period of time, then taken out of production. It came back to life in 1953, and had a production run for another six years. A consumer had three purchasing options – buy a complete Hurricane Lamp (which was two pieces), buy just the Hurricane Base, or only purchase the Hurricane Chimney. Therefore, it is entirely possible to find the American Hurricane Base being used with a different chimney, and vice-versa. Since the items were sold separately, people could use and display them as they wished.
When buying these pieces; however, you should be aware of how a “Fostoria American Hurricane Lamp” is often listed on eBay and other online auction sites. Many times a seller will list their item as a Fostoria American Hurricane Lamp and Chimney, when it is not. In most instances, they only have the Hurricane Lamp Base – not the Hurricane Chimney (which is harder to find).
The bases have stood the test of time very well; therefore, you will find more of them than the fragile chimneys. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Hurricane Lamp Bases on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Aug 7, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: C-03
Height: 6½”
Production Dates: 1936-1942
The Fostoria Glass Company produced an array of beautiful candelabra, candlesticks, and candle lamps in a variety of patterns and colors. They made candlesticks for dresser and perfume sets, as well as candlesticks for formal and informal table settings. All of these items are beautiful in their own right. Featured in this post is a beautiful 2-Light Candelabra, with 16 U.D.P., from the infamous American 2056 line. It’s striking, to say the least.
The 2-Light Candelabra is almost identical to the Duo Candlestick, with one exception. The Duo Candlestick does not include a bobeche, or the hanging prisms. What is a bobeche? According to Merriam-Webster, their definition is the following … “usually a glass collar on a candle socket to catch drippings or on a candlestick or chandelier to hold suspended glass prisms”. This definition is perfect for the 2-Light Candelabra, as the bobeche does catch wax drippings and it suspends the gleaming prisms beautifully.
The 2-Light Candelabra is approximately 6½” tall, with a 9¼” spread. The outside diameter of the bobeche is about 2⅞”, and they were produced in clear crystal. One should take care when moving or storing them, for the pointed ends can chip with careless handling.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available 2-Light Candelabras on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 24, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: 332
Height: 6½”
Production Dates: 1936-1958
The Duo Candlestick is one of the finest examples of craftsmanship in the entire Fostoria American line. From the curved arms to the cubed base, it is a magnificent beauty.
While the Duo Candlestick is approximately 6½” tall, the arms have a wide 8¼” spread. The base looks like a bell, with a smooth round edge. Out of all the candlesticks in the 2056 line, this is one of the sturdiest. It will not fall over easily.
This particular item is almost identical to the 2-Light Candelabra, with the difference being that the Duo Candlestick does not include the 16 U.D.P. or bobaches (Fostoria’s spelling of the word “bobèche”). It is one of three candlesticks in the 2056 line that holds two candles. The other two-candle holders is the Twin Candlestick, and of course, the 2-Light Candelabra I just mentioned.
Every time I gaze upon it I am reminded of an ole’ Southern Belle (Gone with the Wind era) dressed in a long, full gown … reaching out to all her guests as she serves tea and refreshments. Undoubtedly, this is one of my favorite candlesticks of all time.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Duo Candlesticks on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 9, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: 311
Height: 2″
Production Dates: 1980-1982
While it might be difficult to imagine us needing a Chamber Candleholder today, it was certainly an important and necessary item prior to the invention of electricity. Every household needed one, and often had several on hand. It was not unheard of for wealthy families to even hire personnel to specifically look after and care for all household candles and holders. Indeed, lighting the household was a serious undertaking and not to be taken lightly.
Fostoria Glass described and spelled this item, in part, as a “Candleholder” – all one word. Hence, when I refer to their Chamber Candleholder, I will spell it the same way. I try and remain loyal and true to the original spelling of all Fostoria American items, even when some of the terminology might appear rather archaic in modern times.
The Fostoria Glass Company introduced their Chamber Candleholder decades after electricity was born; however, it is still a nostalgic and welcoming addition to any American collection. Here in our household, we keep a total of three Chamber Candleholders sitting on various tabletops. Even if no electrical emergency arises, our family still enjoys the Chamber Candleholder’s ambiance and serviceability.
The original intent of a chamber candle was to light the way towards your chamber (bedroom). So, most times they were not actually in the bedroom – rather, they were placed on a hall table just outside the bedroom door. This was an important location, as chamber candles and holders were used by all members of the families – each helping to light their way to their respective and private chamber. Once inside, other bedroom lighting was available, which was often lit by the roaming chamber candle.
The Chamber Candleholder’s shape is perfect, and looks very much like the American Handled Nappy. It bears a central socket to hold a candle, and it has a convenient handle (or finger hole) for easy transport from one room to the other. The round design catches all candle drips, eliminating wax from dropping on the floor or your clothing.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Chamber Candleholders on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jun 26, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: 331
Height: 4⅜”
Production Dates: 1937-1982
The Twin Candlestick is rather unique. Unlike the majority of American single candlesticks, this candle holder holds two candles. It is a candle holder with two branches or arms, of the same height and width. There are only a couple other candlesticks in the 2056 line that holds two candles, and that is the Duo Candlestick and the 2-Light Candelabra. All other candlesticks offer service for just one candle.
At the time of its production, the Twin Candlestick was one of the most expensive candlesticks in the American 2056 line. This beautiful piece is approximately 4⅜” in height, and is about 8½” in width. Featuring a low profile, with balanced weight for stability, it will seat itself quite comfortably on the table. The base is about 4½” in diameter.
The arms of the Twin Candlestick are spectacular. The top and bottom sides of the arms are smooth (void of the cube design), branching inward to a center motif. The front and back of the arms; however, display the beloved cubed pattern in great artistic flair. No matter your lighting – dim or lit – these treasures definitely make a statement.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Twin Candlesticks on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jun 11, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: 314
Height: 3″
Production Dates: 1936-1982
Out of all the candlesticks produced in the American pattern, this popular 3″ Candlestick is still one of the easiest to find today. The diameter of the base is approximately 4½”, so it is wider than it is tall. With a substantial base, it sits very securely on a table’s surface.
My personal opinion on these candlesticks is this … the ones actually produced at the Fostoria glass factory have the greatest clarity and craftsmanship of them all. They; however, are also the most plentiful.
The colored candlesticks, whether produced by Dalzell Viking or L. E. Smith, are more difficult to find. The 3″ Candlesticks can be found in different colors – from Pink, Amber, Cobalt, and more. They had a much shorter production life. They also offer a way to introduce color into your tablescape, which is always a nice option.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Candlesticks on eBay.
