by Julie Noyas | May 19, 2021 | Bowls & Centerpieces, Miscellaneous
Item Number: M-02
Diameter: 7¼”
Production Dates: circa 1925
The Water Cress is unique, mysterious, and often misunderstood. Even though the “watercress” vegetable is spelled as one word, I write it as two words when referring to the American 2056 item – simply because that is how Fostoria Glass listed it in their price list. It is unique because we don’t see too many bowls like this, with a hole in the bottom of the dish for drainage. It is mysterious because it was only made for a very short period of time; hence, there is not too much documentation on it. It is misunderstood because previous book authors printed erroneous information about it, mainly stating that it was the exact same dish as the 3-Toed Bon Bon.
Due to what has been written about this piece in the past, many people think the Water Cress Bowl is the same dish as the 3-Toed Bon Bon. I can’t tell you how much confusion this caused me when I first started collecting the American pattern. For years, I was looking for the wrong piece. The Water Cress looks remarkably similar to the basic shape of the 3-Toed Bon Bon; however, there is one distinguishing factor that makes it different. The Water Cress has a center drainage hole in it. This makes perfect sense, as most vintage watercress bowls of this time period had drainage holes to catch the last drops of water from the vegetable greens. Similar dishes from other glass manufacturers are usually seen with a series of drainage holes; however, the Fostoria American Water Cress only had one – which was slightly larger. In contrast to popular opinion, the 3-Toed Bon Bon is not the same piece as the Water Cress. It could prove to be a costly mistake to think otherwise.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Water Cress dishes on eBay.
These type of pieces are rarely offered online; however, anything is possible. Very often the 3-Toed Bon Bon will show up as the Water Cress, which it is not.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 15, 2020 | Miscellaneous, Vases & Bouquet Holders
Item Number: 716
Height: 4″
Production Dates: 1940-1958 (Crystal Version)
Since all other American Toppers were part of the Smoking Accessories category, one would logically assume that this grand 4″ size would be too. It’s bigger, so maybe it was used for cigars – instead of cigarettes? One could use it as a cigar holder; however, the 4″ Topper was considered a vase – not a smoking accessory. Each Topper had a specific purpose, and this larger one had nothing to do with smoking – and everything to do with flowers!
Being the largest of all Toppers produced in the American pattern, it stands about 4″ high and has a top diameter of approximately 6″. It was also offered in white milk glass. The Topper Vase was only produced in milk glass for about five years, circa 1954-1959.
After the sale of Fostoria Glass and under the new ownership of Lancaster Colony, the Topper Vase was then produced by Dalzell Viking Glass in a plum and bluish-gray color. Other experimental colored Toppers might show up from time to time; however, the only color put into production at the Fostoria Glass factory was white milk glass. The plum and bluish-gray Toppers were produced by Dalzell Viking Glass, under the American label.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Toppers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Mar 25, 2020 | Miscellaneous, Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 715
Height: 3″
Production Dates: 1939-1958
When the crystal Topper was first introduced, it was marketed as a cigarette holder. Back then, when smoking was very popular, the perfect host would set the table with ash trays, cigarettes, and matches for their guests. The 3″ Topper was the perfect size to hold the cigarettes, while the 2½” Topper held the matches. The top diameter of the 3″ Topper is approximately 4½ inches.
All of the Toppers in the American line were also offered in White Milk Glass. Each of the Milk Glass Toppers had different production dates; however, the 3″ Topper was produced from 1954-1965. This particular sized Topper was very popular, and it had the longest production life during the Milk Glass years.
After the sale of Fostoria Glass and under the new ownership of Lancaster Colony, the 3″ Topper was then produced by Dalzell Viking Glass in a Cranberry Mist color. The Cranberry Mist color is not cataloged, and appears to have been a smaller production run. Other colored Toppers have also been found (mostly experimental). The only colored 3″ Toppers that were regularly produced and cataloged by Fostoria Glass are the White Milk Glass items.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Toppers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Mar 18, 2020 | Miscellaneous, Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 714
Height: 2½”
Production Dates: 1939-1958
The 2056 line of Toppers includes some of the most under-appreciated items in the entire American pattern. Many times they are ignored or overlooked, for when the Toppers stand empty and alone … they just don’t stir up a lot of excitement for most folks. In truth, they are very versatile pieces which can be used for a multitude of purposes and holidays. These hats are adorable for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and many other celebrations!
The smallest of these Toppers is the Topper Ash Tray. From there, the next size up is this 2½” Topper. When it was first introduced, it was listed as 2¼” tall, and then later it was described as being 2½” in height. Therefore, you can expect slight size variations between those two measurements. The top diameter is approximately 3¾”, with a clear glass rim.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Toppers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Oct 17, 2019 | Miscellaneous, Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 713
Approximate Size: 1″ H
Production Dates: 1939-1958
The American 2056 line was the most popular (and expansive) pattern ever produced by Fostoria Glass. The pattern debuted in 1915, and throughout the decades since, hundreds of different items were designed for a variety of lifestyles.
The Topper Ash Tray is the smallest of all the Toppers. Other Toppers were also used as smoking accessories; however, the only one used as an ash tray was this smaller Topper. Interestingly, it does not have a notched area in the rim to hold a cigarette or cigar.
This piece was also produced in White Milk Glass. Milk glass pieces had a much shorter production run, so they are not as plentiful.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Topper Ash Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 11, 2019 | Miscellaneous
Item Number: 377
Diameter: 3¾”
Production Dates: 1980-1982
Out of all the Fostoria American Coasters, this stunning 16-rayed version is the hardest one to find. It is easy to understand why, for they were only produced from 1980-1982. With a short production run, and also being prone to breakage during and after the manufacturing process, there simply are not a lot of them available. Even fewer are the ones in great condition.
Expect slight variations in size. The 16-rayed coasters that I have are slightly smaller – bigger than 3½” but smaller than 3¾”. The outer rim of glass that surrounds this Coaster is thinner than the other variations, making it a bit more fragile. I have noticed from my own experience that glasses do not sit as securely in the center of this Coaster as they do in the other styles.
While the 16-Rayed Coaster might be more difficult to find (especially in great condition) it is truly one of the prettiest Coasters that Fostoria Glass ever produced. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Coasters on eBay.
