Salad Plate – 8½”
Item Number: 550-S
Diameter: 8½″
Production Dates: 1936-1982
Very similar in design to the 9½″ Dinner Plate, the Fostoria American Salad Plate is slightly smaller – measuring in at about 8½″ in diameter. The Dinner and Salad Plates almost look identical in design, each bearing large centers. I believe the Salad Plates are the perfect size for serving lunch or an afternoon meal, and I use them quite often for just that purpose.
It is important to note that other Salad Plates were made in the American pattern, such as the Crescent Salad Plate and a smaller 7″ Salad Plate (with a small center design). Variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to American Salad Plates … you really do have choices! They make excellent “layering” plates as well, even with china from an entirely different pattern. That is the versatility of clear crystal; the pieces will mesh with other collections seamlessly.
Here in this photo you can see the Dinner Plate and the Salad Plate side-by side. They both have large centers, and are only different in size by about an inch. The Salad Plates were produced for a long time, so they are still relatively easy to find in today’s market. The Pink Salad Plates are harder to find, and were produced by Dalzell Viking Glass.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salad Plates on eBay.
To help prevent damage and to allow for easy identification and storage, I prefer to use storage boxes for all of my American plates. The ones I use have hardboard sides and are sturdy, stable, and puncture-resistant. You can find more information on the storage boxes that I use in the following paid link. Full Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate; thus, I earn from qualifying purchases. VENO Dinnerware Boxes (4 Sizes) with Lids.
The American 8½″ Salad Plates stack perfectly in the 9 inch box, which were designed for 8.5 inch plates (the exact size of American Salad Plates #550-S). The best part is that the boxes have a transparent window panel that allows me to see the contents instantly. Also included with the boxes are twelve plate protector sheets. The side handles are reinforced and can hold the hefty weight of the plates. They are extremely easy to move, and when not in use they can collapse and be stored flat.
I love the fact that I don’t have to worry about the safety of my plates anymore, the plates are easy to access, and the attractive boxes keep my pantry very organized! ♥
Damage can, and does occur. The plates can become scratched and dull from all the abuse of knives, forks … and even dishwashers. The Dinner Plates should be hand washed, and never put in a dishwasher. Luckily, you can still find them fairly easily in today’s world. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available 
The American Dinner Plates stack perfectly in the 10 inch box, which were designed for 9.5 inch plates (the exact size of the American Dinner Plates). The best part is that the boxes have a transparent window panel that allows me to see the contents instantly. Also included with the boxes are twelve plate protector sheets. The side handles are reinforced and can hold the hefty weight of the American Dinner Plates. They are extremely easy to move, and when not in use they can collapse and be stored flat.
No place setting would be complete without a Bread and Butter Plate, and in glorious fashion, the Fostoria Glass Company produced a fine specimen in the American pattern. Like the 
The Saucer is probably one of the most overlooked items in the Fostoria American line. You can still find them in abundance today, and for not much money. While some folks say the Saucer is not that worthy or needed in today’s world, I do know that a collection of Fostoria American would not be considered a complete dinner service without the lovely Saucer.