by Julie Noyas | Sep 14, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-03
Height: 3¼”
Production Dates: 1915-1926
The Fostoria American Shaker, “W” Top (glass disc with a heavy nickel band) is a special find. This particular type of shaker is not common. I rarely see them online, or at estate auctions and antique stores. They are some of the oldest pieces you will ever find in the American pattern and were a pioneering piece in the Fostoria American debut catalog of 1915.
These shakers are large, and have a straight-sided shape. They have an approximate height between 3 – 3¼ inches (with the top attached). The top consists of two pieces – the metal band (or ring), and a perforated glass disc. The glass inserts are removable, delicate, and need to be handled with care. The early produced glass discs should have 13 holes. Later variations will have 7 holes.
The Shaker, “W” Top item is quite substantial, both in weight and appearance. As with similar vintage salt shakers, the finish on the metal tops may become worn, flaky, or pitted over the years. Salt is highly corrosive; therefore, it is always advised to empty the shakers when they are not in use.
Since these shakers are over 100 years old, and rather difficult to find … imagine your excitement if you were to stumble across one with a beautiful silver overlay. Well, that is exactly what happened to Dennis and Pat Early. You can read all about their special find here – Shaker, “W” Top – Silver Overlay.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Sep 7, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-01
Height: 3”
Production Dates: 1915-1945
These straight-sided Shakers, H.N.T. (with Heavy Nickel Tops), are a true favorite of mine. I particularly like their hefty size, grand appearance, and vintage vibe. When filled with salt or pepper, these sturdy Shakers are not easily prone to tipping over. Fostoria American Shakers, with the Heavy Nickel Tops, have a height of approximately 3 inches.
This particular style Shaker was one of the first to be showcased in the American pattern. Some of the old Fostoria catalogs list the Shaker as “No. 1”, dating back to the 1915 era. It was produced for about 30 years. The actual height of the Shaker can vary slightly, depending on what type of top came with it. Originally, you had an option in the tops – such as H.N.T. (Heavy Nickel Top), H.S.T. (Heavy Silver Top), “W” Top (Glass Disc, with a Heavy Nickel Band), etc. Over the years, the availability and composition of the tops changed.
The Fostoria Shakers (with Heavy Nickel Tops) are quite substantial, both in weight and appearance. The finish on the tops may become worn, flaky, or pitted over the years. Since salt is highly corrosive, it is advised to empty the Shakers when they are not in use.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Aug 25, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: 653-649
Height: 3½”
Production Dates: 1949-1985
There were several different types of Salt and Pepper Shakers made in the Fostoria American line. This particular Shaker, with Chrome Top “A”, was a popular guest on the dinner table for many years. Tapered in design, it has a height of approximately 3½ inches. The shakers were produced with different types of tops over the years, and Chrome Top “A” was the last variation made.
In regards to the silver and chrome type tops, the silver tops (“A”) were the first to be introduced. They remained in production for just a few years. When the 1950’s came around, the silver tops were replaced with the chrome version.
With heavy years of use, in combination with the salt corrosion factor, the finish on the tops can become worn or flaky. When the salt shakers are not in use, the best practice is to empty the salt from the vessel. By doing so, you can help prevent the glass from becoming cloudy, and assist in preserving the top’s chrome finish.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Aug 18, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: 650-656
Height: 2⅜”
Production Dates: 1948-1982
These little Individual Shakers, with their Silver/Chrome Tops, are just precious. They look gorgeous sitting on the table, and even prettier when resting on the Individual Shaker Tray. These Individual Shakers have a height ranging from approximately 2⅜” – 2⅞”. My own personal Shakers have a measurement of approximately 2½”, so expect slight size variations.
The Individual Shaker Tray was an item used in the 3-Piece Individual Shaker Set. The Shaker Tray fits the square Individual Shakers with Fostoria Glass Tops and the Individual Shakers with Chrome Tops.
In regards to the silver and chrome type tops, the silver tops were the first to be introduced. They remained in production for just a few years. When the 1950’s came around, the silver tops were replaced with the chrome version.
The Individual Shakers are petite in size, as their purpose was to serve salt to individuals – not the entire table. Hence, these smaller Shakers were usually placed at each place setting on the table. Diminutive in size, they still manage to make a grand impression on the dinner table. Fostoria also made larger Shakers, such as the Shaker, F.G.T. – which would be the perfect choice if you needed a bigger Salt and Pepper Shaker for the entire table.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 27, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-09
Height: 2”
Production Dates: 1938-1947
There were several different types of Salt and Pepper Shakers made in the Fostoria American line. Not only were the designs different, but the tops and sizes were as well. The piece you see here is the “Individual Shaker, Square”. It is one of the smaller Shakers, with a Fostoria Glass Top (F.G.T.) The Individual Shaker is between 1⅞” – 2″ high, and sits on a square bottom.
The Individual Shakers are petite in size, as their purpose was to serve salt to individuals – not the entire table. Hence, these smaller Shakers were usually placed at each place setting on the table. Fostoria also made larger Shakers, such as the Shaker, F.G.T. – which would be the perfect choice if you needed a bigger Salt and Pepper Shaker for the entire table.
Fostoria Glass also offered a 3-Piece Individual Shaker Set, which included an Individual Shaker Tray and two of the Individual Shakers with glass tops. This Set was also available with Individual Shakers that had silver tops.
Over the years I have found that it is still relatively easy to find these Shakers; however, finding them with the glass tops in good condition is a bit more difficult. Many times the glass tops will be cracked, broken or in ill repair. One has to be careful when dealing with glass tops, because too much pressure will eventually crack or break the glass.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 18, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-05
Height: 3¼”
Production Dates: 1934-1940
There were several different types of Salt and Pepper Shakers made in the Fostoria American line. Not only were the designs different, but the tops and sizes were as well. Fostoria Glass Company called this particular item a “Shaker, F.G.T.” and it was the last regular-sized salt shaker that was made with glass tops in the American line. F.G.T. = Fostoria Glass Top. The shaker is tapered, with a height of approximately 3⅛ – 3¼ inches.
Over the years I have found that it is still relatively easy to find these shakers; however, finding them with the glass tops still attached (and in good condition) is a bit more difficult. Many times the glass tops will be cracked, broken or in ill repair. Since the tops are made of glass, they are easier to break … and this often happened because people simply screwed the tops on too tightly. One has to be careful when dealing with glass tops, because too much pressure will eventually crack or break the glass.
The Fostoria Shakers with Glass Tops have a look of sophistication to them, especially when compared to the ones that have chrome tops. The finish on the chrome or silver-plated tops can become worn or flaky over the years.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay. Usually the glass-topped shakers are in fewer quantity on eBay; however, they do pop up.
