Item Number: T-12
Approximate Size: 4¼″ L; 3¼″ W
Production Dates: Not shown in catalog. Production dates not known.
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Item Number: 555
Length: 10½″
Production Dates: 1916-1923 OCBT; 1933-1970 Oval Platter
When this item first emerged in 1916, it was described as the Oval Comb and Brush Tray. When it comes to official names and descriptions by Fostoria, it can get confusing. This is one such case, as Fostoria Glass also referred to other items in the American line as “Comb and Brush Trays”. Therefore, it is always important to look for the production dates of any described item, as that will help lead you in the right direction of what that particular item was called at any particular period in time. You will have to check the sizes too, as there are times when two identical names/descriptions can be seen in the same catalog year. The only way to tell them apart is to look at their measurements.
This piece began its life in 1916 as the Oval Comb and Brush Tray and it stayed in production for approximately seven years. It was then discontinued, only to emerge again (ten years later) under the name of the 10½” Oval Platter. It remained under that name until it finally retired in 1970. Obviously, due to the different names and descriptions of this piece, it will prove to be a very versatile and useful item in your American collection.
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Item Number: 726
Width: 10″
Production Dates: 1948-1973
The Handled Muffin Tray was produced from 1948 through 1973. It is approximately 8″ in length and about 10″ wide (measured from handle to handle). While people today might not serve muffins as much as they did in the mid-1900’s, it is still a dish that can be used for a multitude of purposes. When not in use to serve food, it is quite beautiful on a buffet table – holding and serving fresh napkin linens to your dinner guests as they walk by.
The handles are truly a work of art. I find them to be quite attractive, and they are extremely smooth and soft to the touch. From the bottom of the tray to the top of the handle, they measure in at about 3½” in height.
The Handled Muffin Tray is every easy to transport from one area to the next, all with the help of those lovely handles. Even so, I try and support the dish with at least one hand on the bottom as I move it from one area to the other.
The Handled Muffin Tray was also produced in a beautiful Ruby color. The Ruby items were produced from the 1980s through the late 1990s.
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Item Number: T-09
Approximate Size: 10″ Sq.
Production Dates: 1924-1943
While the American pattern produced quite a few trays in various sizes and shapes, the 10″ Square Tray stands out from the crowd. This particular tray has a plain rim, void of any cube design (much like the 12″ Round Tray). The surface of the tray is smooth, to allow for glasses and other items to sit properly. Any American piece would look stunning on this handsome tray.
Catalogs state the Square Tray as being 10″ in length and width; however, expect some slight fluctuations. My own personal trays are closer to 10¼” in measurement. Regarding production dates, I am estimating them to be between 1924-1943, and under two different names. It is thought that this piece started its life as a “Square Plate”, and then a couple of years later it was called the “Square Tray”. In comparison to other pieces in the American line that enjoyed a long production life, the Square Tray was only made for less than twenty years.
This piece is not a common find, simply because of the initial supply. When you do find one, pay special attention to the inside lip and four corners of the tray. This is where you might find the most damage, either from the removal of the mould, or from normal usage. Since the top of the Square Tray has smooth glass, one should also look for scratches and other possible imperfections from lifting, storing, or sliding items on the tray.
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Item Number: 732
Diameter: 9″
Production Dates: 1948-1982
One of the more unique trays in the American pattern is the Handled Utility Tray. While it looks similar to the Handled Muffin Tray, there is one defining difference. The Utility Tray has sides that curve upward, while the Muffin Tray has sides that flare outward. They both came from the same mould; however, they were designed and crafted differently.
The Handled Utility Tray was introduced in the 1940’s and it remained in production until 1982. It was later produced in Ruby, by Dalzell Viking Glass, under the Fostoria American label. From handle to handle, it is approximately 9″ in diameter. The edges of the tray curve upwards, and are about 2½” high. I have noticed slight size fluctuations regarding this tray, so one can expect that some items will have higher (or lower) side measurements.
As a noun, the word “utility” means the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial. That being said, the Handled Utility Tray’s greatest advantage is that it can be used for multiple applications. While serving food is one of the most common uses of the tray, it can also be utilized for displaying flowers to holding potpourri. The possibilities are endless!
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Item Number: 738
Length: 9″
Production Dates: 1936-1943; 1952-1958
Over the years, the Fostoria American pattern offered a couple of different trays to be used as Condiment Trays. This particular tray was the second and last tray to be featured as part of a Condiment Set. The tray itself is about 9″ in length; however, from handle to handle it measures in at about 10½” in length.
The Condiment Tray (cloverleaf shape) came into the American line in the mid-1930’s. Being part of a Condiment Set, it was in and out of production throughout the years. It made it’s last appearance around 1958, utilizing the #653 Shakers (Chrome Top “A”). An earlier version of the set (circa 1936) included Shakers with Fostoria Glass Tops.
The 6-Piece Condiment Set pictured here consists of the following items:
2 Oil Decanters and Stoppers – approximately 5 oz. each
2 Shakers, with Fostoria Glass Tops
1 Mustard, Cover & Spoon
1 Condiment Tray
It is important to note that the center of the tray has a circled inset rim. This rim fits the Mustard piece perfectly – preventing it from moving around the tray. With the originally intended pieces assembled together, the Condiment Tray is a work of art – perfectly proportioned, down to the tiniest of details.
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