by Julie Noyas | Apr 3, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: T-07
Length: 7″
Production Dates: 1916-1925
I am thrilled to share what I know about the American Candy Tray, for it is one of those pieces that is not seen all that often. Unfortunately, the Candy Tray is rarely talked or written about. Indeed, there are books on the American pattern that don’t even mention its existence! The reason for it is still a mystery to me, for it is a rare gem and definitely worth our admiration.
The Candy Tray is special because of its age, unique shape, and limited production run. It was born in 1916, over one-hundred years ago! This is not an item that was produced for decades on end, like many of the other pieces in the American line. The Candy Tray was only made from 1916 – 1925. These pieces are respected elders in the Fostoria family, and they certainly deserve our utmost respect.
The Candy Tray is often referred to as an “Open Candy Box”. With higher sides than most trays, it easily looks like a box. However, most boxes have lids; this piece does not. With no lid or cover, this might be the reason why Fostoria officially classified this piece as a tray, rather than a box.
The overall measurement of the piece is approximately 7″ x 5″, with sides that are about 1½” high (considerably higher than most American trays). It is extremely well-crafted, with great clarity, luster and weight.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Candy Trays on eBay.
Since people call this item a tray and/or a box, I have included those terms in the search criteria. Results will be minimal for this exact item, if any. Do keep checking; however, for they do show up every now and again.
by Julie Noyas | Mar 23, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: 721
Size: 10⅝″ L – 7½″ W
Production Dates: 1917-1958
At one time or another, the Oblong Tray was known by different names or descriptions. Unofficial names were the 10½″ Rectangular Tray and the Dresser Tray. The tray is oblong in shape and is about 7½″ in width. The top portion of the tray is smooth glass, and it has a beautiful rim that flows along all four sides. These traits help ensure that any items placed on the tray will sit securely and not be prone to slippage.
Some books state that this piece was only produced through 1943; however, I do not agree with those findings. The Oblong Tray was still being offered in the late 1950s. In fact, it was available for purchase in 1957 as a single item, or as part of the following sets – the 8-Piece Decanter Set, or the 7-Piece Appetizer Set. The Decanter Set consisted of the Oblong Tray, a Decanter & Stopper, and six 2 oz. Whiskeys. The Appetizer Set consisted of the Oblong Tray and six Individual Appetizers.
While the majority of these trays were produced in clear crystal, this item was also produced in the colors of Amber, Blue and Canary. Obviously, the trays of color are more valuable and rare when compared to the more plentiful clear crystal items. The colored trays were available in the mid-1920s, when Fostoria Glass was mainly promoting them as part of their 8-Piece American Boudoir Sets.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Mar 12, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: T-04
Length: 10½″
Production Dates: 1915-1943
The Oval Comb and Brush Tray was originally featured in the 1915 catalog supplement, debuting the American line. It was described as being 10″ in length, and 5″ in width. In the same catalog, it is also listed as one of the pieces in the Condiment Set. The Condiment Set included two Oils, two Shakers and a Condiment Tray (AKA Oval Comb and Brush Tray).
This particular piece was produced from 1915 to 1943, and throughout those years, it had different names and/or descriptions attached to it. In the tray’s last years of production, its final name was simply the 10½″ Oval Tray.
In addition to clear crystal, the Oval Comb and Brush Trays were also produced in limited colors. Pictured here are the Orchid, clear Crystal, and Green trays. The colored versions were produced in the mid-1920s. Of the two colors, Orchid was produced last and is more scarce. All colors; however, are considered rare. The colored trays are often seen paired with a cream and sugar set.
The approximate length of the tray is between 10 – 10½ inches. Per Fostoria records, the measurement was first recorded as 10″ in length in 1915; however, by the year it was last produced in 1943, Fostoria listed it as 10½″ in length. When measuring the trays from my own personal collection, all of them were closer to 10½″ in length. All trays have a clear glass rim, which is about ½″ tall when measured from the inside of the tray.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Trays on eBay.
Since this tray is known by different names, you will probably have to fine-tune your search to either a “handled tray”, “comb and brush tray”, “condiment tray”, or “oval tray”.
by Julie Noyas | Mar 1, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: T-01
Diameter: 12″
Production Dates: 1924-1943
Many of the trays in the Fostoria American line were either square, oblong, or rectangular in shape. There is only one that is round in shape, and that is the 12″ Round Tray. The only other item that looks similar to the Round Tray is the cubed Coaster (the one with no central rays and a plain rim). The Coaster looks like a miniature version of the Round Tray.
The Round Tray is quite handsome, and it is a solid piece of glass. The surface of the tray is smooth, to allow for glasses and other items to sit properly. The 12″ Round Tray was also an item that was featured in the American Old Fashioned Set, which included a Decanter, a Bitters Bottle, and six Old Fashioned Cocktail glasses.
The diameter of the Round Tray is 12-inches. It has a plain rim, void of any cube design. The measurement of the inside rim is about ½″ high.
The circular surface of the tray exceptionally displays the design, craftsmanship, and artistry of the American pattern.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Round Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Feb 15, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: T-08
Length: 5″
Production Dates: 1917-1943
The Fostoria American Oblong Pin Tray was originally designed to hold pins, or other small items. It was primarily produced in clear crystal. During the mid-1920’s; however, it was chosen to be one of a few items that was also produced in three colors – Amber, Blue and Canary.
The tray was introduced in 1917 as the Oblong Pin Tray, as this was a time in our history when pins and buttons were a necessary item in one’s wardrobe. As the years went by, Fostoria Glass officially changed its name to the “5 in. Oblong Tray”.
The Oblong Pin Tray is approximately 5″ in length, and about 2⅝” in width. This piece was produced through 1943, known by the two names mentioned previously. You can use this tray for a variety of purposes, even today. In fact, this particular tray is often used in what some people refer to as a Pomade Set. A Pomade Set consists of one Oblong Pin Tray and two of the 2″ Pomade and Covers. The Pomades are square in shape and fit quite nicely on the tray, which makes for a lovely presentation.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Trays on eBay. You will probably have to sift through a variety of Trays in order to find one Oblong Pin Tray (if you should find any). They do; however, come up on the market every now and again.
by Julie Noyas | Jan 31, 2018 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: 659
Length: 4″
Production Dates: 1938-1943; 1947-1973
Without a doubt, this is one of the smallest (and cutest) trays in the entire American pattern. While the Individual Shaker Tray is one of three items that was used in the 3-Piece Individual Shaker Set, it was also available for purchase as a separate item. The Shaker Tray fits the square Individual Shakers with Fostoria Glass Tops and the Individual Shakers with Silver Tops.
The Individual Shaker Trays came into production around 1938, and were first introduced with the Individual Shakers with Fostoria Glass Tops. They were produced from approximately 1938 – 1943. They came back into production around 1947, and were later paired with the Individual Shakers with the Silver Tops. Many years later, the Trays were discontinued. Fostoria Glass; however, continued to produce the Shakers (without the Trays) through 1982.
The Individual Shaker Trays are precious. With a petite size of approximately 4″ in length (from handle to handle), they are only about 1½” in width. They have two compartments, with a slightly raised partition in the center, that holds the Individual Shakers neatly in place.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Trays on eBay.
The Trays are harder to find by themselves, and are most often sold as part of the 3-Piece Individual Shaker Set.
