Oblong ~ Oblong I.C. ~ Comb/Brush Tray

by Julie Noyas | Mar 23, 2018 | Trays & Platters

Item Number:  721
Approximate 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.

Oval Comb/Brush ~ Condiment ~ Oval Tray

by Julie Noyas | Mar 12, 2018 | Trays & Platters

Item Number:  T-04
Approximate Size:  10½″ L; 5″ W
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”.

Round Tray

by Julie Noyas | Mar 1, 2018 | Trays & Platters

Item Number:  T-01
Approximate Size:  12″ D
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.

Oblong Pin Tray ~ 5″ Oblong Tray

by Julie Noyas | Feb 15, 2018 | Trays & Platters

Item Number:  T-08
Approximate Size:  5″ L; 2½″ W
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-1920s; 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”.

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.