- The most reliable method is the black light test. Fostoria's crystal American (b) will glow a very pale yellow when exposed to black light in a darkened room. ...
- Examine the clarity of the glass: it should be clear with a smooth surface. Fostoria fire-polished each piece. ...
- Look at the bottom of horizontal pieces, plates, bowls, etc. If the base ring, where the item rests on the table, has been ground flat, you have American.
- Handles on most Fostoria pitchers and jugs (all those with C shape handles) will attach at the very top edge of the pitcher. ...
- For footed pieces, such as 3-toed tidbits, bon-bons, or fruit bowls, check the shape of the feet (toes). ...
- Vertical pieces of American, goblets, tumblers, vases, etc. tend to have more curve to their profile and flare at the top. ...
- Most American pieces will have 3 or more mould seams. Whitehall, due to the simpler, straighter overall shapes, will usually have only two seams.
Full Answer
How do you identify a Fostoria Glass piece?
Fostoria marked very few of their pieces so unless you recognize the shape or the cutting or the etch it’s going to be difficult to identify the glass pattern.
What does Fostoria crystal look like?
Fostoria produced glass and crystal from 1887 to 1983. The American pattern was Fostoria's leading seller, being in production from 1915 to 1983. The American pattern looks like an array of cubes in crystal, has a flat bottom and features three or more mould seams. Vertical pieces, such as pitchers, tend to have a curve with a flare at the top.
How much does Fostoria Glass sell for?
Selling price: $3–$6 per item; sold in sets of four or six (eBay 7/19) Fostoria American is one of the most prolific elegant glass patterns. Lookalikes were made, however, so it is wise to do further research if you have a similar piece.
What is the difference between depression glass and Fostoria Glass?
There are several differences. The Cube glass isn’t as good quality while the Fostoria is real crystal that has a glow in the light. You can also tell them apart by the shapes. I recommend you get a book about depression glass and look at the pictures and you’ll see the difference.
How do you tell if something is Fostoria?
Fostoria glass will be smooth to the touch. Other glassware can have a bumpy, rough or wavy texture due to the lack of fire polishing. Turn on a black light in a dark room and shine it directly on the glassware. If it is true Fostoria, the glass will appear a very light yellow.
Are all Fostoria glasses marked?
Most Fostoria pieces are not marked and must be identified by the pattern and/or etching found on the piece. This type of acid etched mark was used during the 1970s on many Navarre pieces, according to "Collectible Glassware from the 40s, 50s, and 60s" by Gene Florence.
What are the different types of Fostoria?
It may be had in the wide range of Fostoria colors… rose, green, azure, topaz, crystal or black.
Is Fostoria glass or crystal?
The product was originally made in crystal, but later on a few pieces with color. The Baroque glass pattern was made by Fostoria from 1937 to 1965, and used for stemware and many types of tableware. The Chintz pattern was made from 1940 to 1973.
Is there an app to identify glassware?
CamFind can bring visual search to Glass, using artificial intelligence to recognize images. It combines that with crowdsourcing, where humans can correct the identification of images.
What does the L on the bottom of a glass mean?
(1888-to date) The “cursive L” trademark is frequently seen embossed on the bases of various tableware items, especially tumblers and other drinking glasses, barware, wine glasses and stemware for home use as well as commercial and institutional use.
How do I identify my glassware pattern?
Makers can be identified by examining company marks and signatures located on the bottom of the glassware. However, since reproductions are common, it's essential to study the marks, colors, and styles of genuine art glass to properly identify the maker of a piece.
Who buys Fostoria?
Lancaster ColonyLancaster Colony purchased Fostoria and started production on a pattern similar to the American design. Lancaster's pattern is named American Whitehall. A glass company in Indiana produced the Whitehall design during the 1960s. The Indiana Glass isn't the same quality as the original Fostoria.
Is Fostoria American lead crystal?
Regarding Coasters – it is important to note that Fostoria Glass had a giftware line that was made out of lead crystal. These items were not part of the American pattern – Line #2056. The giftware line included different Coasters, and they were marketed as “American Lead Crystal”.
When was Fostoria American Clear made?
1915Of all the highly successful patterns included in Weatherman's book, American is Fostoria's all-time bestseller. Introduced in 1915, American was produced for many, many years in a wide variety of pieces ranging from dinnerware to elaborate punch sets.
Did Fostoria make glass for Avon?
This is a beautiful collection of 4 cobalt blue wine goblets and a small pitcher, made in 1976 for Avon by Fostoria. They are in immaculate condition without a scratch or nick anywhere. Barely used, if at all.
Who makes Fostoria?
A short explanation of Fostoria Glass: They were very successful for nearly a hundred years, finally closing in 1986 after being bought by the Lancaster Colony company in 1983.
What is Whitehall glassware?
This is Indiana Glass pattern number 521. Whitehall is VERY similar to the Fostoria American pattern. Whitehall is most often seen in the above colors, gold or amber, crystal and olive green. There is also a very pretty light blue, a teal blue and crystal with ruby stain.
Who buys Fostoria?
Lancaster ColonyLancaster Colony purchased Fostoria and started production on a pattern similar to the American design. Lancaster's pattern is named American Whitehall. A glass company in Indiana produced the Whitehall design during the 1960s. The Indiana Glass isn't the same quality as the original Fostoria.
What is Candlewick glass?
Candlewick glass is glass that was manufactured by the Imperial Glass Company from 1936 to 1984. These antique glass pieces are characterized by the tiny glass beads that are interwoven into a variety of beautiful patterns on the surface of the glass.
What is coin glass?
coin glass, glassware usually in the form of wineglasses, goblets, or tankards enclosing a coin either in the foot, or in the hollow knop of the stem, rarely in an interior bulb. A Venetian specimen of coin glass dated 1647 is known, but the principal occurrence is in English glass from about 1650 onward.
How to identify Fostoria crystal pattern?
How Do You Identify a Fostoria Crystal Pattern? The most reliable way of identifying a Fostoria crystal pattern is by comparing a piece to pictures of the patterns, explains CollectorsWeekly.com. Fostoria produced glass and crystal from 1887 to 1983. The American pattern was Fostoria's leading seller, being in production from 1915 to 1983. ...
What is the name of the rays that run down the sides of a glass?
Sunray has "rays" that run down the sides or across the glass.
When was coin glass made?
Coin glass was in production from 1958 to 1982 and features round "coins" as part of the design.
What is Jamestown style?
Jamestown is a sturdy pattern with colonial styling.
What is a Fostoria glass?
Fostoria American Wine Glass with Hex Foot. Fostoria American is one of the most prolific elegant glass patterns. Lookalikes were made, however, so it is wise to do further research if you have a similar piece. This is particularly true with the American drinkware as examples made by other companies look very similar.
What is Fostoria American?
Fostoria American is one of the most prolific elegant glass patterns. Lookalikes were made, however, so it is wise to do further research if you have a similar piece. This is particularly true with the American iced tea glasses as examples made by other companies look very similar.
Is elegant glassware better than depression glass?
Elegant glassware is higher in quality than Depression glass, although it was made in some of the same colors such as pink, green, and yellow along with a proliferation of clear patterns. Note: For the most up to date information on elegant glass selling prices, be sure to check a number of online selling venues such as Ruby Lane, Etsy, ...
Why did Fostoria glass close?
The company closed its West Virginia plant in early 1986, largely because of declining sales to international competition. Fostoria president Kenneth Dalzell said at the time, “Foreign imports have played a role [in the decision to close], very much so.”. But now, we can still look back on nearly 100 years of beautiful vintage Fostoria glass — ...
What is Fostoria milk glass?
You see, Fostoria means authentic milk glass, crafted just like the priceless antiques of Early America. Each piece is made by hand, molded and shaped one at a time by painstaking craftsmen. Each piece, truly a work of art.
Why was Fostoria named after a gas well?
Fostoria was chosen because of the recent opening of an abundantly promising gas well. The company took the name of the town rather than a town being formed around a glass house and taking its name. Antique Fostoria Glass from 1896 – Candelabrum.
How gracious is the gift that meets the greatest expectations of those you love best?
How gracious is the gift that meets the greatest expectations of those you love best! For such a gift, you’ll want stemware with the rich vitality that only master craftsmen can bring.
What is Fostoria's latest inspiration?
Perhaps with this in mind, Fostoria’s latest inspiration is the glittering splendor of old-world royal and imperial headpieces.
What is Fostaria's glassware?
Fostaria suggests some lovely glass leaf and bird shaped dishes for small snacks, bubble candy jar, cocktail shakers and decanters for liquor. These are just a few of Fostoria’s almost endless creations in beautiful glassware.
Where was glassmaking first practiced?
The art of American glassmaking was first practiced by Fostoria over 90 years ago at Moundsville, West Virginia.
What colors were used in the first Fostoria glass?
The inaugural colors included green, amber, blue, and canary. The colors were a huge hit, and, with the... In 1887, L. B. Martin and W. S. Brady founded the Fostoria Glass Company in Fostoria, Ohio. When the area’s natural gas deposits ran out, Fostoria moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, and then to Moundsville, West Virginia, in 1891, ...
Who founded Fostoria Glass Company?
In 1887, L. B. Martin and W. S. Brady founded the Fostoria Glass Company in Fostoria, Ohio. When the area’s natural gas deposits ran out, Fostoria moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, and then to Moundsville, West Virginia, in 1891, where it... In 1887, L. B. Martin and W. S. Brady founded the Fostoria Glass Company in Fostoria, Ohio.
What was the name of the glassware that Fostoria made in the 1940s?
In the early 1940s, Fostoria released several new patterns of glassware, including Chintz (1940), Colony (1940), Romance (1942), and Holly (1942). These followed on the heels of the distinctive Baroque style, which was introduced in 1937 and featured a signature fleur-de-lis in its design.
How many people worked at Fostoria Glass Company in 1925?
In 1925, Fostoria employed 650 workers and was second in the industry, behind the Cambridge Glass Company.
What colors did Fostoria come in?
The inaugural colors included green, amber, blue, and canary. The colors were a huge hit, and, with the strength of a national advertising campaign behind it, Fostoria products began appearing in influential magazines like “Good Housekeeping” and “Ladies’ Home Journal.”.
When did Fostoria discontinue American glassware?
In 1915 , Fostoria introduced the American pattern of glassware, which was not discontinued until the factory shut its doors in 1983; this remarkable 68-year run makes American the longest continually produced pattern in the domestic glassware industry.
When did Fostoria factory close?
The factory closed altogether in 1983, though some of its patterns—including American—continued to be produced by Dalzel-Viking, thanks to a contract with Lancaster Colony. The early 1990s saw the last trickle of Fostoria pattern production.
Where was Fostoria Glass Co. founded?
Fostoria Glass Co. produced high-quality elegant glass tableware for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1887 in Fostoria, Ohio, they moved to Moundsville, West Virginia, in 1892. Today many of their pattern lines are highly sought after by collectors.
Who bought Fostoria Glass?
b) Lancaster Colony Corp. purchased Fostoria Glass Co. in 1983. Several years after the 1986 closure of the Fostoria factory, Lancaster contracted with Dalzell-Viking Glass Co. to produce selected American items from Fostoria's moulds. This production continued until Dalzell-Viking closed in 1998. All ruby pieces of American are from this later production. These Dalzell-Viking pieces of American are of better quality than Indiana's Whitehall, but are not up to Fostoria's standards. These later crystal pieces by Dalzell-Viking do not glow under black light.
How to tell if you have a Jeannette cube?
Cube is a relatively small line of just over 20 items and is well documented. Once you suspect you have a piece of Cube, a quick check in most any Depression Glass reference will confirm or deny your diagnosis.
What color is Fostoria crystal American?
1) The most reliable method is the black light test. Fostoria's crystal American (b) will glow a very pale yellow when exposed to black light in a darkened room. Whitehall will not.
Where do the handles on Fostoria pitchers attach?
4) Handles on most Fostoria pitchers and jugs (all those with C shape handles) will attach at the very top edge of the pitcher. Corresponding Whitehall pitchers will have handles that attach an inch or so down the side. ( http://www.auctionbytes.com/images/whitehallpitcher.jpg)
When did Lancaster Lens Co. buy Indiana Glass?
a) Lancaster Lens Co. purchased Indiana Glass Co. in 1957 and at that time changed their name to Lancaster Glass Co. In 1962, Lancaster Glass Co. merged with several other companies and became Lancaster Colony Corp., the "Colony" part of the name coming from the Colony Glass trade name.
Does Dalzell Viking glow under black light?
These Dalzell-Viking pieces of American are of better quality than Indiana's Whitehall, but are not up to Fostoria's standards. These later crystal pieces by Dalzell -Viking do not glow under black light.
What is Fenton glass?
Fenton Glass Company was one of the most prominent glassmaking companies in American history and led to many of the styles discussed in this guide. Drawing inspiration from Tiffany Studios and Steuben Glass, the firm introduced carnival glass in 1907 before going on to create over 150 different patterns in this style. Over the years, they have produced a variety of glass types, including the carnival, opalescent, and milk, as well as other styles like custard and chocolate. Fenton pieces are popular with collectors for their wide variety of glass styles, signature designs, and the fact every Fenton piece is made by hand.
How much does a Fenton glassware cost?
Despite the high cost of a few rare examples, you can find Fenton glassware for less than $100 each, with many selling for as low as $10 to $20. “Hobnail” glass, which featured a uniform bumpy surface inspired by Victorian design, was one of the most famous Fenton glass styles.
What is antique glassware?
With eye-catching colors and an alluring array of shapes and patterns, antique glassware offers a unique decorative accent that recalls craftsmanship from decades past. While collectors of vintage glass often purchase these pieces for display, many others maintain them for everyday use.
How long has glass been around?
Although glass objects have been produced as early as the Bronze Age, the more modern technique of cut glass dates back approximately 2,000 years. Glassmakers would hold a cooled piece of glass to a grinding wheel to carve fine grooves, intricate patterns, and compelling designs.
When was glassware made?
Glassware produced from the late-19th through the mid-20th century is considered the pinnacle of glassmaking and thus one of the most popular eras to collect in the market.
How much did antique quezel art glass cost?
Antique Quezel Art Glass Colored Vase, sold for $2,500 via Bruce Kodner Galleries (May 2018).
What glass was made by pressed glass?
The rise of pressed glass made it possible to mass-produce glassware, leading to the creation of some of the most recognizable styles including carnival glass, elegant glass, milk glass, crystal glass, and Depression glass.
How to find the price of antique glassware?
Another easy way by which you can learn the price of antique glassware is by searching for the selling price of an identical item on an online platform or in a live auction.
What is crystal glassware?
Crystal Glassware: This type of glassware is identical to regular glass; however, it is of higher quality and produced from lead. Rich collectors started using these pieces for serving in the 19th century due to their reflective properties. Collectors regard pieces from this period as antique.
What Is Antique Glassware?
Antique glassware represents a wide array of decorative yet functional items that have been around since the late 1800s. The different types of antique glassware include glasses, bowls, vases, and plates.
What is art glass?
Art Glass: This is a type of antique glassware that was developed by glassmakers who wanted to create new designs in the early 1900s. Their work created a variety of handmade items such as bottles, bowls, vases, and more.
Why does crystal glass ping?
Due to the lead material used in its production, crystal glassware is more durable, weightier, and smoother than regular glass. It also reflects light, producing a soft prism of colors. Should you tap authentic crystal glassware, you will hear a “ping” sound.
What are the different types of antique glassware?
There are several types of antique glassware today. These options include visually stunning, affordable, and luxurious glassware.
When was glassware less popular?
Art glass became less popular in the aftermath of the Art Nouveau era but collectors regained interest in it again during the 50s and 60s. It remains a popular choice amongst antique glassware collectors today, however, the price of a particular piece may depend on its value.
