by Julie Noyas | Aug 22, 2019 | Plates, Saucers, Tortes, & Tid Bits
Item Number: P-07
Approximate Size: 10½″ H
Production Dates: 1933-1943
I have included the Tid Bit in the Plates, Platters & Trays category as well, simply because the set is made with plates. The plates that were used were the 9″ and 10½” Sandwich Plates.
Fostoria Glass drilled a hole into the plates to accommodate the metal handle. The handle is a classic shape, which looks very much like a question mark. It is the same-shaped handle that is used in the Handled Cake Tray. It is possible to find homemade sets, where the homeowner drilled the plates. Many times; however, they would use other plates – such as Dinner Plates, and not the Sandwich Plates that were used in the original Tid Bit Set.
It is easy to distinguish an American Tid Bit from a homemade version. Look at the handle. It should look like this classic metal one, with a chrome finish. Many times the homemade and/or handcrafted ones from online retailers will use a different shaped handle.
Look at the plates. Are they regular plates, or Sandwich Plates? What are their sizes? Remember, the Fostoria Tid Bit Set used two different-sized plates.
Some homemade versions look rather nice; however, if you are wanting to be sure you are buying a genuine Tid Bit that was produced by Fostoria Glass, look for the tell-tale signs I mentioned above. I will also add that the Fostoria Glass Company did use other types of handles for other patterns; however, for the American 2056 line, the classic question mark handle is the only one they used.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Tid Bits on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Aug 19, 2019 | Trays & Platters
Item Number: 555
Approximate Size: 10½″ L; 7½″ W
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.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Oval Platters on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Aug 11, 2019 | This 'n That
I have always enjoyed treasure hunting, especially for items that I could use in combination with my Fostoria American pieces. Sometimes the items I purchase will have a cube pattern; other times they will not. I usually don’t have a plan of what to buy when shopping. I relax in the fact that if I find something I love … I know that it will usually come home with me.
During a recent search, I stumbled across a beautiful set of scented candles by Voluspa. When I first saw them, I was taken aback by their cube pattern. It looks remarkably similar to the American pattern, only on a much smaller scale. I was attracted to all their colors and scents, and quickly imagined them lighting up my home in a soft glow – and scenting my bedroom and bath with the lovely scent of roses!
Pictured above is a pink-colored container, scented in Rose Petal Ice Cream. I have the candle’s label turned to the back so you can get a better look at the actual cube pattern on the glass. Below is a listing of the variety of colors and candle scents available:
Bergamot Rose
Milk Rose
Rose Colored Glasses
Rose Otto
I was especially drawn to the small 1.8 oz. candles, so I purchased one in every scent. They offered such elegant and petite containers, complete with a matching lid. Once the candle has been completely used, it will be wonderful to reuse them for other items – such as jewelry, trinkets, or flowers, My favorite scent at the moment is the Bergamot Rose candle, as its color pairs nicely with my vintage Autumn Glow Luster Creamer. I was absolutely astonished at how well these pieces looked together. All the colors of the candles seem to match at least one piece of my Fostoria American collection!
by Julie Noyas | Aug 7, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: C-03
Height: 6½”
Production Dates: 1936-1942
The Fostoria Glass Company produced an array of beautiful candelabra, candlesticks, and candle lamps in a variety of patterns and colors. They made candlesticks for dresser and perfume sets, as well as candlesticks for formal and informal table settings. All of these items are beautiful in their own right. Featured in this post is a beautiful 2-Light Candelabra, with 16 U.D.P., from the infamous American 2056 line. It’s striking, to say the least.
The 2-Light Candelabra is almost identical to the Duo Candlestick, with one exception. The Duo Candlestick does not include a bobeche, or the hanging prisms. What is a bobeche? According to Merriam-Webster, their definition is the following … “usually a glass collar on a candle socket to catch drippings or on a candlestick or chandelier to hold suspended glass prisms”. This definition is perfect for the 2-Light Candelabra, as the bobeche does catch wax drippings and it suspends the gleaming prisms beautifully.
The 2-Light Candelabra is approximately 6½” tall, with a 9¼” spread. The outside diameter of the bobeche is about 2⅞”, and they were produced in clear crystal. One should take care when moving or storing them, for the pointed ends can chip with careless handling.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available 2-Light Candelabras on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 24, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: 332
Height: 6½”
Production Dates: 1936-1958
The Duo Candlestick is one of the finest examples of craftsmanship in the entire Fostoria American line. From the curved arms to the cubed base, it is a magnificent beauty.
While the Duo Candlestick is approximately 6½” tall, the arms have a wide 8¼” spread. The base looks like a bell, with a smooth round edge. Out of all the candlesticks in the 2056 line, this is one of the sturdiest. It will not fall over easily.
This particular item is almost identical to the 2-Light Candelabra, with the difference being that the Duo Candlestick does not include the 16 U.D.P. or bobaches (Fostoria’s spelling of the word “bobèche”). It is one of three candlesticks in the 2056 line that holds two candles. The other two-candle holders is the Twin Candlestick, and of course, the 2-Light Candelabra I just mentioned.
Every time I gaze upon it I am reminded of an ole’ Southern Belle (Gone with the Wind era) dressed in a long, full gown … reaching out to all her guests as she serves tea and refreshments. Undoubtedly, this is one of my favorite candlesticks of all time.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Duo Candlesticks on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 9, 2019 | Candlesticks
Item Number: 311
Height: 2″
Production Dates: 1980-1982
While it might be difficult to imagine us needing a Chamber Candleholder today, it was certainly an important and necessary item prior to the invention of electricity. Every household needed one, and often had several on hand. It was not unheard of for wealthy families to even hire personnel to specifically look after and care for all household candles and holders. Indeed, lighting the household was a serious undertaking and not to be taken lightly.
Fostoria Glass described and spelled this item, in part, as a “Candleholder” – all one word. Hence, when I refer to their Chamber Candleholder, I will spell it the same way. I try and remain loyal and true to the original spelling of all Fostoria American items, even when some of the terminology might appear rather archaic in modern times.
The Fostoria Glass Company introduced their Chamber Candleholder decades after electricity was born; however, it is still a nostalgic and welcoming addition to any American collection. Here in our household, we keep a total of three Chamber Candleholders sitting on various tabletops. Even if no electrical emergency arises, our family still enjoys the Chamber Candleholder’s ambiance and serviceability.
The original intent of a chamber candle was to light the way towards your chamber (bedroom). So, most times they were not actually in the bedroom – rather, they were placed on a hall table just outside the bedroom door. This was an important location, as chamber candles and holders were used by all members of the families – each helping to light their way to their respective and private chamber. Once inside, other bedroom lighting was available, which was often lit by the roaming chamber candle.
The Chamber Candleholder’s shape is perfect, and looks very much like the American Handled Nappy. It bears a central socket to hold a candle, and it has a convenient handle (or finger hole) for easy transport from one room to the other. The round design catches all candle drips, eliminating wax from dropping on the floor or your clothing.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Chamber Candleholders on eBay.
