by Julie Noyas | Apr 17, 2017 | Plates, Saucers, Tortes, & Tid Bits
Item Number: 553
Approximate Size: 9″ D
Production Dates: 1915-1974
This is the Fostoria American 9″ Sandwich Plate, and it is a versatile piece to have in your collection. Since it is featured in Fostoria’s 1915 Catalog Supplement, we know – without a doubt – that it was produced in 1915 when Fostoria first introduced the American pattern. Three different sized Sandwich Plates were introduced at that time – the 9″, 10½″, and the 11½″. All of these plates bear a small center design.
Of all the plates that Fostoria produced in the American pattern (and there were quite a few of them), the Sandwich Plates remain one of my favorites. The reason is simple. They are neither too big nor too small when it comes to serving tea or a luncheon-type menu. I only serve sandwiches and other types of finger foods on them so that no knives or forks are ever needed. This philosophy has kept the plates in pristine condition, with no utensil marks of any kind.
The photo at the top of the page is the original and first variation of this plate. The photo on the left is the second variation. You can find more photos and details on this plate in my book, Fostoria American In-Depth Review and Identification Guide, on pages 48 and 49.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Sandwich Plates on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Apr 4, 2017 | Plates, Saucers, Tortes, & Tid Bits
Item Number: 549
Approximate Size: 7″ D
Production Dates: 1934-1982
The American pattern offered a variety of sizes and shapes when it came to Salad Plates. One of the main differences between the smaller and the largest plate, besides the size variation, is the plate’s center design. The largest Salad Plate has a large center; the smaller Salad Plates have a small center.
7″ and 8″ Salad Plates (from left to right)
Some people might confuse the 7″ Salad Plates with the 8″ Salad Plates or the 6″ Bread and Butter Plates, even though there is definitely a size difference between them. Simply put, the different-named plates look similar. All three of the plates have the small centers.
Luckily for us, the 7″ Salad Plates are still relatively easy to find. Just bear in mind, the sizes are approximate – as these pieces were handmade. Even though the Fostoria Glass Company described this particular Salad Plate as being 7″ in size, the measurement can vary.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salad Plates on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Mar 24, 2017 | Plates, Saucers, Tortes, & Tid Bits
Item Number: 550-S
Approximate Size: 8½″
Production Dates: 1936-1982
Very similar in design to the 9½″ Dinner Plate, the Fostoria American Salad Plate is slightly smaller – measuring in at about 8½″ in diameter. The Dinner and Salad Plates almost look identical in design, each bearing large centers. I believe the Salad Plates are the perfect size for serving lunch or an afternoon meal, and I use them quite often for just that purpose.
It is important to note that other Salad Plates were made in the American pattern, such as the Crescent Salad Plate and a smaller 7″ Salad Plate (with a small center design). Variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to American Salad Plates … you really do have choices! They make excellent “layering” plates as well, even with china from an entirely different pattern. That is the versatility of clear crystal; the pieces will mesh with other collections seamlessly.
Here in this photo you can see the Dinner Plate and the Salad Plate side-by side. They both have large centers, and are only different in size by about an inch. The Salad Plates were produced for a long time, so they are still relatively easy to find in today’s market. The Pink Salad Plates are harder to find, and were produced by Dalzell Viking Glass.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salad Plates on eBay.
To help prevent damage and to allow for easy identification and storage, I prefer to use storage boxes for all of my American plates. The ones I use have hardboard sides and are sturdy, stable, and puncture-resistant. You can find more information on the storage boxes that I use in the following paid link. Full Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate; thus, I earn from qualifying purchases. VENO Dinnerware Boxes (4 Sizes) with Lids.
The American 8½″ Salad Plates stack perfectly in the 9 inch box, which were designed for 8.5 inch plates (the exact size of American Salad Plates #550-S). The best part is that the boxes have a transparent window panel that allows me to see the contents instantly. Also included with the boxes are twelve plate protector sheets. The side handles are reinforced and can hold the hefty weight of the plates. They are extremely easy to move, and when not in use they can collapse and be stored flat.
I love the fact that I don’t have to worry about the safety of my plates anymore, the plates are easy to access, and the attractive boxes keep my pantry very organized! ♥
by Julie Noyas | Mar 13, 2017 | Plates, Saucers, Tortes, & Tid Bits
Item Number: 552-D
Approximate Size: 9½″ D
Production Dates: 1932-1982
For a complete dinner service, you will need to include the Fostoria American Dinner Plate. Interestingly enough, the Dinner Plate was not one of the pioneering pieces in the American line. It was not produced until the 1930s; however, it stayed in production for many years thereafter. It was later reproduced by Lancaster Colony when they bought out Fostoria Glass Co. The American Dinner Plates are quite beautiful and have a large center design.
Different Salad Plates were also produced in the American pattern. One particular Salad Plate looks very similar to the Dinner Plate; however, it is slightly smaller in size (8½″). Both Plates have large centers, with a petal-like design. Some people might find it surprising to learn that the Dinner Plates are very substantial – both in weight and durability. Even when Fostoria Glass Company was sold, the quality was still very high for the reproduced Dinner Plates. It is my opinion that one can never have too many of these plates.
Damage can, and does occur. The plates can become scratched and dull from all the abuse of knives, forks … and even dishwashers. The Dinner Plates should be hand washed, and never put in a dishwasher. Luckily, you can still find them fairly easily in today’s world. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Dinner Plates on eBay.
To help prevent damage and to allow for easy identification and storage, I prefer to use plate storage boxes for the Dinner Plates. The ones I use have hardboard sides and are sturdy, stable, and puncture-resistant. You can find more information on the storage boxes that I use in the following paid link. Full Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate; thus, I earn from qualifying purchases. These are the storage boxes that have worked very well for me –
VENO Dinnerware Boxes (4 Sizes) with Lids.
The American Dinner Plates stack perfectly in the 10 inch box, which were designed for 9.5 inch plates (the exact size of the American Dinner Plates). The best part is that the boxes have a transparent window panel that allows me to see the contents instantly. Also included with the boxes are twelve plate protector sheets. The side handles are reinforced and can hold the hefty weight of the American Dinner Plates. They are extremely easy to move, and when not in use they can collapse and be stored flat.
I love the fact that I don’t have to worry about the safety of my plates anymore, the plates are easy to access, and the attractive boxes keep my pantry very organized! ♥
by Julie Noyas | Mar 1, 2017 | Plates, Saucers, Tortes, & Tid Bits
Item Number: 548
Approximate Size: 6″ D
Production Dates: 1932-1982
No place setting would be complete without a Bread and Butter Plate, and in glorious fashion, the Fostoria Glass Company produced a fine specimen in the American pattern. Like the Saucer, the B. & B. Plate is about 6″ in diameter. Unlike the Saucer, which has a smooth rim, the B. & B. Plate has a cubed edge (or serrated edge). The B. & B. Plate is one of the smallest plates in the entire American line.
The Bread and Butter Plate is extremely well-crafted, with clear clarity and a smooth finish. The center has a petal (or ray) design, encircled with a ring of clear glass. From there the cube design starts, and ends with soft serrated edges. The pieces that I own have a nice ground bottom, making for a stable and level plate when placed on the table.
The Bread and Butter Plate is an easy find, even in today’s times. They are not that expensive to buy either, which is a good thing – especially for an item that is very much appreciated and needed by every dinner guest.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Bread and Butter Plates on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Feb 23, 2017 | Boats, Celery, Olive, Pickle, & Relishes
All you have to do is take a look at the shape of this piece, and you will instantly understand the origin of its name. Simply put, it looks like a boat. The green pieces of Fostoria American are rare, and they were only produced for a couple of years in the mid-1920’s. The Boats were primarily made in clear crystal and came in two sizes – Small and Large. Fostoria did make Boats in other colors as well – such as Amber, Black Milk Glass, etc. The colored Boats are harder to find because of their limited years in production, and with that, comes a much higher price tag.
The Green Boat pictured in this post is the larger size – measuring in at approximately 12″ in length – from handle to handle. While Fostoria Glass Company officially called this piece a “Boat”, many folks also refer to it as a Relish Boat or Relish Dish. As you can tell from the picture, the hue and clarity of the Green Boat is quite spectacular. These pieces can add some vibrancy and/or holiday color to your table during special occasions.
Because of the limited production of the colored pieces, finding them in the aftermarket will be more difficult. Every now and again you will find one pop up on eBay, and if are lucky enough to find one, I would recommend trying to bid on it. When searching for this particular piece, you might want to include some additional search terms – such as “green relish dish”, “green boat”, or “fostoria american green”, etc. As I mentioned earlier, quite a few people refer (and know) this piece as a relish dish – and not as a “Boat”.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Boats on eBay.
