by Julie Noyas | Oct 6, 2016 | Covered Containers, Cream & Sugars
Item Number: 676
Height: 6¼”
Production Dates: 1915-1974
The Sugar and Cover originally debuted in 1915. Decades later, Fostoria modified the name to “Sugar and Cover” and/or a “Candy Jar and Cover”. Many folks refer to this piece as a “Barrel Sugar” – simply because of its appearance. Whatever name you prefer, this beautiful piece will serve sugar, candy, and an assortment of other food items – in grand style.
Of all the sugar servers produced in Fostoria’s American pattern, this Sugar and Cover is the tallest. It is about 6¼” tall, measured with the Cover on. My own personal piece measures 6½” in height. Slight size variations are to be expected, especially when you consider that all the American items were finished by hand.
In my scrapbook of Fostoria memories and treasures, the Sugar and Cover is one of my most favorite American pieces. I like the fact that it is versatile in purpose – being able to use it for serving both sugar and/or candy. It is not seen as much as the other sugar servers in the American pattern, so there is a bit of mystery behind it.
In the original 1915 Fostoria American Catalog Supplement, it was this Sugar and Cover that was predominately featured next to the Cream Pitcher. Fostoria also produced (circa 1915) a smaller Individual Sugar, without a lid. The Handled Sugar and Cover came into production later.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Sugar and Covers on eBay.
Since people sometimes refer to this item by different names, you might need to modify your search terms accordingly.
by Julie Noyas | Sep 28, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-10
Height: 1½”
Production Dates: 1925
The Fostoria American Table Salt is a rare item, indeed. It was only produced circa 1925; therefore, the quantity thereof is extremely limited. If you find one, expect to pay a higher price for it. That price, obviously, will vary with the current market and trends.
The Table Salt is approximately 1½” high, with a 2⅜” diameter. It is the largest open salt receptacle made in the American pattern. According to custom, the Table Salt would typically be placed on the table. The host would then retrieve the salt from the Table Salt and serve it into the smaller Individual Salt dishes. As their names imply, the Table Salt was for the entire table, while the Individual Salts were for each individual guest sitting at the table.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt dishes on eBay.
While the Individual Salts are much easier to find – and relatively inexpensive to purchase, the Table Salt is a different kind of treasure. There are still some out there; however, they are much more difficult to find.
by Julie Noyas | Sep 22, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: 632
Height: 1”
Production Dates: 1924-1982
The Fostoria American Individual Salt dish is a sweet little piece. After retrieving the seasoning from a master salt dish (a much larger receptacle), the dinner host would typically fill these Individual Salt dishes and place them at each place setting. These small glass vessels are sometimes referred to as a salt dip, open salt or salt dish.
The Individual Salts are the smallest salt servers in the Fostoria American pattern. A larger Table Salt was made around 1925, and it is an extremely rare piece to find. According to custom, these larger Table Salt receptacles would sit on the table – and from there the salt would be retrieved into the smaller Individual Salt dishes (which are only about 1″ high).
As a convenience, there are little salt spoons that one can buy to use with the Individual Salts, and it proves to be a tidy and elegant way to serve the seasoning. Salt spoons; however, were not produced by Fostoria Glass for the American pattern. Any small and/or vintage salt spoon should work nicely.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Individual Salt dishes on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Sep 14, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-03
Height: 3¼”
Production Dates: 1915-1926
The Fostoria American Shaker, “W” Top (glass disc with a heavy nickel band) is a special find. This particular type of shaker is not common. I rarely see them online, or at estate auctions and antique stores. They are some of the oldest pieces you will ever find in the American pattern and were a pioneering piece in the Fostoria American debut catalog of 1915.
These shakers are large, and have a straight-sided shape. They have an approximate height between 3 – 3¼ inches (with the top attached). The top consists of two pieces – the metal band (or ring), and a perforated glass disc. The glass inserts are removable, delicate, and need to be handled with care. The early produced glass discs should have 13 holes. Later variations will have 7 holes.
The Shaker, “W” Top item is quite substantial, both in weight and appearance. As with similar vintage salt shakers, the finish on the metal tops may become worn, flaky, or pitted over the years. Salt is highly corrosive; therefore, it is always advised to empty the shakers when they are not in use.
Since these shakers are over 100 years old, and rather difficult to find … imagine your excitement if you were to stumble across one with a beautiful silver overlay. Well, that is exactly what happened to Dennis and Pat Early. You can read all about their special find here – Shaker, “W” Top – Silver Overlay.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Sep 7, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-01
Height: 3”
Production Dates: 1915-1945
These straight-sided Shakers, H.N.T. (with Heavy Nickel Tops), are a true favorite of mine. I particularly like their hefty size, grand appearance, and vintage vibe. When filled with salt or pepper, these sturdy Shakers are not easily prone to tipping over. Fostoria American Shakers, with the Heavy Nickel Tops, have a height of approximately 3 inches.
This particular style Shaker was one of the first to be showcased in the American pattern. Some of the old Fostoria catalogs list the Shaker as “No. 1”, dating back to the 1915 era. It was produced for about 30 years. The actual height of the Shaker can vary slightly, depending on what type of top came with it. Originally, you had an option in the tops – such as H.N.T. (Heavy Nickel Top), H.S.T. (Heavy Silver Top), “W” Top (Glass Disc, with a Heavy Nickel Band), etc. Over the years, the availability and composition of the tops changed.
The Fostoria Shakers (with Heavy Nickel Tops) are quite substantial, both in weight and appearance. The finish on the tops may become worn, flaky, or pitted over the years. Since salt is highly corrosive, it is advised to empty the Shakers when they are not in use.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Aug 25, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: 653-649
Height: 3½”
Production Dates: 1949-1985
There were several different types of Salt and Pepper Shakers made in the Fostoria American line. This particular Shaker, with Chrome Top “A”, was a popular guest on the dinner table for many years. Tapered in design, it has a height of approximately 3½ inches. The shakers were produced with different types of tops over the years, and Chrome Top “A” was the last variation made.
In regards to the silver and chrome type tops, the silver tops (“A”) were the first to be introduced. They remained in production for just a few years. When the 1950’s came around, the silver tops were replaced with the chrome version.
With heavy years of use, in combination with the salt corrosion factor, the finish on the tops can become worn or flaky. When the salt shakers are not in use, the best practice is to empty the salt from the vessel. By doing so, you can help prevent the glass from becoming cloudy, and assist in preserving the top’s chrome finish.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.
