by Julie Noyas | Jul 20, 2016 | Vases & Bouquet Holders
Item Number: 759
Height: 6″
Production Dates: 1939-1970
Fostoria made two Square Urns in the American pattern – a 7½″ and a 6″ size. The Urn shown here is the 6″. As I have mentioned in several other posts, the size can vary – due to each piece being handmade. While the Fostoria Glass catalogs printed the height as 6″, I have found that size can vary by about ½″. When I measured my Square Urn, it was 6½″ tall.
The Square Urns are hefty in weight, and have a very sturdy foot (approximately a 3″ square). I like the Urns, for they are different. Most other vases were rounded or curved; however, this square design gives them a unique and elegant look. They were discontinued around 1970, so if you have one … you know it is at least 50 years old, and possibly much older. The top edge is serrated, flaring slightly outward.
When one typically thinks of an “Urn”, usually an image of a covered container comes to mind. While Fostoria Glass Company did describe this piece as an Urn, it is also referred to as a Vase. No matter how you choose to describe it, one thing is certain. These pieces are simply beautiful.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Square Urns and/or Vases on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 19, 2016 | Vases & Bouquet Holders
Item Number: 781
Height: 7½″
Production Dates: 1939-1970
Fostoria made two Square Urns in the American pattern – a 7½″ and a 6″ size. The inside top opening of the 7½″ Square Urn (at its widest) is roughly 4⅜″. Please remember, sizes can vary slightly – due to each piece being handmade.
The Square Urns are hefty in weight, and have a very sturdy foot (approximately a 3″ square). I like the Urns, for they are different. Most other vases were rounded or curved; however, this square design gives them a unique and elegant look. They were discontinued around 1970, so if you have one … you know it is at least 50 years old, and possibly much older. The top edge is serrated, flaring slightly outward.
When one typically thinks of an “Urn”, usually an image of a covered container comes to mind. While Fostoria Glass Company did describe this piece as an Urn, it is also referred to as a Vase. No matter how you choose to describe it, one thing is certain. These pieces are simply beautiful.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Square Urns and/or Vases on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 18, 2016 | Vases & Bouquet Holders
Item Number: 601
Height: 7″
Production Dates: 1917-1958
The 7” Flared Vase (High Foot) is a very intriguing piece in the Fostoria American line. It is large, with a solid base, and glistens from head to toe! This item is unique in that it has dual purposes; hence, it is known by two different names – a Flared Vase, and a High Foot. If you turn the Vase upside down, it is then the “High Foot” – a stand used for the Fostoria American 14″ Punch Bowl.
Since the Flared Vase and High Foot were assigned the same item number by Fostoria, they were basically considered to be the same piece. It is possible; however, that if the item was originally purchased as a “vase”, it could have a rayed center. Typically, if bought as the High Foot, the center of the base would not have a rayed center. Even though the items were considered the same by Fostoria, there were two variations – those with a rayed center, and those without. To simplify, those with a rayed center were sold as vases; those with a plain center were sold as the High Foot – with the dual benefit of being able to turn the item upside down and also use it as a vase.
The opening of the Flared Vase (High Foot) is very large, with a width of about 9¾”. The base is approximately 6¼” in diameter, and it is about 7″ in height. The vase has large proportions; therefore, it has a different range of cube sizes throughout its design. The larger scaled cubes are noticed near the top (where it is larger) and then as the Vase tapers in size – so does the size of the cubes. The reverse would be true if you were using it as a High Foot for a Punch Bowl.
Interestingly enough, there are published books on Fostoria American that give conflicting dates of production on this piece. I can say with 100% confidence that this item was still being produced in the 1950’s. The Flared Vase/High Foot was no longer being made in 1960. The only Foot being produced at that time was the “Low Foot”.
Since this particular piece was cut from the production line a long time ago, there are not as many of them in the aftermarket. You can still find them; however, they are slightly harder to locate. Keep in mind that if you are looking for this piece, you should also search for the term “Flared Vase” and/or “High Foot” for a Punch Bowl – as sellers could have it listed as either, or both.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available American Flared Vases on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 18, 2016 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-05
Height: 3¼”
Production Dates: 1934-1940
There were several different types of Salt and Pepper Shakers made in the Fostoria American line. Not only were the designs different, but the tops and sizes were as well. Fostoria Glass Company called this particular item a “Shaker, F.G.T.” and it was the last regular-sized salt shaker that was made with glass tops in the American line. F.G.T. = Fostoria Glass Top. The shaker is tapered, with a height of approximately 3⅛ – 3¼ inches.
Over the years I have found that it is still relatively easy to find these shakers; however, finding them with the glass tops still attached (and in good condition) is a bit more difficult. Many times the glass tops will be cracked, broken or in ill repair. Since the tops are made of glass, they are easier to break … and this often happened because people simply screwed the tops on too tightly. One has to be careful when dealing with glass tops, because too much pressure will eventually crack or break the glass.
The Fostoria Shakers with Glass Tops have a look of sophistication to them, especially when compared to the ones that have chrome tops. The finish on the chrome or silver-plated tops can become worn or flaky over the years.
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.
Usually the glass-topped shakers are in fewer quantity on eBay; however, they do pop up.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 17, 2016 | Vases & Bouquet Holders
Item Number: V-02
Height: 9½″
Production Dates: 1937-1947
The 9½” Flared Vase is absolutely one of my most treasured pieces in the Fostoria American line. It is large, with a solid base, and glistens from head to toe! This website picture simply can’t show the brilliant polish, amazing clearness, and glowing beauty of this American piece. Even though the Flared Vase was produced for a short period of time, it has managed to leave a big impact on anyone who beholds it.
The opening of the vase is large, with a width of about 7½”. This is one vessel that will obviously hold a very large floral arrangement without any difficulty, and look quite fabulous doing so. The base is just as stunning in appearance as it is functional.
The 9½” Flared Vase has large proportions; therefore, it has a different range of cube sizes throughout its design. The larger scaled cubes are noticed near the top (where it is larger) and then as the vase tapers in size – so does the size of the cubes.
Since this particular vase was only produced for a few years, it is slightly more difficult to find in the aftermarket. You can still find them; just realize they are in a more limited supply. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Flared Vases on eBay.
Happy Hunting!
by Julie Noyas | Jul 6, 2016 | Vases & Bouquet Holders
Item Numbers: V-04 (Small) and V-05 (Large)
Height: 8″-10″
Production Dates: 1915-1927
Due to their limited years of production, both sizes of the Porch Vases are considered rare finds. If you are lucky enough to find either size, you can expect to pay handsomely for it.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Porch Vases on eBay.
Don’t be surprised; however, if there are not any for sale. Porch Vases are rare, and most people like to hold on to them.