Water Bottle

Item Number:  BOT-4
Approximate Size:  9¼” H – 44 oz.
Production Dates:  1915-1925

Fostoria American Water Bottle w/ TopI think most would agree that the Water Bottle is an amazing piece of glass craftsmanship.  It debuted with the introduction of the American pattern in 1915.  The bottles were only produced for ten years; however, they made an impression that has lasted over a century.  They feature a long smooth neck, void of any cube design, making it extremely easy and comfortable to hold.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Water Bottles on eBay. The Water Bottles are not a common item, so it is possible that none with pop up in your search results.  Keep looking; however, as they do show up on eBay every now and again.  Good luck!

½ Gallon Ice Jug (w/o Ice Lip)

Item Number:  J-01
Holding Capacity:  69 oz. (per catalog data)
Production Dates:  1915-1941

The ½ Gallon Ice Jug – without an Ice Lip – is probably the most confusing Jug in the American pattern.  It was born in 1915 as an “Ice Jug”; however, as the years went by, its catalog name changed to simply a “Jug”.  It gets rather complicated when trying to track down definite production dates on this piece, as other items in the line were also called Jugs.  While holding capacities were listed, there were times when there were multiple Jugs listed with the same holding capacity (½ gallon).  Without yearly drawings or pictures of an item for comparison value, this accounts for the wide difference in production dates seen in published books by different sources.  With regards to my own research, I believe the last year this piece was produced was in 1941.  While I can’t confirm that the ½ Gallon Ice Jug (without an Ice Lip) was produced for every year from 1915-1941, it does appear that it was produced for the majority of that time period.

Since all of the Fostoria American items were finished by hand, there will always be slight variances in size.  Based on my own evaluation of the ½ Gallon Ice Jug (w/o an Ice Lip), these are its approximate measurements:

  • Outside diameter from rim to rim – 6″
  • From bottom to top of lip – 7”
  • Bottom base (or foot) is 5⅝” in diameter

This jug is very substantial in size, and hefty in weight.  You would be well advised to carry this vessel with two hands, supporting it mainly from the bottom.  This is especially important when it is filled with liquid, as the weight increases substantially.

Fostoria American Ice Jug - GreenOf all the Jugs produced in the 2056 line, this is the only Jug that was offered in a green color. In 1925, for about a year or two, it was produced in a beautiful shade of green.  Tumblers and Ice Tea glasses were also available in this same color (along with a few other items).  When combined together, the Jug, Tumblers, and Ice Tea glasses made for a colorful beverage set.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Jugs on eBay.  You will have a better chance of finding a clear crystal Jug on eBay, versus the green-colored variation.  The green Jug is rare, and obviously a more difficult find.

½ Gallon Ice Jug (w/ Ice Lip)

Item Number:  458
Holding Capacity:  ½ Gallon
Production Dates:  1937-1982

For whatever reason, the ½ Gallon Ice Jug is one of my favorite jugs in the entire 2056 line.  I find its flat-topped handle to be very attractive as it curves down towards the bottom of the jug’s side.  The ice lip is full and robust, and truly keeps the ice cubes from falling into the serving glass.  While this particular piece is not the oldest of the American jugs, it does have an “old-time” appearance that I find very appealing.

Remember, all of the Fostoria American items were finished by hand, so there will always be slight variances in size.  Based on my own evaluation of the ½ Gallon Ice Jug, these are its approximate measurements:

  • Outside diameter from rim to rim – 6″
  • From bottom to top of lip – 8¾”
  • Bottom base (or foot) is 5¾” in diameter

This jug is very substantial in size, and hefty in weight.  You would be well advised to carry this vessel with two hands, supporting it mainly from the bottom.  The ½ Gallon Ice Jug, along with the 3 Pint Ice Jug, were the last two jugs to remain in production towards the end of Fostoria’s life.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Jugs on eBay.

½ Gallon Jug

Item Number:  457
Holding Capacity:  71 oz. (per catalog data)
Production Dates:  1915-1973

Fostoria American ½ Gallon JugFostoria Glass classified their larger pouring vessels as “Jugs”.  They did; however, produce a smaller “Pitcher” – such as the Pint Cereal Pitcher.  This ½ Gallon Jug is very substantial in size, and hefty in weight.  You would be well advised to carry this vessel with two hands, supporting it mainly from the bottom.  It has a nice pouring lip, and a solid and smooth handle – which starts at the very top of the Jug.  It is one of my favorite beverage items, and you will often find it on our table serving iced tea, lemonade, and other assorted beverages.

The ½ Gallon Jug enjoyed a long life, and is still a popular item today.  As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Jugs on eBay.

1 Quart Jug

Item Number:  454
Holding Capacity:  1 Quart
Production Dates:  1916 to mid-1974

For the most part, Fostoria Glass classified their larger pouring vessels as “Jugs”.  They did produce a smaller “Pitcher” – such as the Pint Cereal Pitcher.  It does appear; however, that the larger capacity items were always called Jugs.  I find the Quart Jug to be a nice size – not too big (easy to handle) and not too small.  It was never called a “Boudoir Pitcher” by Fostoria Glass; however, it was one of five items that was used in a Boudoir Set.

Remember, all of the Fostoria American items were finished by hand, so there will always be slight variances in size.  Based on my own evaluation of the Quart Jug, these are its approximate measurements:

  • Outside diameter from rim to rim – 5″
  • From bottom to top of lip – 7⅜”
  • Bottom base (or foot) is 3⅜” in diameter

Fostoria American JugsHere is a comparison photo showing the 3 Pint Jug and the Quart Jug.  The Quart Jug is slightly smaller in height and has a less-pronounced lip.

The Quart Jug seems to be more elusive than many of the other Jugs in the 2056 line.  In fact, it was the last Jug I added to my collection.  It took me a while to find it – partly because people had misidentified it – and partly because their supply is somewhat limited.  Due to its size and easy handling, it proved to be a great item to use in the 5-Piece Boudoir Sets.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Jugs on eBay.

3 Pint Jug

Item Number:  455
Approximate Size:  See Below
Production Dates:  1915-1973

The Fostoria American line produced two separate 3 pint-sized jugs.  The 3 Pint Jug featured in this post was the first one produced, making its debut in 1915.  It is; therefore, the oldest of the two jugs.  The other jug is the 3 Pint Ice Jug, which features a fabulous and full “lip” to hold the ice in the container.  For the most part, Fostoria Glass classified their larger pouring vessels as “Jugs”.  They did produce a smaller “Pitcher” – such as the Pint Cereal Pitcher.  It does appear; however, that the larger capacity items were always called Jugs.

Obviously, based on the name of this piece, it has a holding capacity of approximately 3 pints.  Three pints = 48 fluid ounces.  Interestingly, the Fostoria Glass Catalog of 1915 states that the holding capacity of this 3 Pint Jug was 55 ounces.  So, I decided to do a measurement test to see which holding capacity was correct.  My personal 3 Pint Jug could actually hold 55 ounces; however, the liquid was all the way to the top rim of the jug.  In other words, if you tried to move it, some liquid would inevitably spill over.  When I poured 48 ounces of liquid into the jug, it seemed a more reasonable amount – allowing me a couple of inches of breathing room from the top.  So, yes, it will hold 55 ounces … but I think 48 ounces (3 Pints) is a more accurate measure.

Remember, all of the Fostoria American items were finished by hand, so there will always be slight variances in size.  Based on my own personal items, these are the exact measurements of the 3 Pint Jug:

  • From bottom to top rim or edge – 6¾”
  • From bottom to top of handle – 7⅜”
  • From bottom to top of lip – 7¾”
  • Bottom base (or foot) is 4″ in diameter

Fostoria American 3 Pint Jug HandleLike most other American items that have a handle, each piece is a work of art.  The handle is substantial, and starts at the very top of the jug.  It is thick and smooth, and quite easy to grasp – even for the biggest of hands.

While one can usually find the 3 Pint Jugs without too much difficulty, they seem to be more elusive than the 3 Pint Ice Jugs.  The American Jugs are still a popular and beloved item – even in today’s modern home.  These are classic pieces, and just don’t go out of style.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available 3 Pint Jugs on eBay.