Comport 8½”

Item Number:  B-05
Approximate Size:  8½” D – 4″ H
Production Dates:  1915-1925

The American pattern introduced two Comports in 1915.  This post is about the smaller of the two – the one that has an 8½” top diameter.  It will have twenty-one (21) points in its top edge, and displays a rayed bottom.  If you count the very first row of smaller cubes at the bottom (above the base), the entire piece will have a total of five (5) rows of cubes.  It is a substantial piece of glass, with good weight to it.

Unlike the bigger 9½ Comport, the smaller Comport is not usually confused with other items in the American 2056 line.  At first glance it might look like a Centerpiece; however, pay attention to its measurement – especially the top diameter.  The American pattern did not produce an 8½” Centerpiece.  This item was only produced for about a decade, so any that you find today are to be considered treasures.

Finding true Comports may seem more challenging.  The reason is not just because of their limited life, but also because many people don’t describe them correctly when listing them for sale.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Comports on eBay.  Some books label these items as “Open Compotes”, so you might need to adjust your search terms accordingly.

Comport 9½”

Item Number:  B-06
Approximate Size:  9½” D – 5¼” H
Production Dates:  1915-1925

The American pattern introduced two Comports in 1915.  This post is about the larger of the two – the one that has a 9½” top diameter.  Other characteristics of this large Comport is that it has twenty-one (21) points in its top edge, and showcases a rayed bottom.

The 9½” Comport often gets confused with the 9½” Centerpiece, and even with the Low Foot for the 14″ Punch Bowl.  Since all of these items have the same diameter – 9½”, it is imperative that you look at other physical characteristics.  If you remember to look at the height of the item in question, you should be able to make the correct identification.  The 9½” Comport is the tallest of all three; hence, this is an important distinction.

Another easy way to tell the difference between a Comport and a Centerpiece is to look at the flaring and edging of the piece.  If you notice, the sides of the 9½ Centerpiece will have a higher degree of flaring, with the points on the top edge flowing outward.  In contrast, the top row of cubes on the 9½” Comport is usually straight up – not flared.

This item was only produced for about a decade, so any that you find today are to be considered treasures.  As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Comports on eBay. 

High Foot Comport

Item Number:  388
Approximate Size:  5″ D – 6¼″ H
Production Dates:  1924-1982

The High Foot Comports were sold two ways – with, or without a cover.  The High Foot Compote & Cover is obviously taller, with a height measurement of approximately 9-inches.  This item is really beautiful, and the long stem makes it grand in appearance and stature.  It’s a wonderful serving dish for small items of food – such as cookies, treats, and/or candy.

These items were produced for a very long time and are not too difficult to find in today’s market.  As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Comports on eBay.  I would also suggest that you search for the additional term “candy dishes”, as some people might refer to this item as such.

Divided Party Server w/ 2 Metal Spoons

Item Number:  584
Approximate Size:  5¼” D – 2½” H
Production Dates:  1980-1982

The American pattern offered the Divided Party Server at a time when the Fostoria Glass Company was starting to wind down.  This was one of the very last items introduced into the 2056 line, and was only in production for a few years before the Fostoria Glass Company was sold to Lancaster Colony Corporation.

Fostoria American Divided Party Server SpoonThe Divided Party Server looks very similar to the 2-Part Mayonnaise.  The main difference between the two is their size, with the Party Server being the smallest.  It is about an inch smaller in diameter than the 2-Part Mayonnaise.  Another important difference between the two items is that the Party Server came with two stainless spoons.  The original 2-Part Mayonnaise came with two glass ladles.  The back of the Party Server spoons are marked “Oneidacraft Deluxe Stainless”.  They are approximately 5¼” in length.

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

Cheese & Cracker

Item Number:  369
Approximate Size:  11½″ D – 4″ H
Production Dates:  1938-1970

Fostoria Glass Company produced an item in their American line that was called the “Cheese and Cracker”.  It consisted of two individual pieces – the Footed Cheese, and the Cracker Plate. When these pieces were produced, you could either buy the two-piece set together – or you could buy the Footed Cheese and/or the Cracker Plate independently of each other.  For this reason, you often see the pieces separated or misidentified.

The Cracker Plate is approximately 11½” in diameter.  I often see the Cheese and Cracker set sold with the wrong plate – the 11½” Sandwich Plate. The difference between the two plates is that the Cracker Plate has a raised retainer ring in the center; the Sandwich Plate does not.  The retainer ring, which is about a 3½” circle, helps to hold the Footed Cheese in place.

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

Handled Serving Dish

Item Number:  648
Size:  9″ L – 2⅜” H
Production Dates:  1948-1982

This is another wonderful serving dish in the American 2056 line.  Most people think of this piece as a bowl; however, Fostoria Glass described it as a dish.  It’s slighter smaller in height than most American serving bowls and features two beautiful handles.  There is a handle on each side of the dish, making it extremely easy to pass along the food table.

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