by Julie Noyas | May 19, 2021 | Plates, Platters & Trays
Item Number: #P-09
Diameter: 8”
Production Dates: circa 1925
There is much dispute regarding the production dates of this piece. The dates vary greatly among book authors. Published production dates were often copied from another book – without any authentic research by the author themselves. Therefore, if the originating book was incorrect – many times the books that followed were also incorrect. For now, until more complete records come forward, the actual production dates are an estimate. It does appear they were only produced in the 1920’s, and for a very short period of time. I do know with certainty; however, that the bowls and plates were produced in 1925 – with records to substantiate that claim.
The Water Cress Plate was not available as a separate item and was sold with the Watercress Bowl. The Water Cress Bowl is about 2½” high, and the Water Cress Plate is about 8″ in diameter. The plate is about an 1″ high, with the sides caressing and following the lines of the bowl that sits above it. The sole purpose of the Water Cress Plate is to catch the water as it drips down from the bowl. This is perfection at its finest – in function, form, and design.
If you are interested in learning more about current inventory and pricing for similar pieces, please click the following sponsored link for available Watercress-related items on eBay.
Please note that these type of pieces rarely show up online. The plates are often misidentified, so be sure to look for the 8″ size, with upward-turning sides.
by Julie Noyas | Oct 15, 2019 | Cake Servers, Plates, Platters & Trays
Item Number: #307
Diameter: 12″
Production Dates: 1938-1983
This is the Fostoria American Footed Cake Plate. It is approximately 12 inches across. The Footed Cake Plate (3-Toed) had a long production life and it is still fairly easy to locate in today’s aftermarket. It was produced from approximately 1938-1983.
Be informed, for there is also a Look-Alike Cake Plate in the American Whitehall pattern. Many people selling the Look-Alike item often classify it as Fostoria American, when in truth – it is not. The differences between the two is noted and pictured in my premium Whitehall PDF Report. The American Whitehall piece is called a “3-Toed Cake Plate”.
It is not considered a rare piece in Fostoria’s line; however, it will prove to be quite an asset. It is very versatile when it comes to serving your guests different food items. You can serve many desserts other than cake on this plate – from appetizers to cupcakes and more. The possibilities are endless.
If you are interested in purchasing this Fostoria American item, please click the following sponsored link for available Cake Plates on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Aug 22, 2019 | Plates, Platters & Trays
Item Number: #P-07
Height: 10½”
Production Dates: 1933-1943
I have included the Tid Bit in the Plates, Platters & Trays category, simply because the set is made with plates. The plates that were used were the 9″ and 10½” Sandwich Plates.
Fostoria Glass drilled a hole into the plates to accommodate the metal handle. The handle is a classic shape, which looks very much like a question mark. It is the same-shaped handle that is used in the Handled Cake Tray. It is possible to find homemade sets, where the homeowner drilled the plates. Many times; however, they would use other plates – such as Dinner Plates, and not the Sandwich Plates that were used in the original Tid Bit Set.
It is easy to distinguish an American Tid Bit from a homemade version. Look at the handle. It should look like this classic metal one, with a chrome finish. Many times the homemade and/or handcrafted ones from online retailers will use a different shaped handle.
Look at the plates. Are they regular plates, or Sandwich Plates? What are their sizes? Remember, the Fostoria Tid Bit Set used two different-sized plates.
Some homemade versions look rather nice; however, if you are wanting to be sure you are buying a genuine Tid Bit that was produced by Fostoria Glass, look for the tell-tale signs I mentioned above. I will also add that the Fostoria Glass Company did use other types of handles for other patterns; however, for the American 2056 line, the classic question mark handle is the only one they used.
If you are interested in learning more about current availability and pricing, please click the following sponsored link for available Tid Bits on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Aug 19, 2019 | Plates, Platters & Trays
Item Number: #555
Length: 10½″
Production Dates: 1933-1970 and 1916-1923 as Oval Comb and Brush Tray
(aka Oval Comb and Brush Tray)
In addition to dinnerware and accessories, Fostoria Glass also produced Tortes, Trays, and Platters. The American Oval Platter was available in two sizes – this smaller 10½” version, and a larger 12″ size.
When this item first emerged in 1916, it was described as the Oval Comb and Brush Tray. When it comes to official names and descriptions by Fostoria, it can get confusing. This is one such case, as Fostoria Glass also referred to other items in the American line as “Comb and Brush Trays”. Therefore, it is always important to look for the production dates of any described item, as that will help lead you in the right direction of what that particular item was called at any particular period in time. You will have to check the sizes too, as there are times when two identical names/descriptions can be seen in the same catalog year. The only way to tell them apart is to look at their measurements.
This piece began its life in 1916 as the Oval Comb and Brush Tray and it stayed in production for approximately seven years. It was then discontinued, only to emerge again (ten years later) under the name of the 10½” Oval Platter. It remained under that name until it finally retired in 1970. Obviously, due to the different names and descriptions of this piece, it will prove to be a very versatile and useful item in your American collection.
If you are interested in learning more about current availability and pricing for similar items, please click the following sponsored link for available Oval Platters on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jul 9, 2018 | Plates, Platters & Trays
Item Number: #726
Width: 10″
Production Dates: 1948-1973
The Fostoria American pattern includes a wide variety of pieces, and the items in the Trays and Platters category is no exception. Featured here is the Handled Muffin Tray. It looks very similar to the Handled Utility Tray; however, there are differences between the two. The Handled Muffin Tray has higher sides, with a serrated edge that reaches outward – rather that upward.
The Handled Muffin Tray was produced from 1948 through 1973. It is approximately 8″ in length and about 10″ wide (measured from handle to handle). While people today might not serve muffins as much as they did in the mid-1900’s, it is still a dish that can be used for a multitude of purposes. When not in use to serve food, it is quite beautiful on a buffet table – holding and serving fresh napkin linens to your dinner guests as they walk by.
The handles are truly a work of art. I find them to be quite attractive, and they are extremely smooth and soft to the touch. From the bottom of the tray to the top of the handle, they measure in at about 3½” in height.
The Handled Muffin Tray is every easy to transport from one area to the next, all with the help of those lovely handles. Even so, I try and support the dish with at least one hand on the bottom as I move it from one area to the other.
If you are interested in learning more about current availability and pricing for this piece, please click the following sponsored link for available Handled Muffin Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | May 16, 2018 | Plates, Platters & Trays
Item Number: #T-09
Length: 10″
Production Dates: 1926-1943 and 1924-1925 as Square Plate
aka (Square Plate)
While the American pattern produced quite a few trays in various sizes and shapes, the 10″ Square Tray stands out from the crowd. This particular tray has a plain rim, void of any cube design (much like the 12″ Round Tray). The surface of the tray is smooth, to allow for glasses and other items to sit properly. Any American piece would look stunning on this handsome tray.
Catalogs state the Square Tray as being 10″ in length and width; however, expect some slight fluctuations. My own personal trays are closer to 10¼” in measurement. Regarding production dates, I am estimating them to be between 1924-1943, and under two different names. It is thought that this piece started its life as a “Square Plate”, and then a couple of years later it was called the “Square Tray”. In comparison to other pieces in the American line that enjoyed a long production life, the Square Tray was only made for less than twenty years.
This piece is not a common find, simply because of the initial supply. When you do find one, pay special attention to the inside lip and four corners of the tray. This is where you might find the most damage, either from the removal of the mould, or from normal usage. Since the top of the Square Tray has smooth glass, one should also look for scratches and other possible imperfections from lifting, storing, or sliding items on the tray.
If you are interested in learning more about current availability and pricing, please click the following sponsored link for available Trays on eBay.
