Serveware | Fostoria American Glassware

Shaker, “W” Top – Silver Overlay

by Julie Noyas | Apr 1, 2020 | Salt Servers, Serveware

From the collection of Dennis and Pat Early
Photo Credit: Dennis and Pat Early

This is a unique shaker, and worthy of sharing. Underneath the overlay is a Fostoria American Shaker, with a “W” Top. This particular style of shaker is not common. One rarely sees them online, or even at estate auctions and antique stores. Since they 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.

The silver overlay treatment is mainly applied to the edges of the cubes, and this application really highlights the design of the American pattern. As with most vintage shakers with decades of use, the tops would often become iodized and their finish worn down to their bare metal. Since the metal bands on these shakers were pristine and full of shine, I inquired about their finish.

“When we obtained these tops, the original plating was almost completely gone. We had them replated with nickel.”
– Dennis and Pat Early

The Early’s have a large Fostoria American collection; however, they only have one of these shakers. They purchased it on eBay years ago, and it was sold singularly – not as a set. This silver overlay design was not produced at Fostoria Glass for the American pattern; therefore, it is important to note that this treatment was done by a third-party. By whom, remains a mystery. We also don’t know if multiples were produced, or if this is a “one-of-a-kind” piece. Personally, I like a little mystery in my collecting – which makes this piece very intriguing.

Fostoria American Shaker, "W" Top - Silver Overlay Comparison

Photo Credit: Dennis and Pat Early

In this photo, the silver overlay shaker is on the left; a regular Shaker (“W” Top) is on the right. Both shakers; however, have had their metal bands replated with nickel. These pieces are a fine example of how you can bring a vintage treasure back to its original luster. If your vintage tops are in good condition, with the exception of a worn finish, getting them replated might be all that is needed for them to shine like the day they were born.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Dennis and Pat Early for sharing a piece from their American collection. If you would like to learn more about this particular style shaker, please refer to this post for size, pictures and details. Please click the following sponsored link for available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.

Green Boat – Large

by Julie Noyas | Feb 23, 2017 | Serveware

All you have to do is take a look at the shape of this piece, and you will instantly understand the origin of its name. Simply put, it looks like a boat. The green pieces of Fostoria American are rare, and they were only produced for a couple of years in the mid-1920’s. The Boats were primarily made in clear crystal and came in two sizes – Small and Large. Fostoria did make Boats in other colors as well – such as Amber, Black Milk Glass, etc. The colored Boats are harder to find because of their limited years in production, and with that, comes a much higher price tag.

The Green Boat pictured in this post is the larger size – measuring in at approximately 12″ in length – from handle to handle. While Fostoria Glass Company officially called this piece a “Boat”, many folks also refer to it as a Relish Boat or Relish Dish. As you can tell from the picture, the hue and clarity of the Green Boat is quite spectacular. These pieces can add some vibrancy and/or holiday color to your table during special occasions.

Because of the limited production of the colored pieces, finding them in the aftermarket will be more difficult. Every now and again you will find one pop up on eBay, and if are lucky enough to find one, I would recommend trying to bid on it. When searching for this particular piece, you might want to include some additional search terms – such as “green relish dish”, “green boat”, or “fostoria american green”, etc. As I mentioned earlier, quite a few people refer (and know) this piece as a relish dish – and not as a “Boat”.

If you are interested in learning more about current availability and pricing for similar pieces, please click the following affiliate link for available Boats on eBay.

Salt and Pepper Shakers

by Julie Noyas | May 29, 2014 | Salt Servers, Serveware

I refer to these Fostoria American Salt and Pepper Shakers as “regular” shakers because that is how Fostoria referred to them in some of their earlier brochures. Fostoria also had smaller shakers available. The smaller shakers were referred to as “individual” shakers (perfect to sit by each individual place setting) – whereas the regular shakers (shown here) were larger and more appropriate for the entire table.

Over the years, the tops to these shakers have changed slightly. The older versions were commonly made in heavy nickel and/or plated, and are often referred to as “H.N.T.” (Heavy Nickel Top). The final version of the tops were lighter in weight and had a chrome and/or silver-type finish.

I also like to use vintage Fostoria Shakers for another use, in addition to just serving salt and pepper. For those shakers that have lost some of their luster, or perhaps have a ding or two in their finish … I often use them as little flower vases. They look darling sitting on a windowsill, or on a dinner table by each guest’s place setting.

If you are interested in purchasing this piece, please click the following sponsored link for available Salt and Pepper Shakers on eBay.