by Julie Noyas | May 15, 2026 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-08
Approximate Size: 3″ H
Production Dates: 1915-1923
The Pearl Disc “P” Shakers had a shorter life span than most of the other shakers in the American line. Hence, they are extremely hard to find. When you do find them, the pearl wafer has usually cracked or turned in color. The metal band can still be found in relatively good shape; however, most times they will have a few dents in them, especially around the top edge.
This particular shaker is quite lovely, especially with the intricate details of the top. The pearl wafer is lightweight, so one has to be careful as they can be easy to dent, crack, or bend. Fostoria Glass described them as the following: “P Top is pearl disc with non-corrosive band.”
The glass portion of the shaker is Shaker No. 2, which was produced with a variety of lids. These shakers (and others) are referenced in my book, Fostoria American In-Depth Review and Identification Guide, on page 85 – in the Shakers & Salt Servers Chapter.
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.
by Julie Noyas | May 11, 2026 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-07
Approximate Size: 3½″ H
Production Dates: 1941-1943; 1947-1948
The Silver Top “A” Shakers had a short life. They were introduced around 1941; however, they did not survive past the late 1940s. They were not made at all during some of the World War II years, along with other American shakers. When they were discontinued in the late 1940s, they were replaced by Shakers No. 2 – Chrome Top “A”.
While I did notice a 1953 catalog page that still showed a Silver Top “A” as being available, this is probably the result of an old catalog page/illustration that had yet to be updated. Price lists for 1953, and as far back as 1949, only state that this specific shaker was available with Chrome Top “A”.
The silver and chrome tops had the same basic shape; it was their composition and plating that was different. Finding a No. 2 Shaker (Silver Top “A”) would be a great find, as they were not as plentiful as those shakers with a chrome top.
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.
by Julie Noyas | May 8, 2026 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-06A
Approximate Size: 3¼″ H
Production Dates: 1940s (approx.)
Shakers No. 2 were offered with different styles of metal tops. The first version of a heavy nickel top for Shaker No. 2 debuted in 1915. The second version was offered in the 1940s. The SS-06A tops were offered after the original SS-06 version, and prior to the No. 2 Shakers with Chrome Tops.
The hole configuration on the metal tops varied. They were available with round holes, or slots instead of holes. A photo of these differences can be seen in my book, Fostoria American In-Depth Review and Identification Guide, page 90.
With heavy years of use, in combination with the salt corrosion factor, the finish on the tops can become worn or flaky. When the salt shakers are not in use, the best practice is to empty the salt from the vessel. By doing so, you can help prevent the glass from becoming cloudy, and assist in preserving the top’s chrome finish.
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.
by Julie Noyas | May 8, 2026 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-06
Approximate Size: 3¼″ H
Production Dates: 1915-1925 (approx.)
The American Shakers (primarily made for serving salt and pepper) were produced with different types of tops over the years. The first version of a heavy nickel top for Shaker No. 2 debuted in 1915. These particular shakers, with this style of lid, are seldom seen today. Originally, this “style” of top was offered with either a heavy nickel top or a silver top. This post is reflective of the H.N.T. shaker (with a heavy nickel top).
The original tops display thirteen holes and have approximately a 1⅛″ diameter. A rendering of this style of top was shown in the Fostoria American 1915 Catalog Supplement. The heavy nickel tops were later changed to a second version, item #SS-06A.
With heavy years of use, in combination with the salt corrosion factor, the finish on the tops can become worn or flaky. When the salt shakers are not in use, the best practice is to empty the salt from the vessel. By doing so, you can help prevent the glass from becoming cloudy, and assist in preserving the top’s chrome finish.
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.
by Julie Noyas | May 7, 2026 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SS-02
Approximate Size: 3″ H
Production Dates: 1915 to mid-1920s (updated 5/7/2026)
This particular style Shaker was one of the first to be showcased in the American pattern. The actual height of the Shaker can vary slightly, depending on what type of top came with it. Originally, you had an option in the tops – such as H.N.T. (Heavy Nickel Top), H.S.T. (as shown in this post), “W” Top (Glass Disc, with a Heavy Nickel Band), etc. Over the years, the availability and composition of the tops changed. The shakers with the silver tops had a shorter life span than the shakers with the heavy nickel tops.
The H.S.T. No. 1 Shakers are most worthy of a special mention. At the time, they were the most expensive of the four shakers. Several collectors might own a pair and not even realize it. Once tarnish starts to develop on the tops, especially over decades of dirt and grime, a person might not be aware that there is silver plating underneath. The silver tops, even dirty, appear to have a thicker coating or plating than the nickel tops. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you do a thorough inspection of your shakers. You might be in for a pleasant surprise!
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.
by Julie Noyas | Sep 15, 2021 | Shakers & Salt Servers
Item Number: SUS-01
Dimensions: 4¾” H
Production Dates: 1915-1925
The height of the item is approximately 4¾”, with the top on. The inside diameter of the neck usually runs between 1⅛”-1¼”, with a 1¾” outside diameter. While it might not be obvious at first, the glass neck with have a small bevel of ground glass – located on the inside edge of the neck. The bottom of the glass container often shows a pontil mark or scar, commonly seen in older glass.
This item has a heavy metal top (H.N.T.), which makes it very easy to distinguish from the newer Cheese/Sugar Shaker. The top will have thirty-one (31) holes, in the shape of the Star of David. The Sugar Shakers can also be found in a variety of E.P.N.S. lids and collars. During the early years of production, these shakers were sent to metal working companies that mounted them with silver and nickel tops. Only the regular Sugar Shakers (H.N.T.) were featured in the Fostoria American catalogs.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Cheese/Sugar Shakers on eBay.
