by Julie Noyas | Mar 25, 2020 | Miscellaneous, Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 715
Height: 3″
Production Dates: 1939-1958
When the crystal Topper was first introduced, it was marketed as a cigarette holder. Back then, when smoking was very popular, the perfect host would set the table with ash trays, cigarettes, and matches for their guests. The 3″ Topper was the perfect size to hold the cigarettes, while the 2½” Topper held the matches. The top diameter of the 3″ Topper is approximately 4½ inches.
All of the Toppers in the American line were also offered in White Milk Glass. Each of the Milk Glass Toppers had different production dates; however, the 3″ Topper was produced from 1954-1965. This particular sized Topper was very popular, and it had the longest production life during the Milk Glass years.
After the sale of Fostoria Glass and under the new ownership of Lancaster Colony, the 3″ Topper was then produced by Dalzell Viking Glass in a Cranberry Mist color. The Cranberry Mist color is not cataloged, and appears to have been a smaller production run. Other colored Toppers have also been found (mostly experimental). The only colored 3″ Toppers that were regularly produced and cataloged by Fostoria Glass are the White Milk Glass items.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Toppers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Mar 18, 2020 | Miscellaneous, Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 714
Height: 2½”
Production Dates: 1939-1958
The 2056 line of Toppers includes some of the most under-appreciated items in the entire American pattern. Many times they are ignored or overlooked, for when the Toppers stand empty and alone … they just don’t stir up a lot of excitement for most folks. In truth, they are very versatile pieces which can be used for a multitude of purposes and holidays. These hats are adorable for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and many other celebrations!
The smallest of these Toppers is the Topper Ash Tray. From there, the next size up is this 2½” Topper. When it was first introduced, it was listed as 2¼” tall, and then later it was described as being 2½” in height. Therefore, you can expect slight size variations between those two measurements. The top diameter is approximately 3¾”, with a clear glass rim.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Toppers on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Mar 11, 2020 | Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 123
Approximate Size: 5″ Sq.
Production Dates: 1957-1974
Out of all the smoking accessories that Fostoria produced in the American pattern, it is this Ash Tray that is the largest. The official Fostoria documents state the measurement at 5-inches. My Ash Trays; however, are about 4¾” – when measured from side-to-side. It has a squarish shape, with rounded corners. The bottom of the piece has a nice star-burst design, and flares outward from the bottom to the top edge.
The 5″ Ash Tray is a heavy specimen, and is crafted beautifully. As far as smoking accessories go, this piece is definitely one of the most gorgeous ash trays I have ever seen. It displays a perfectly-sized indentation for a cigarette to rest in each of the four corners. Due to its weight, size, and allowance of four cigarettes to be used at one time, this is the perfect ash tray to be used by multiple smokers and/or guests.
Even while many of us don’t smoke today, one can still appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of these items. Use them for alternate purposes, and enjoy them … for a complete Fostoria American collection would not be complete without them.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Ash Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Nov 7, 2019 | Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 115
Approximate Size: 5½” L
Production Dates: 1915-1958
Years ago, smoking was very popular – and Fostoria Glass produced smoking accessories to meet the demands of its many consumers. Even while many of us don’t smoke today, one can still appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of these items. The Oval Ash Tray is the oldest ash tray in the American line. When it was first introduced, it was called the “Oval Ash Tray and Safety Match Stand”. During its final years of production, it was simply known as the Oval Ash Tray. It was also produced in a black Ebony color for a very short period of time, circa 1925-1926.
The Oval Ash Tray is the only smoking accessory in the American line that acts as an ash tray and a matchbox stand. Interestingly, it does not have a notched area in the rim to hold a cigarette or cigar. It has a thick protrusion of glass that sits on the ash tray’s upper edge – acting as a stand for a box of matches. The key word here is “box” of matches … for this application does not work with a book of matches.
For me, personally, I like to place these ash trays right next to candle holders. I never have to go looking for matches when the time comes to light a candle, and once I do light them – I simply place the extinguished match back in the holder. This solves the problem of me having to look for a trash can to dispose of them. It is a unique and productive way to use the Oval Ash Tray, while still being attractive in the process.
Trying to find boxes of matches that fit these vintage Oval Ash Trays is no easy task. The block of glass that acts as the match stand has a depth of ½”, is about 1″ tall, and approximately 1¼” wide. Today, most boxes of matches you find at the local store are smaller than these dimensions. The boxes are usually too narrow or not deep enough to fit over the piece of protruding glass (match stand). I have had good luck finding vintage
and retro-looking boxes of matches online. I like the way they look, and they fit the time period of when they ash trays were produced.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Ash Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Oct 17, 2019 | Miscellaneous, Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 713
Approximate Size: 1″ H
Production Dates: 1939-1958
The American 2056 line was the most popular (and expansive) pattern ever produced by Fostoria Glass. The pattern debuted in 1915, and throughout the decades since, hundreds of different items were designed for a variety of lifestyles.
The Topper Ash Tray is the smallest of all the Toppers. Other Toppers were also used as smoking accessories; however, the only one used as an ash tray was this smaller Topper. Interestingly, it does not have a notched area in the rim to hold a cigarette or cigar.
This piece was also produced in White Milk Glass. Milk glass pieces had a much shorter production run, so they are not as plentiful.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Topper Ash Trays on eBay.
by Julie Noyas | Jun 5, 2018 | Smoking Accessories
Item Number: 109
Approximate Size: 2⅞” Sq.
Production Dates: 1936-1973
The Fostoria American Square Ash Tray is one of the smaller smoking accessories in the 2056 line. It is approximately 2⅞” square and has two indentations to hold cigarettes. Other American ash trays were made; however, the Square Ash Tray and the Topper Ash Tray are the smallest of the group. The Square Ash Tray was introduced in the 1930’s and was produced through 1973.
One of the sets that Fostoria sold in the American pattern was a 5-Piece Smoker Set. This particular Square Ash Tray was part of that grouping; in fact, the set included four (4) of these ash trays and one Cigarette Box and Cover. Smoking was a big part of the American culture back in the 1930’s, which made smoker sets quite popular.
In today’s world, many people don’t smoke. Even so, that does not mean we need to throw out all smoking accessories – especially pretty ones like these American Square Ash Trays! With their ruffled edges, they are very attractive. They sparkle and gleam just like any other American piece. I use mine quite often – in a variety of ways. From serving after-dinner mints to storing vintage jewelry, the Square Ash Trays will provide you with many years of happy service.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Ash Trays on eBay.
