Fostoria American Clear Glassware Value Guide

Introduced in 1915, Fostoria American is one of the most successful and enduring patterns in the history of American pressed glass. Its distinctive three-dimensional cube and radiating fan motif captured a unique early 20th-century aesthetic that remained in production for over 70 years until the Moundsville, West Virginia plant closed in 1986.

What Is Fostoria American Clear Glassware Worth?

The typical price range for Fostoria American Clear Glassware is $20 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity of the specific form, with specialized serving pieces and stemware often commanding higher prices than standard plates.
• Condition of the glass, specifically looking for the absence of 'sick' glass (cloudiness), chips on the sharp cube edges, or heavy utensil marks.
• Production era, as earlier pieces from the Ohio or early West Virginia periods may be more desirable to specialized collectors.
• Complexity of the item, where multi-part pieces like punch bowls or tiered servers reach the higher end of the $20-$60+ value range.

How to Identify Fostoria American Clear Glassware?

• Look for the signature three-dimensional 'cube' design which creates a heavy, geometric texture across the surface.
• Examine the glass for high clarity and a fire-polished finish characteristic of Fostoria's quality standards.
• Check for the radiating fan or 'starburst' motif often found on the bases or flat surfaces of plates and bowls.
• Verify the weight, as authentic Fostoria American pieces are notably heavy and substantial compared to later imitations.

History of Fostoria American Clear Glassware

Fostoria Glass Company, founded in Fostoria, Ohio in 1887 and later moved to Moundsville, West Virginia, was one of the most prominent American glass manufacturers. The 'American' pattern, introduced in 1915, became their most popular and enduring design, produced for over 70 years until the company's closure in 1986. This pattern's unique cube and fan motifs captured the essence of early 20th-century American aesthetic, making it a staple in many homes.