American Fostoria

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Fostoria began producing glass in 1887 in Fostoria, Ohio. Shortly after it moved to Moundsville, West Virginia in 1891.


Fostoria is considered “elegant” glassware. Although much of it was produced during the depression era, it is a higher quality than most other depression glassware.

The American pattern was produced from 1915 until 1986 and is the most commercially successful pattern ever produced.

Comparable patterns were produced by several other glass companies including Jeannette Glass Co. which produced a cube pattern from 1929 to 1933 and Indiana Glass Co. which had a similar Whitehall pattern in the 1950's.

Look for the following to distinguish American Fostoria from its look-alikes:

• Colorless glass. Most American Fostoria pieces are clear with few exceptions. Pieces in the Jeannette Cube pattern are frequently pink or green. (Fostoria did make a few pieces of American glass in ruby.)
• A fire polished surface. American Fostoria glass has a smooth finish because pieces were put back in the furnace to soften the edges. Whitehall Indiana glass has a rough finish.
• Three mould marks. Most American Fostoria has three seams with a few exceptions. Whitehall usually has two seams. (Always look for three seams except on the following: plates, Banana Splits, 14 inch spun glass punch bowls, the twin salt dip, and the glass handled cake plate.)
• A flat, level base as opposed to a pressed bottom.
• Clarity. Since American Fostoria is considered elegant glass and Jeannette Cube is condsidered depression glass there is a visible difference between the two. Often, if you hold up a piece of Jeannette you will see wavy lines within the glass while American Fostoria should always be clear.

We have lots and lots of American Fostoria in the store right now. Come down and take a look!