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Identification

Fostoria American Clear Pressed Glass Square Cake Stand with Rum Well

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The piece exhibits the faceted cube pattern characteristic of Fostoria's American line (Pattern 2056). The specific form is a square pedestal cake stand (salver).

Story

Fostoria Glass Company introduced the 'American' pattern (Pattern 2056) in 1915. It became one of the longest-running and most successful glass patterns in United States history, remaining in production until the factory closed in 1986. The central 'rum well' on this square salver is a well-documented diagnostic feature that distinguishes genuine Fostoria pieces from similar cubist patterns produced by competitors like Indiana Glass and Jeannette.

Maker / Origin

Fostoria Glass Company

Condition & Value

The valuation assumes the piece is structurally intact without major damage. However, the sharp, faceted geometric points of the Fostoria American pattern are notorious for hiding tiny 'flea bites' or chips.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for mid-20th century Elegant Glass is highly polarized; while common tableware pieces often struggle to find buyers, specific, functional, and visually striking forms like pedestal cake stands maintain robust demand. The Fostoria American square stand is particularly popular for vintage-themed weddings and event displays. The strongest sales occur on fixed-price platforms like eBay and Etsy, where buyers are willing to pay retail premiums for guaranteed condition and clear photography.

Value Drivers

▲ Diagnostic 'rum well' confirms genuine Fostoria American attribution over lesser-valued lookalike patterns.

▲ Square pedestal form is highly sought after for weddings and specialty dessert displays.

▲ Heavy, clear pressed glass construction reflects light brilliantly when properly displayed.

Concerns

▼ Unverified edge condition — 'flea bites' on the sharp cubist points or scalloped rim would drop value to the lower end of the range.

▼ Potential surface wear — utensil scratches or cloudiness on the flat cake plateau can deter high-end buyers.

▼ Unverified dimensions — standard 10-inch size is assumed; significant deviation could alter the comparable baseline.

Best Venue

List on a fixed-price platform such as eBay or Etsy, specifically targeting the vintage wedding and elegant glass collector demographics in your title and keywords. Thoroughly wash the piece, run a finger along all sharp edges to check for hidden flea bites, and photograph it in bright, natural light to highlight the crystal clarity. An asking price of $145 with offers accepted is a strong strategy to test the mid-to-high end of the market.

Upside Potential

If the piece is confirmed to be in absolute mint, factory-flawless condition with exceptional clarity (no yellowing or glass sickness), and is marketed with premium photography to the high-end vintage wedding sector, it could push toward the $185-$200 retail ceiling observed in top-tier fixed-price sales.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Proxibid· 2025-05-29
    Fostoria American Square cake pedestal with rum well
    Link could not be verified.
    $23