Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a classic piece of American elegant pressware featuring Fostoria's iconic 'American' pattern, famous for its mesmerizing, three-dimensional geometric design. The heavy, clear glass utilizes sharp, prismatic cube cuts that catch and refract light beautifully, mimicking expensive cut crystal.
Story
In 1915, West Virginia glassmakers designed a pattern so mesmerizing it stayed in production for 71 years. Its optical illusion of shifting cubes made it a beloved staple of American wedding registries for generations.
Maker / Origin
Founded in Fostoria, Ohio, in 1887, the Fostoria Glass Company later moved to Moundsville, West Virginia, where it became one of the premier producers of 'Elegant Glass.' Unlike ordinary Depression-era glass, Fostoria's pieces were hand-pressed, fire-polished to remove mold seams, and ground flat at the base for a high-quality finish.
Condition & Value
The bowl appears to be in excellent vintage condition with great clarity and no obvious cloudiness or major chips visible in the photo. However, pressed glass of this age should be inspected closely along the sharp geometric ridges and the rim for tiny 'flea bite' chips, which can reduce value by 20-30%.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.