Identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a elegant mid-century pressed and wheel-cut crystal punch cup produced by the legendary Fostoria Glass Company. Featuring their radiant 'Sunburst' motif (No. 110 design line), the cup showcases sharp multi-pointed star cuttings that catch light like a prism, finished with an applied looped handle. The valuation is anchored by a direct comparable on Etsy offering a set of four identical Fostoria Sunburst punch cups for $32 (roughly $8 per cup).
Story
The Fostoria Glass Company, based in Moundsville, West Virginia, was one of the premier manufacturers of elegant glass in the United States. The 'Sunburst' pattern (Line #110) features brilliant wheel-cut stars that showcase the high quality and clarity of Fostoria's crystal. Produced primarily in the mid-20th century, this pattern reflects the post-war boom in formal home entertaining. The secondary market for mid-century elegant glass punch sets is currently soft, as modern entertaining rarely utilizes large punch bowls.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the provided context, the item is evaluated as being in standard vintage condition. Value in elegant glass is highly dependent on clarity and edge integrity; any cloudiness ('sick glass'), flea bites on the rim, or surface scratches would severely diminish its replacement value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for mid-century elegant glass punch sets is currently soft, as modern entertaining rarely utilizes large punch bowls. Buyers are almost exclusively replacement shoppers looking to complete inherited sets or replace broken pieces. Individual cups move slowly unless priced very competitively or bundled into sets of four to eight to justify shipping costs.
▲ Exact pattern match to Fostoria's 'Sunburst' (Line #110) appeals to targeted replacement buyers.
▲ High-quality elegant glass crystal construction maintains baseline decorative appeal.
▲ Etsy comparable establishes a clear retail ceiling of ~$8 per cup in excellent condition.
▼ Shipping costs often exceed the value of a single cup, suppressing online demand.
▼ Unverified rim condition—even microscopic 'flea bite' chips render elegant glass nearly unsellable.
▼ Lack of a complete set (bowl, ladle, and 8-12 cups) removes the premium associated with functional entertaining sets.
Best Venue
Given the low individual value, selling this as a single cup online is generally not cost-effective due to shipping. Recommend bundling with other Fostoria pieces if available, or listing locally on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for $5-$10. If listing online, position it clearly as a 'replacement piece' with exact measurements to attract buyers completing a set.
Upside Potential
There is minimal upside for a single punch cup; exceeding the $12 high-end would require a highly motivated buyer desperate to replace a broken piece for a family heirloom set, regardless of cost.
Also found — market-range context
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.