Vase

Candlestick

Salt Identification

Wednesday’s Question

I have an open salt that I think may be Steuben but I know nothing about clear Steuben. Can anyone in the Club help me out?

Gwen Stebbins

Lilaby Creek Antiques

Response

Hi Gwen,

Based on your photographs, I believe that your footed salt was made by Fostoria. The shape number is 2374, and it is listed as an “individual nut.” The dates of production are 1928 to 1942 for crystal; the other colors were made for fewer years in that range.

My reference source, Fostoria – Useful & Ornamental by Milbra Long & Emily Seate, shows these on pages 185 and 186. I have taken photos of the images and attach them. You will see that the #2374 was made in a 6 inch “master” size, and the more common individual. The abbreviations in the catalog stand for the colors available: Rose, Azure, Green, Amber, Crystal, and Topaz. These are the most commonly-seen colors. However, they were also made for a few years in the 1930s in Regal Blue (cobalt), Empire Green (a dark green), and Burgundy (amethyst.) These colors are quite difficult to find.

It seems to me that my friend Terry Smith, who was a member of the CSC and a collector of salts and nut dishes, once gave us a mini-treatise on how to discern the difference between a Fostoria #2374 and the similar Steuben salts. Perhaps if you search the back issues of the G.G., you will find it. I seem to recall that the Steuben ones have a less discernible connector than the Fostoria ones, but don’t hold me to that. He learned the difference when he acquired one that he thought was Fostoria, but it turned out to be Steuben.

I hope this helps.

Michael Krumme