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How to Tell If Crystal is Real Fostoria Crystal

The Fostoria Glass Company made glassware and tableware for almost 100 years before it closed in 1986. It was once the largest handmade glassware maker in the country. In 1915 Fostoria began producing its American pattern. The pattern became so popular that other glass companies still reproduce it. If you don't know what distinguishing marks to look for, you may mistake another manufacturer's crystal for Fostoria American. Read on to find out how to tell if a crystal piece is real Fostoria.

Things You'll Need

Black light

Instructions

- 1
  Hold the piece up to a light and examine it. Real Fostoria crystal is clear, not cloudy. Feel the surface, it should be smooth, not rough or wavy.
- 2
  Check the seams of the piece. If it's Fostoria crystal, there will be at least three seams. If there are only two seams, the piece is a look-alike.
- 3
  Turn the piece over and look at the bottom if it's a horizontal piece. The base ring---where the piece sits---should be flat if it's Fostoria crystal.
- 4
  Examine the toes on a footed piece. If the feet have flat, vertical sides, and the front and back are shaped kind of like an "S," then you have the real thing.
- 5
  Examine vertical pieces like tumblers and goblets by looking at their contours. Fostoria crystal is curvier with flared tops than replica pieces.
- 6
  In a dark room, hold the piece up to a black light. If it gives off a light-yellow glow, you can be sure it's the real deal.

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