Fostoria Crystal Bowl Appraisal

Fostoria 'Christmas' or 'Holiday' Crystal Bowl with Gold Trim

This is a decorative crystalline glass bowl, likely manufactured by Fostoria, as suggested by the context, and featuring a holiday-themed design. The bowl is made of clear, cut glass, exhibiting a brilliant, reflective quality. Its form is a shallow, somewhat flared bowl with a scalloped rim. The most prominent decorative feature is the intricate cut pattern on the exterior, which includes alternating motifs of stylized Christmas trees and eight-pointed stars, typically associated with seasonal or winter holidays. The stars and trees feature cross-hatching or facet cuts to enhance their sparkle. The rim of the bowl is adorned with a thin, metallic gold band, adding a touch of elegance and further highlighting the scalloped edge. The base of the bowl is thick and also features a cut pattern, possibly fluted or rayed, which creates interesting light refractions on the surface it rests upon. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with precise cuts and a polished finish. There are no obvious signs of significant wear, chips, or cracks visible in the provided images, suggesting it is in good, possibly excellent, vintage condition. This type of decorative bowl was popular for serving treats during festive occasions or simply as a centerpiece. Fostoria was known for its high-quality glass and crystal, often producing seasonal collections.