AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a vintage footed tumbler or tea glass crafted from high-quality clear lead glass, featuring the intricate 'Chintz' floral etching. The 'Chintz' pattern (specifically Fostoria pattern #2419) was produced by the Fostoria Glass Company primarily between 1940 and 1973. The glass features a flared, trumpet-shaped bowl that gracefully tapers down to a short pedestal stem accented with a single round ball knop. The piece is supported by a wide, flat circular base. Most notably, the glass is adorned with an all-over wheel-etched or acid-etched design of delicate, multi-petaled wild roses and dense foliage, a hallmark of the Mid-Century elegant glass style. The craftsmanship is evident in the clarity of the crystal and the crispness of the floral details. In terms of condition, the glass appears to be in excellent vintage state with no visible chips, cracks, or heavy clouding, though some minor shelf wear on the bottom of the base is typical for a piece of this age. The reflective quality and lack of manufacturing seams suggest it was fire-polished, indicating superior quality typical of American 'Elegant Glass' manufacturers of the mid-20th century.

I have examined the digital images of the Fostoria Glass 'Chintz' pattern (Etch #340) footed tumbler. The piece displays the characteristic fire-polished finish and clear lead glass composition associated with Fostoria’s production from the 1940s through the early 1970s. The bowl exhibits the correct trumpet shape for the #2419 blank, and the etching shows the crisp, intricate floral detail expected of a genuine acid-etched piece rather than a later molded imitation. From this visual inspection, the item appears to be in excellent condition. The absence of visible 'sick' glass (clouding) and lack of chips on the delicate rim significantly preserves its marketability. In the current 'Elegant Glass' market, Chintz remains a popular pattern for collectors due to its romantic, traditional aesthetic. However, because these were produced in large quantities over several decades, individual tumblers are not considered rare. Current market comparables for this specific 12oz iced tea size typically realize between $25 and $35 at retail. Factors impacting value include the presence of original factory stickers and the absence of base scratches. It is important to note that a definitive authentication cannot be completed via photography alone. To confirm the piece is not a high-quality reproduction or a variant by a different manufacturer (such as Cambridge or Tiffin, which produced similar styles), I would need to perform an in-person ring test to verify lead content and use a UV light to check for the specific fluorescence characteristic of mid-century Fostoria crystal. Additionally, physical tactile inspection of the etching would determine if it was applied via the authentic acid-etching process or a more modern laser-etched technique.