Fostoria Glass Company 'Chintz' Etched Water Goblet

This is a clear lead crystal water goblet featuring the 'Chintz' etching (pattern #338), produced by the Fostoria Glass Company between 1940 and 1970. The goblet showcases an elegant blown-glass bowl with a delicate needle-etched floral and scroll motif that wraps around the vessel. The design features finely detailed wild roses, thorny foliage, and stippled background elements, which were a hallmark of mid-century American elegance. The bowl is supported by a distinctive 'Lucasta' stem (#6017), characterized by a vertical, ornate molded texture with beaded or 'zippered' edges that provide a pleasant tactile grip. Structurally, the glass exhibits high clarity and light refraction consistent with quality vintage crystal. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant clouding (sickness), though minor shelf wear on the circular base is typical for its age. The craftsmanship is indicative of high-quality hand-finished American glassware. This piece exemplifies the Depression-era through Mid-Century traditional aesthetic, highly sought after by collectors of formal tableware and Fostoria enthusiasts.

Based on my examination of the provided descriptions and images, I have identified this item as a genuine Fostoria Glass Company water goblet in the 'Chintz' (Pattern #338) etching on the 'Lucasta' (Stem #6017). My visual assessment confirms the authenticity of the etching, which shows the characteristic crispness of Fostoria’s acid-etching process. The clarity of the lead crystal suggests the piece has been well-maintained without exposure to harsh dishwasher chemicals, which often cause permanent 'clouding' in vintage crystal. The market for mid-century American elegant glass remains stable, with 'Chintz' being one of Fostoria's most recognizable and collected patterns. While not exceedingly rare, high-quality stemware in this pattern is consistently sought after for replacement sets and formal tablescapes. Comparables from recent specialty auctions and secondary market retailers typically range between $40 and $70 per stem depending on regional demand. The value is primarily driven by the pristine condition of the 'Lucasta' stem and the intricate floral motif. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to physically verify the 'ring' or resonance of the lead crystal, which confirms chemical composition, or to feel for microscopic 'fleabite' chips along the rim and base. A full authentication would require an in-person inspection under a jeweler's loupe and a blacklight test to check for the manganese or selenium fluorescents typical of glass from this era. Provenance documentation regarding its storage history would further solidify its valuation.