Fostoria Crystal Chintz Pattern Etched Water Goblet

This is a vintage water goblet featuring the intricate 'Chintz' etching, produced by the Fostoria Glass Company. The piece is crafted from high-quality clear lead crystal and features a flared, trumpet-shaped bowl, a short ball-knop stem, and a wide circular foot. The physical characteristics are defined by a delicate, all-over acid-etched floral pattern (Etching #339) consisting of detailed roses, daisies, and foliage that covers the bowl and extends onto the base of the foot. This specific style of etching was introduced in 1940 and remained popular through the 1970s. The glass demonstrates excellent clarity and craftsmanship, with no visible clouding or significant surface scratches. The rim appears smooth without notable flea bites or chips. A distinguishing element is the presence of the etching on the foot, which is a hallmark of Fostoria's higher-end 'Chintz' line. While no maker's mark is immediately visible in the image—common for glassware from this period which often relied on paper labels—the pattern is highly recognizable to collectors. The condition appears to be excellent vintage, showing minimal signs of wear and preserving a bright, reflective patina characteristic of well-maintained mid-century American elegant glass.

Based on my visual examination of the provided documentation and imagery, this piece is an authentic example of Fostoria’s ‘Chintz’ pattern (Etch #339) on the #6017 stem. The presence of the etching on the foot is a significant indicator of quality, as this detail was often omitted on secondary lines. The item appears to be in 'excellent vintage condition' with high clarity and no evidence of 'sick glass' or permanent clouding. The lack of visible flea bites or rim chips suggests it has been well-maintained. The Chintz pattern, produced between 1940 and 1973, remains one of Fostoria's most sought-after elegant glass motifs due to its intricate floral detailing. Recent market trends show a consistent demand for individual replacement stems within the $40 to $70 range, depending on regional availability and current collector interest. While the secondary market for mid-century glassware is currently stable, values are highest for pieces showing no signs of dishwasher damage or scratching. It is important to note that this appraisal is based on photographic evidence alone. A definitive authentication would require a tactile inspection to verify the 'ring' of the lead crystal, a measurement of the weight to ensure it meets Fostoria’s quality standards, and a blacklight test to check for the specific fluorescence characteristic of mid-century glass formulas. Furthermore, the absence of original paper labels means provenance cannot be fully established, though the pattern specificity is highly diagnostic for this manufacturer.