Fostoria Chintz Etched Clear Glass Serving Bowl

This is a large, flared serving bowl crafted from high-quality clear crystal, featuring the intricate 'Chintz' acid-etched pattern, most likely produced by the Fostoria Glass Company. The bowl exhibits a conical or deep flared shape with a wide aperture and a relatively narrow, flat circular base. The primary decorative element is a dense, delicate floral etching consisting of repeating rose blossoms, rosebuds, and thorny scrolling vines with serrated leaves that cover the exterior surface from the base to just below the rim. The glass itself appears to have excellent clarity and a high refractive index, characteristic of mid-20th-century American elegant glass. The rim is smooth and finished, showing a slight thickening consistent with quality mold-blown or pressed glass production. Regarding condition, the bowl appears to be in good vintage state with no visible cracks or large chips; however, there are faint surface scratches consistent with use and age on the interior bottom. Small air bubbles or 'seeds' may be present within the glass, which are typical of manufacturing during the Depression through the Mid-Century period (the Chintz pattern was produced approximately between 1940 and 1973). The craftsmanship is highly detailed, with the etching showing crisp lines and uniform depth and frosting, indicative of the premium acid-etching techniques utilized by Fostoria, making this a classic example of American 'Elegant Glass' artistry.

Based on my visual examination of the images, this piece is a Fostoria Glass Company serving bowl in the #350 'Chintz' etch. The high clarity and detailed acid-etched rose and vine pattern are consistent with Fostoria’s production standards between 1940 and 1973. The glass exhibits the characteristic 'Elegant Glass' finish, distinguished from mass-produced Depression glass by its polished surfaces and fire-polished rim. The condition appears sound, though the noted interior surface scratches slightly devalue the piece compared to a mint-condition example. The market for Fostoria Chintz remains stable among collectors of American crystal, though prices have softened from historical highs as the collector base shifts. Compared to similar sold listings, flared bowls of this size generally realize between $40 and $70 depending on the specific diameter and regional demand. The primary value drivers here are the pattern popularity and the lack of significant chips or clouding (sickness) in the crystal. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. A physical inspection is required to confirm the absence of 'flea bites' along the rim and base, and to check for subtle glass sickness that may not be visible in photographs. Verification of the Fostoria 'ring' (resonance) when tapped would further confirm the lead content and authenticity. No scientific testing or provenance documentation was provided, which would be necessary to establish a definitive chain of ownership or museum-grade valuation.