Fostoria Glass 'June' Etch Two-Part Relish Dish

This is a vintage two-part divided relish dish manufactured by Fostoria Glass Company, featuring the delicate 'June' etch pattern. The piece is crafted from high-quality clear (flint) elegant glass, characterized by its clarity and resonance. Its physical form is oval with a scalloped, bracketed rim and two distinctive shell-molded tab handles at the terminals. A central glass divider splits the basin into two equal compartments. The decorative etching features a series of neoclassical floral swags, ribbons, and dainty blossoms (specifically small roses) circling the interior border. This pattern was famously produced during the Depression era, specifically between 1928 and 1944. The construction shows high-level craftsmanship typical of 'Elegant Glass'—a fire-polished finish that eliminates mold seams. Regarding condition, the glass retains excellent transparency with no visible clouding or 'sick' glass, though some light surface scratches are present on the bottom from utilitarian use. There are no major chips or cracks visible on the delicate scalloped edges or the raised central divider, which are common failure points for this style. While no maker's mark is present (as was standard for Fostoria of this period), the specific 'June' etch and shell-handle shape are definitive identifiers of the manufacturer.

Based on my visual examination of the provided images, this is an authentic vintage Fostoria Glass Company two-part relish dish featuring the iconic 'June' pattern, likely pattern number 2375. The specific 'June' etch—distinguished by its delicate bows, ribbons, and centralized roses—is crisp and clearly identifiable. The blank itself, featuring shell-shaped tab handles and a bracketed rim, aligns perfectly with Fostoria's production standards from the 1928–1944 era. The clarity of the crystal (flint glass) suggests high-quality 'Elegant Glass' rather than common depression glass, as the mold seams appear to have been fire-polished away, leaving a smooth finish. Condition is the primary value driver for this piece. While the glass retains excellent transparency without clouding, the noted surface scratches on the base are typical for a utilitarian piece of this age but do cap the higher end of its value. Crucially, the absence of chips on the scalloped rim and central divider is significant, as these are high-risk areas. The market for Fostoria's 'June' pattern remains steady but softer than in previous decades. It is a plentiful pattern, meaning rarity is low, but demand persists among collectors completing sets. Comparable sales for two-part relishes in this condition regularly fall within the $25 to $45 range on secondary markets like eBay or Etsy, though antique store pricing may reach $55. Please note that without a physical inspection, I cannot confirm the tactile quality of the 'feel' to rule out modern reproduction (though unlikely for this specific mold) or detect microscopic 'flea bite' chips on the inner rim. A definitive authentication would require feeling the weight and resonance of the glass and using a jeweler's loupe to inspect the etching depth.