Fostoria Glassware 'Chintz' Pattern Etched Crystal Cocktail Glass

This item is a vintage etched lead crystal cocktail or coupe glass, identified by the intricate floral and foliate 'Chintz' pattern produced by Fostoria Glass Company. The glass features a wide, flared conical bowl that narrows down to meet a highly decorative molded stem. The stem is characterized by a multi-faceted, tiered design, likely the #6025 'Willowmere' or similar Fostoria stem shape, which adds substantial elegance and a play of light. The etching depicts a delicate, all-over tapestry-like floral motif featuring scrolling leaves, small blossoms, and textured shading known as needle etching. Based on the style and manufacturing techniques, this piece likely dates from the 1940s to the 1960s, a period when American elegant glass was at its peak. The glass appears to be in excellent used condition with high clarity, no visible chips or cloudiness, and a well-centered ground base. The thinness of the rim and the complexity of the stem-to-bowl transition are hallmarks of high-quality craftsmanship from the Depression into the Mid-Century Modern era.

Upon examination of the Fostoria Glassware 'Chintz' pattern (etch #338) on the #6025 stem, I find this piece to be a quintessential example of American 'Elegant Glass' from the mid-20th century. The intricate needle etching and high lead content provide the clarity and resonance typical of Fostoria’s peak production years. Visually, the glass exhibits excellent condition; the absence of 'sick' or cloudy glass indicates proper care and no permanent etching from dishwashers. The rim appears smooth and ground, consistent with high-quality hand-finishing. The market for mid-century crystal remains stable for specific patterns like Chintz, though it has shifted from formal dining use to decorative barware. Comparables for single coupe/cocktail glasses in this pattern typically realize between $25 and $45 at specialty auctions or through premium vintage retailers. Value is heightened by the popularity of the coupe shape in the modern craft cocktail movement. However, images cannot definitively confirm the absence of microscopic 'flea bites' on the rim or base. A physical inspection would be required to verify the 'ring' or tone when tapped, which confirms density and lack of internal stress fractures. While the pattern is identifiable as Fostoria, full authentication of the glass composition would require a refractive index test or UV light exposure to check for the fluorescence characteristic of certain period glass batches. Provenance regarding its storage history would further support its current state of preservation.