Fostoria 'Heirloom' Ruby Red Glass Goblet

This is a vintage pressed glass goblet, commonly referred to as a water or wine goblet, rendered in a deep 'ruby red' or 'claret' color. The item is constructed from heavy, thick-walled glass with a molded geometric design. The pattern is characterized by a band of circular medallions containing diamond-point cross-hatching, separated by protruding bosses and alternating with larger diamond-shaped textured panels. The stem is faceted and tapers down to a sturdy, hexagonal pedestal base with a scalloped or serrated edge detail at the foot. The saturated color indicates the use of gold or selenium in the glass batch, consistent with mid-20th-century American manufacture. The piece appears to be in good used condition with no visible cracks or large chips in the photo, though fine flea bites (tiny chips) are common on the raised geometric points of this pattern. It exhibits a glossy finish characteristic of fire-polishing. This style is consistent with 'Heirloom' or similar Early American Preserved Glass (EAPG) revival patterns produced by American glass companies like Fostoria or Indiana Glass, likely dating from the 1960s to 1970s. The weight and clarity suggest a high-quality production standard for consumer glassware of that era.

Based on my visual analysis of the provided image, I identify this item as a vintage water goblet in the 'Heirloom' pattern (originally known as No. 4082) produced by the Fostoria Glass Company of Moundsville, West Virginia. This specific ruby red coloration was popular during the 1960s and early 1970s. The piece appears to be authentic Fostoria based on the sharpness of the press work and the characteristic fire-polished luster. While the glass displays excellent clarity and saturation, it is a mass-produced consumer item rather than a rare collector’s piece. The market for mid-century American pressed glass is currently stable but saturated; comparable items appear frequently in estate sales and online marketplaces. Value is primarily driven by condition. I observe no major structural failures, but the pressed diamond points are highly susceptible to 'flea bites.' The absence of these, along with a lack of 'dishwasher haze' (mineral etching), places it at the higher end of the valuation range. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on a two-dimensional image. I cannot assess the tactile quality of the glass or detect microscopic chips. A full authentication would require an in-person inspection to verify the tactile 'heft,' check for a signature (though many were only labeled with stickers), and use a UV light test to confirm the glass composition. The absence of original manufacturer stickers or a provenance record somewhat limits the valuation to 'fair market' rather than 'collector grade.'