Vintage Fostoria Glass 'Chintz' Pattern Etched Wine or Water Goblet

This item is a vintage, hand-blown crystal glass goblet featuring a highly detailed needle-etched floral pattern known as 'Chintz,' produced by the Fostoria Glass Company. The piece is characterized by a wide, slightly flaring bowl that tapers into a unique, tiered, and notched stem (resembling the Stem Number 6017 design). The etching is intricate, depicting a dense botanical arrangement of wildflowers, roses, and swirling foliage that wraps around the entire circumference of the bowl. The crystal clear glass exhibits a high level of transparency and brilliance, suggestive of high-quality lead crystal from the mid-20th century (likely dating from the late 1930s to the 1970s). The construction shows a multi-part process where the bowl and base are fused to the ornate pressed stem. Notable physical characteristics include the thin, delicate rim and a flat, circular foot that provides stability. Regarding condition, the glass appears to be in excellent antique shape with no visible chips, deep scratches, or cracks, though some light shelf wear on the bottom of the foot is typical for its age. There are no obvious maker's marks, as Fostoria often used paper labels that were removed by the owner. The craftsmanship is refined, showing the precision typical of American Depression-era and elegant-era glassware manufacturers, making it a sought-after piece for collectors of traditional tablescapes.

I have carefully examined the provided images of this crystal goblet featuring the signature 'Chintz' (Pattern #339) etching by Fostoria Glass Company on the #6017 stem. Based on visual inspection, the item appears to be in excellent condition, showing no significant clouding, flea bites, or rim chips, which are common in delicate elegant-era glassware. The etching is crisp and consistent with the needle-etching techniques utilized during the pattern's production peak between 1940 and 1970. The market for Fostoria Chintz remains stable among collectors of American Elegant Glass, though it has leveled off from its peak in the early 2000s. Contemporary demand is driven primarily by replacement buyers looking to complete existing sets rather than new collectors. Research of recent realized auction prices and secondary market sales for the Water Goblet (approx. 7.75") indicates a retail value in the $45 to $65 range per stem. Authentication via image is limited by the inability to test lead content via ring-tone or examine the glass for microscopic 'seeds' or striations that confirm age. To fully verify authenticity and value, an in-person examination is required to check for professional grinding repairs to the rim or base, which significantly devalue the piece but are often invisible in photographs. Furthermore, verifying the absence of 'sick glass' (permanent chemical clouding from dishwashers) requires specific lighting conditions not present here. This appraisal assumes the piece is original production and free of structural restorative work.