Fostoria made several glass patterns with heavy styling to complement mid-century homes with Colonial decor including Raleigh. They used Raleigh for several etched patterns and sold it undecorated. It is line number 2574.
All pieces have a row of indented oval panels – just above the foot on this creamer – and handles have the twiggy shape of the creamer. All pieces are crystal, no colors. My reference book Fostoria Tableware 1944-1986 by Long and Seate describes Raleigh as having “the solid, masculine, no-nonsense feel of post-war America”.
Fostoria made an interesting selection of pieces, mostly accessory/serving items but included four plates, sherbet liner, salad, lunch and a small dinner plate and a cup and saucer, but no stemware or tumblers or sherbet.
There are two sizes of creamers and sugars, the usual family size and a smaller one which came with an oval tray. I think the trays are a great idea, especially after seeing cream drips on the table after breakfast coffee!
Some fun pieces include bowls, single and duo candle holders, comport, ice tub, mayo set, oil cruet. The piece list includes a muffin plate and bon bon, both of which look like plates with curled up sides and handles. Sometimes Fostoria made the lemon dish with curled sides, but the Raleigh lemon is a flat, small plate with handles. Plus there are dishes for celery, pickles, olives, and sweetmeats, aka an open candy dish.
I saw very few pieces of Fostoria Raleigh when we bought glass in Michigan and do not recall seeing any etched or cut pieces. Fostoria used Raleigh for several of their Colonial-themed etches, Plymouth, Sampler, Colonial Mirror and Willow. Minuet, Kimberly and Moonbeam are cut patterns on Raleigh; both Kimberly and Moonbeam had few designs, plates, relish, cream and sugar.
If you enjoy Raleigh’s sturdy shape, most pieces are fairly easy to find online and may be more affordable than some patterns.
We’re starting a new series looking at the blanks Fostoria used and Raleigh is one I’ve not covered before.