Last month I helped a friend set up for an estate auction. His mom had a huge set of Fostoria Sun Ray crystal – 24 each of cups, saucers, goblets, footed water tumblers, salad/lunch plates, side plates, small bowls, plus 17 dinner plates and an impressive array of accessory pieces and serving ware. I counted 7 candle holders, 1 vase, a 2-handle oval bowl, cigarette holder, square handled nappies, creamer and sugar and their tray, candy dish, large jug pitcher and more. It was all in perfect condition.
Fostoria Sun Ray Triangular Nappy
It did not sell.
The auctioneer’s minimum bid was $2.50. No one would bid even that paltry amount for this gorgeous glassware. I did not bid, partly because I don’t want more glass to sell and partly because it felt like taking advantage of my friend to get a set – worth about $1200 at retail – for a pittance. And it would take years to sell that much glass.
A few years ago Sun Ray simply did not sell; however, now it seems to find a few buyers based on eBay sold items. Last month there were a few candle holders and dinner plates that found homes and today it looks like a few amber colored Sun Ray and frosted Sun Ray, also called Glacier, have found homes.
Fostoria Glacier (Frosted Ribs Sun Ray) Comport
Prices seem more reasonable now too. Crystal goblets are $10 to $15 (plus shipping), a more realistic price for fine vintage Fostoria crystal than what we saw 4 or 5 years ago when it was hard to sell goblets or plates for more than a couple of dollars.
Does this suggest we may be seeing a resurgence in glass interest? I hope so. It is very unfortunate that so many people have glass that their children do not want. And I wonder how many of those children will regret not having Mom’s Stuff in later years.
Back to my friend’s set. His sister decided that she could use Sun Ray for her good dishes and enjoy remembering her Mom on holidays and special family times.