Many beautiful crystal pieces are hard to distinguish its manufacturer as few of them are marked and they strongly resemble the patterns and molds of each other.

This is especially true in the Fostoria American and the Colony/Indiana Whitehall. In this context, you may hear the following names and combination of names of makers: Fostoria, Indiana Glass, Colony Glass, Colony Lancaster Glass, Lancaster Colony, and Jeannette Glass.

In the early 1920’s, Fostoria introduced the American Pattern and it grew immensely in popularity. Other companies came out with similar patterns. For instance, Colony Glass produced Whitehall pattern and Jeannette Glass produced the Cube pattern.

Colony Glass’ Whitehall pattern began in the mid 1950s. After Colony Lancaster Glass purchased Indiana Glass, Indiana Glass began production of the popular pattern in 1962. Between 1960’s through the1980’s, Indiana Glass produced the Whitehall pattern in crystal, olive green and amber and in the 1990’s light blue, teal blue and light pink came out.

In the 1980’s, the Lancaster Colony company purchased Fostoria company. And Indiana Glass merged several Fostoria molds into the Whitehall Line and renamed the line American Whitehall. This might explain why it is hard for collectors to know the difference between Fostoria American and Colony/Indiana Whitehall.

Fostoria American is mostly found in clear crystal. However, other colors include amber, blue, green, yellow and pink/purple (made late 1920s), and white or milk glass. In 1980, red was produced by sub-contracting production out to the Viking Glass Company.

Colony/Indiana Whitehall colors include clear crystal, olive green, amber, light blue, teal blue, light pink and ruby flashed.

Here are some ways to tell differences:

• Fostoria American glows yellow under a Black Light.
• Fostoria American generally has better clarity in the glass than Colony/Indiana Whitehall.
• On the footed pieces, Whitehall has an octagonal or straight, tapered foot.
• On items with a handle, the Whitehall Pattern attaches their handles about an inch down from the top. Fostoria’s American Pattern attaches their handles at the top of the piece.
• Fostoria American goblets and tumblers will have a slight flair at the top and more curve to them. Colony/Indiana Whitehall goblets and tumblers are straight sided.

When purchasing vintage crystal, always buy from a reputable seller that is familiar with their product. Or take an expert along with you to help distinguish…who’s who in vintage crystal glassware!