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You are here: Home / 1940s and Later / Pioneer Glass from Federal – 1940s – 70s

Pioneer Glass from Federal – 1940s – 70s

September 4, 2023 by Kathy Leave a Comment

Federal Pioneer Crystal Bowl with Intaglio Fruit Design
Federal Pioneer Crystal Bowl with Intaglio Fruit Design

Federal Glass made their robust Pioneer pattern beginning in the 1940s until they closed in 1979. The pattern is reminiscent of the heavy glass from the late Victorian era, molded into plates and bowls.

Federal Pioneer Crystal 12 Inch Plate with Fruit Center
Federal Pioneer Crystal 12 Inch Plate with Fruit Center

I have only seen Pioneer with fruit centers, most pieces had molded fruit as with the plate above and some intaglio as with the bowl at the top of the page. The intaglio bowl above has a base that is ground smooth, somewhat unexpected for mass-produced ware.

Pioneer Small Crystal Bowl Intaglio Detail
Pioneer Small Crystal Bowl Intaglio Detail

Federal made very few pieces in the Pioneer pattern, small, medium and large bowls, and two plates sized for lunch or dinner. Some of the medium and large bowls are ruffled although I never came across these. It apparently was not a super popular pattern where we lived in Michigan as I saw mostly the small, 5 1/2 inch bowls and a few plates or larger bowls

Pioneer 5 Inch Bowls
Pioneer 5 Inch Bowls

Federal also made pieces in transparent pink, plus some in amber and green and sprayed on colors such as iridescent smoke. From the piece list we can infer it was meant to be a dessert service or possibly the larger bowls may have been meant to be decorative accessories. There is no cup, sherbet or other place setting piece however.

Crystal Pioneer is readily available online or possibly at antique malls and the like. Being clear glass it often is under the radar as a collectible pattern. There are many bowls and plates offered on eBay in several colors and almost all have the molded fruit design in the center. Some pieces have been drilled in the center to have a nut cracker holder insert or turned into a tid bit or basket. If you like Pioneer then this is a good time to find pieces you enjoy!

Related

Filed Under: 1940s and Later Tagged With: Federal Glass, Federal Pioneer, Glass from the 1940s, Glass from the 1950s, Glass from the 1960s

Use Photos to Identify Your Glass

Depression Glass Photo Identification Guide

Depression Glass Index by Pattern

Fostoria Glass Photo Identification Guide

Cambridge Glass Photo Identification Guide

Everyday Glassware from 1940s to 1970s Photo Guide

Recommended Glass Reference Books

These are the books I use the most and recommend.  These are affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links.

Favorite Depression Glass Book 

Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene and Cathy Florence, 2007 edition 

Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene and Cathy Florence, 2010 edition

Favorite Elegant Glass Books

Elegant Glass: Early, Depression, & Beyond, Revised & Expanded 4th Edition Hardcover – July 28, 2013 by Debbie and Randy Coe

Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass, 19th Edition Hardcover – Illustrated, July 10, 2009 by Gene and Cathy Florence

Best for 1940s-1970s

Collectible Glassware From the 40s, 50s, 60s: An Illustrated Value Guide, 10th Edition – Illustrated, July 14, 2009 by Gene and Cathy Florence

Favorite Fostoria Books

Best Overall:  Fostoria: Its First Fifty Years Hardcover – January 1, 1972 by Hazel Marie Weatherman 

Best for Stemware:  Fostoria Stemware: The Crystal for America – January 1, 1994
by Milbra Long and Emily Seate

Best for Fostoria Tableware pre 1943:  Fostoria Tableware: 1924-1943 – January 1, 1999 by Milbra Long and Emily Seate

Best for Fostoria Tableware After 1943:  Fostoria Tableware: 1924-1943 – January 1, 1999 by Milbra Long and Emile Seate

 

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This site shares my love for American vintage glass from the late 1920s on.   It is a blog with lots of pictures (eye candy!), information and opinions.

I do not buy nor sell glass, this is strictly an Enjoy! site.

Users agree that anything posted here is said to the best of my knowledge but I am not responsible for any loss you may experience from using the content.

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