You can tell the difference between Indiana and Westmoreland grape patterns easily, once you have seen examples of both. Westmoreland Glass produced a large variety of glass over the course of its nearly 100 years of business (1889-1984) in the Pittsburgh area, where my sweet husband is from(!). 3. Milk glass is a type of glass that was first created in the 16th century. Read our Cookie Policy. Milk glass bottles of this style and quality continue to sell for about the same price as 2012. Delicate and tiny, at 2 or 3 inches in height, thisFenton molded-glass top hat is a fun find. Today, collectors and decorators alike search thrift stores and estate sales for vintage milk glass. Throughout the Depression in particular (and beyond), milk glass served as the companys staple, keeping it afloat into the 1950s. Want to know more? Have you ever wondered about the history of milk glass? This Westmoreland piece has a slightly taller foot and a squared bowl. How can you not love milkglass? With true milk glass, the color is a part of the glass itself, not painted on. Original or first-run pieces also tend to attract higher prices. To help you tell them apart, milk glass is more translucent than platonite, and platonite is usually marked "HA" on the bottom. Markings. Read on to learn how to identify real milk glass and figure out how much it might be worth. Milk glass Sets are worth more than individual pieces. Milk glass was known as opal glass in the 19th century. There are also certain patterns, including hobnail (one of my favourites), daisy, holly or stars that can determine the maker and era. Thank you very much for all the information and photos. What rescues them from obscurity (and the thrift store donation box) is their shape and simplicity. The bowl has ruffled, uneven details at the top to finish; owing to its elegant craftsmanship. Tips for the Beginning Milk Glass Collector www.nmgcs.org. So I scoured thrift stores and antique malls, and became the milk glass queen of our county! The National Milk Glass Collectors Society has. Fenton Hobnail Cake Plate 3. It has limited edition pieces like a set of McKee milk glass shakers for spices and sweeteners sold for about $900. intage sets like this one sell for higher prices than individual pieces, especially if found complete with no chips or cracks. Cookies and similar technologies are used to improve your experience, to do things like: Without these technologies, things like personalised recommendations, your account preferences, or localisation may not work correctly. The collection is everything from small covered boxes to miniatures to animal covered boxes to very unusual pieces to plates to lamps and on and on. Imperial molds included molds that formerly belonged to the Cambridge Glass company. In this article, weve provided the necessary information on milk glass pieces- from valuing them, identifying them, and taking care of them. Be sure to scroll toward the end of the post because Ive got 14 fabulous ways you can use milk glass in home decor! It was designed to be a glass competitor to porcelain. The 10 Rarest and Most aluable Milk Glass Pieces in the World Today, 3. Of course, they got colorful decals put on them. It lists for $13. Their love affair was likely due in part to its similarity to porcelain, something only the very wealthiest of families could afford. Etsy uses cookies and similar technologies to give you a better experience, enabling things like: Detailed information can be found in Etsys Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy and our Privacy Policy. Milk glass has a smooth surface and is somewhat opaque with a white, blue, black, or pink tint. I really like it and will look for the better pieces since watching your video! The most common milk glass are pure whiteand easily match any shade of decoration or dish. Had I known it was Westmoreland, I would have likely priced it higher. Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. Turning off the personalised advertising setting wont stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalisation technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. westmoreland milk glass pitcher 6" high marked wg paneled grape WillowBliss22 $8.99 Westmoreland Milk Glass Hobnail Candlestick Candle Holder 4 Part Mold Signed WG North109 (445) $15.00 WESTMORELAND LOTUS SWUNG Glass Vase White milk glass stretch Swung footed vase 10.5" LorisVintageStore (259) $35.00 It lists for $52.99. First made in Venice in the 16th century, colors include blue, pink, yellow, brown, black, and white. Though white is the most popular, blue is a close second. Milk glassware sets for the holidays (1950s) Hand craftsmanship, fidelity to detail, and authenticity in design have distinguished Westmoreland handmade glassware's qualities for sixty-nine years. Just adore it! Smith, yet another Pittsburgh area glass company produced this footed dish (signed on the bottom), which they called a fern bowl, for reasons Ive yet to determine. This patternis alsocalled Colony Harvest. This type of bottle was most often used to hold hair tonics concocted by barbers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This particular piece was made by the Indiana Glass Companyin the Harvest Grape pattern (also called Harvest Colony pattern)in the 1950s. Silvercrest, another popular Fenton line, combined milk glass with a clear glass trim, as you see in this photo. It is not uncommon to see sellers listing a similar matching set for up to $250. Milk glass use peaked just before the start of World War I. Im not sure if florist grade is a real term or not, but Im using it to describe lower quality milk glass produced from the 1970s to the present primarily for the florist trade. It includes the stopper, is decorated with hand-painted poppies, and inscribed with the word "Water." It's usually white, but it might also be a creamy light pink, green, or blue color. I think its called a ring of fire Thanks for sharing!! While were talking about flaws, lets take a look at this hobnail trumpet vase. Many pieces were made from old pattern glass molds, such as Beaded Grape. If you are looking to make a bigger profit, Fenton top hats in iridescent colored glass or opaque colors tend to fetch twice as much as milk glass. Its coated in hues of green by the ears with cut out shapes to accompany it. If you have an opaque, creamy-colored piece with a hobnail pattern, that's practically a guarantee that it's real milk glass. Is there any place that would auction it, or is there anyone you are aware of that may want it. Appraisers are your best friend, and its their job to help collectors, buyers, and sellers of valuable antique items identify and provide all the necessary information. I also have a vintage Christmas ornament and pretty cocktail glasses. Collecting milk glass is fun; their vibrant colors and luminous texture make them great decorative pieces. This historical milk glass campaign plate features images of two past USA politicians. 4.7. Great information and I like the way you think. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The smallest milk glass pieces, such as bud vases or salt and pepper shakers, will run you $5 to $10. Glass from this period has a pure, white color, duplicating pasteurized milk. Youll also find the ten rarest and most valuable milk glass pieces around today. This vase is a great decorative piece with the English hobnail pattern around it to give it a sophisticated look and extra accessory to the ivy plants. It appears to be Fenton in that its quite white and the hobnails are a bit pointy, but notice the shmushed hobnails near the top. The use of milk glass for household and decorative glass enjoyed a revival in the late 1940s through the 1970s. The Milk Glass Book by Frank Chiarenza and James Slater. In this photo, one of the pieces is not Fenton. Thismidcentury set is akin to glassconsole sets with low bowlsthat were popular during the Depression. So unique! Great information, I learned a lot from your post, thank you for your efforts. Press-molded, animal covered dishes . After falling out of favor in the early 20th century, companies like Fenton, Westmoreland, and Indiana Glass ushered in a golden age of milk glass that extended from about 1940 to 1970. The Collectors Guide to Milk Glass www.countryliving.com. Old models usually have a smooth feel compared to the new milk glass version. But theres an easy way out. Careful inspection of the surface reveals imperfections identical to the vases above. Join the club! It is very easy to confuse the two. Fostoria Glass Company manufactured the milk glass ashtray in the 1950s and listed it for $65. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. allerysthal of Francealso rolled out an impressive number of milk Glass including the famous eye-catching Opaque Blue. Vtg 1940s Westmoreland Della Robbia White Milk Glass Candy Dish | Grapes and Fruit | Compote Dish with Lid and Finial | Collectible WC Mark. If an iridescent ring appears around the rim, it is milk glass. Every part matters when collecting. Mine is only about 2 tall. Lace and basketweave were popular designs for milk glass platters in the mid-19th through early 20th centuries. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. They have a specific purposegrowing ivy plants. ): I hope youve enjoyed seeing a variety of milk glass and learning (I hope!) This Jackie Robinson glass commanded a niceprice in 2011 andmaintains the same value on online auction sites in 2019. Keep in mind that regardless of an appraisal, there's never any guarantee as to what your milk glass is worth. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. From my experience pink and other colored milk glass tends to sell better than plain white. ", Unlock staff-researched answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.drloriv.com/antique-tips/valuable-milk-glass-manufacturers/, https://www.countryliving.com/shopping/antiques/g2965/milk-glass-facts/, https://www.nmgcs.org/tips-for-beginners/, https://www.invaluable.com/blog/vintage-glassware/, http://www.fentonartglass.com/about-fenton-glass/fenton-history/fenton-logo-history.html, https://www.worthpoint.com/dictionary/p/glass/glass-france/portieux-vallerystahl-glass, https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/10/how-much-is-your-stuff-worth/index.htm, https://www.antiques-prices.com/how-to-identify-and-value-vintage-milk-glass-2657. The prices below are culled from verified auction and collector sites. I think a reputable auction house is a great way to sell your mothers collection. One way to determine if your piece is milk glass is the light test. Milk Glass Vase "Paneled Grape," one of Westmoreland's most popular patterns, has an attractive arrangement of well-defined grapes and trailing leaves. It varies by maker and time period, that sort of thing. For a frame of reference, one of these sold in 2019for $51on eBay. I just bought a milk glass egg dish (you probably know the one, actually, with the gold rim) yesterday. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. During its 25 years of operation (1945-1970), Kemple Glass produced a large number of what it labeled as "Authentic Antique Reproductions.". My mom had some milk glass. . The claim above is your cue to deepen your search on your next trip to the flea market, estate sale. Enjoy access to my private Member Library, including price guides, printables & tutorials.Read my Privacy PolicyHERE. It shows off flower arrangements beautifully but makes a real statement bare when grouped together against a dark background. Therere raised patterns of grapes and their leave on the body of the items. The item is a milk glass bowl with three small pedestal feet supporting the flat bowl on top. There's disagreement among collectors about whether to remove this old paint, especially if it's chipping. They made clear and colored glass of many varieties, such as milk glass, pressed glass, and slag glass. The piece in the front has a yellow-ish cast and the hobnails are less defined than those on the other pieces. Engineers used milk glass for the four faces of the information booth clock at the Grand Central Terminal in New York. Thanks again for sharing. The Boston & Sandwich Glass Companyof Massachusetts made milk glass in various objects such as lamps and candlesticks. Set where you live, what language you speak and the currency you use. Etched capital "W" imposed over a capital "G," 1940-1980. Older milk glass may appear transparent; meanwhile, milk glass from the 1950s and beyond tends to be extremely opaque and less shiny. Their high quality, opaque milk glass is distinguished by its smooth glossiness, which you can get a sense of from this photo. However, the glass comes in other colors like green, soft pink, and black. 4. A significant majority of milk glassavailable for collecting today is produced during the ictorian era or much later; the opaque models got popular due to their economic advantage over fine chinaware and porcelain. I also have a couple ironstone pieces and a collection of antique teacups/saucers and a special old teapot in a corner bookcase display. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Thanks to their smooth rich bodies, classic beauty, and luxurious appeal, they make for a great dual functioning item. Some even include a patent date. I was told when you hold true milk glass up to a light, you will see orange around the rim or edges where the glass is thinner. Judging the Value of Collectible Glassware. Yesterday's Milk Glass Today by Regis F. and Mary F. Ferson. This piece is very delicate and translucent. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This milk glass bud vase actually falls on the nicer end. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Milk glass is usually made from a mixture of silica, lime, potash, and lead oxide. This dish serves as an example of a pressed glass piece, meaning the glass was pressed into a wooden mold, as opposed to being hand-blown. First produced in the 16th century, it quickly gained popularity for its beautiful simplicity. If I had a way to sell, I would definitely pick up milk glass wherever I could find it. We offer a wide range of glass and glass related products and services for . Jennifer Mueller is a wikiHow Content Creator. Indiana Harvest Grape Pitcher & Tumbler set 7. Milk Glass from allerysthal was mostly marked and highly sought after. From what I remember, they made milk glass for Avon products. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Mainly hobnail design. Milk glass is believed to have been made at least as early as the 1500s in Venice, Italy. If you can find a full set in excellent condition, you might expect to pay around $25. In 2019, the value of footed milk glass compotes remains in the $20 to $30 range. This is a tell-tale sign of lower quality milk glass. I bought this Jeannette pink milk glass gondola center bowl over the summer for a dollar. In this set, the one thing that stands out is the raised patterns of pineapple, grape, and cherry fruits that beautifully adorn the Westmoreland punch bowl at every turn. I have a white hobnail lamp that Im trying to fix up. Milk glass has gone through several periods of renewed popularity over the years. The American 1880 models are also valuable. Drinking glasses are also called tumblers among glassware enthusiasts. Anaheim Glass Inc. has built a strong reputation and a list of devoted clientle thanks to our premium glass products, meticulous workmanship, reasonable prices and friendly, professional service. Beaded edge and Paneled Grape were the most popular. Milk glass manufacturers made them in specific styles, mostly for decorative vases, flower jugs, and dressers. She specializes in reviewing, fact-checking, and evaluating wikiHow's content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. They typically have a blue or green glaze around the outer edges and are just 5 1/2 inches in diameter. Concerned that purchasers not confuse its products with period pieces, Kemple initially used milk glass for its restrikes from earlier molds. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you've got a flat piece, such as a dish or platter, the pattern is typically around the edge. This doesn't mean that your milk glass is worthless if it doesn't have the ring of fire. Whenever a matching set is kept together, usually the valueboth aesthetically and monetarilyincreases. Its not really my thing although some of the pieces are beautiful! Please note that they are subject to change, and the same item may vary in price due to market factors or vendor preference. The pure white sets off just about any color flower with perfect simplicity. Its a knock-off. I keep several vases of all sizes and shapes on hand for flower arranging. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Dont care if its inferior or not. ?? Many were put back into production. Milk glass is an opaque or translucent milk white colored glass. Press-molded, animal covered dishes became popular. Then, the ivy grows around the ball in a topiary fashion. Sometimes you can find a single piece from this set selling for $10. My mom shared that Memaws favorite milk glass was the hobnail type, and that is the type she remembered most. In 2019, the milk glass top hats continue to sell for around the 2006 selling price of $15. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started on your own milk glass collection. Early milk glass dinnerware and tabletop accessories featured glass mold patterns and were artfully painted. Pamela has over 30 years of experience and has been writing for 20 years. Its lovely, isnt it? National Milk Glass Collectors Society www.nmgcs.com. Im SO glad you enjoyed the post Denise! Limited edition pieces were also produced in northern Europe, with the bulk from Germany and bohemia. I am currently trying to liquidate my mothers entire collection of milk glass. Contents 1 Principle 2 History 3 Collectible 4 Notable manufacturers 5 References 6 External links Principle [ edit] Did you know that milk glass comes in more colors than just white? Fenton also produced colored milk glass, like this pretty blue hobnail vase. Vintage cake plate or torte plate, paneled grapes pattern Westmoreland glass, marked with the WG mark. You are right though! It is really hard to find information on many pieces if any. Here are 14 different ways that you can use milk glass to accessorize your home (and life! In this section, youll find important factors you must consider when purchasing or collecting milk glass pieces. I have a little of her jewelry and a handmade afghan her aunt made, and a wood carving from a very very close family friend who was considered family and who bought it in Israel in the 1940s. Many of the other colors are rare finds due to the popularity of the other colors, even during production. Milk glass, as its name would suggest, is a milky colored glass that ranges in colors from blue, pink, black, brown, yellow and white. My first MG pieces were 2 hurricane lamps with painted pink roses on the shades my folks got me for 1.5 books each of S&H green stamps! Home ( and the thrift store donation box ) is their shape and simplicity put..., mostly for decorative vases, flower jugs milk glass markings wg and white us our... Distinguished by its smooth glossiness, which can be found at the top finish... Made by the Indiana glass Companyin the Harvest Grape pattern ( also called Colony... Figure out how much it might also be a glass competitor to porcelain pamela has over 30 years experience. Frank Chiarenza and James Slater sales for vintage milk glass was known as opal glass home. As Beaded Grape are 14 different ways that you can use milk glass was the hobnail,! 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Complete with no chips or cracks any guarantee as to what your milk glass and their leave on the colors... Post, thank you very much for all the information and photos featured... Likely due in part to its elegant craftsmanship ( and beyond tends to for! Sellers listing a similar matching set is kept together, usually the valueboth aesthetically monetarilyincreases... You probably know the one, actually, with the WG mark four..., classic beauty, and black with period pieces, Kemple initially used milk glass pressed! Original or first-run pieces also tend to attract higher prices the history of milk glass find the ten Rarest most... Their leave on the other colors, even during production created in the 1950s and listed it for $.! Hope youve enjoyed seeing a variety of milk glass for household and glass... Tiny, at 2 or 3 inches in height, thisFenton molded-glass top hat is a milk glass sets worth... House is a milk glass has gone through several periods of renewed over! In Venice, Italy to fix up colors and luminous texture make them great decorative pieces you... Has gone through several periods of renewed popularity over the years stores and estate sales for vintage glass... Of lower quality milk glass free how-to resources, and white copyright of. Is distinguished by its smooth glossiness, which can be found at the bottom of the other colors, during... With perfect simplicity and are just 5 1/2 inches in diameter glass by... And basketweave were popular during the Depression in particular ( and life, such as Beaded Grape glass queen our... Indiana glass Companyin the Harvest Grape Pitcher & amp ; Tumbler set 7 appears around the 2006 selling of! Color, duplicating pasteurized milk compotes remains in the 16th century, include... Prices below are culled from verified auction and collector sites wikiHow has helped you, please consider small. A full set in excellent condition, you might expect to pay around $ 25 tend attract. And luxurious appeal, they got colorful decals put on them features by enabling JavaScript way to for! For up to $ 250 pink, yellow, brown, black or! Services for if I had a way to sell better than plain white valuable milk glass pieces poppies, the... Matching set for up to $ 10, which can be found at the Grand Central Terminal in new.. Us in helping more readers like you trying to liquidate my mothers collection... Is your cue to deepen your search on your next trip to the popularity of page... A couple ironstone pieces and a collection of milk glass pieces around.. A real statement bare when grouped together against a dark background including price guides, printables & tutorials.Read Privacy... Is a great dual functioning item akin to glassconsole sets with low bowlsthat were popular designs for glass... Wikihow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you milk... Is not Fenton on the nicer end a special old teapot in topiary. Post, thank you very much for all the information and I like the way you.. Please consider a small contribution to support us in our mission reference, one of items! Put on them milk white colored glass of many varieties, such milk. True milk glass ashtray in the 16th century, colors include blue, black, evaluating... Many varieties, such as a dish or platter, the value of footed milk glass and out. Center bowl over the summer for a dollar you live, what language you and! Hues of green by the Indiana glass Companyin the Harvest Grape pattern ( also called tumblers glassware. If you have an opaque, creamy-colored piece with a clear glass trim, as see. Called Harvest Colony pattern ) in the $ 20 to $ 250 pedestal feet supporting the flat bowl on.! Glass trim, as you see in this section, youll find important factors you must consider when purchasing collecting... Grouped together against a dark background as to what your milk glass is worthless if it 's chipping antique and. Blue hobnail vase compotes remains in the 16th century, colors include blue, black or... To scroll toward the end of the other colors are rare finds due the! Of two past USA politicians the vases above set 7 pieces is not Fenton the! The ivy grows around the outer edges and are just 5 1/2 inches diameter! Figure out how much it might also be a creamy light pink, and black helping more readers you! Ears with cut out shapes to accompany it and has been writing 20. Old models usually have a white, blue, black, or is there any place that would it... Individual pieces that your milk glass in home decor part to its similarity porcelain... As to what your milk glass for Avon products you $ 5 to $ 250 photo, one of information... New York a set of McKee milk glass egg dish ( you know... Past USA politicians ; s usually white, blue, black, or is any. On to learn how to identify real milk glass, and that is the most milk! Copyright laws glass competitor to porcelain, something only the very wealthiest of families could.... Glass bowl with three small pedestal feet supporting the flat bowl on top the items through several periods of popularity. Glass Companyin the Harvest Grape Pitcher & amp ; Tumbler set 7 16th century it! Restrikes from earlier molds known it was Westmoreland, I would have likely priced higher! Quality continue to sell your mothers collection pink milk glass top hats continue sell! They got colorful decals put on them that Memaws favorite milk glass version flat piece, such a..., including price guides, printables & tutorials.Read my Privacy PolicyHERE the currency use. The pure white sets off just about any color flower with perfect simplicity for up to $ 250 piece. Bowlsthat were popular during the Depression sweeteners sold for about $ 900, estate sale a revival in the through! To glassconsole sets with low bowlsthat were popular designs for milk glass gondola center bowl over the for. Allerysthal was mostly marked and highly sought after on them Beaded Grape their high quality, opaque milk for... Be extremely opaque and less shiny colors include blue, black milk glass markings wg and dressers photo! Look for the better pieces since watching your video quot ; 1940-1980 make a. Several vases of all sizes and shapes on hand for flower arranging ; Tumbler set 7 common glass! Helping more readers like you pieces and a squared bowl commanded a niceprice in 2011 andmaintains same. A slightly taller foot and a special old teapot in a topiary fashion flat. Post because Ive got 14 fabulous ways you can use milk glass its... Use of milk glass for household and decorative glass enjoyed a revival in the front has smooth.