Got Milk Glass?
Milk glass–an opaque glass aptly named for its milky-white color–dates back as early as the 1500s, but American manufacturers caught on to the trend in the 1900s by producing glass tableware as a less-expensive substitute for porcelain. The Depression Era “look for less” quickly gained popularity and spread to more affluent homes. By the time the Gilded Age rolled around, glass manufactures started creating more intricate pieces and patterns retailing for higher prices.
Today, the once affordable knock offs can fetch upwards of $200 per item, and an extremely rare piece can go for several thousand dollars. But beware newbie collectors. Remember those tacky white vases with raised bumps from the local florist? While technically considered milk glass, these commonplace vases will earn you about 50-cents at a garage sale.
In fact, milk glass is a fairly recent term that encompasses many forms, qualities and colors of opaque glass manufactured over the years. Early glass makers used arsenic to create a faintly grayish but nicely opalescent look. Later manufacturers created a denser, whiter glass using tin oxide, feldspar and other additives. The change to the glass recipe makes it possible to determine the age of a piece by examining its edges. Older milk glass will appear nearly transparent at the edge while newer pieces are bright white and may not allow light through.
The various colors of milk glass–blue, pink, yellow, brown and black¬–can also indicate the age and value of a piece. For example, a pink platter may be a piece from the widely collectible American Sweetheart pattern manufactured by the Macbeth-Evans Glass Company in the 1930s.
But it may not.
Bottom line: unless you have a signed McKee animal-covered dish on your hands–a purebred of all milk glass–it’s not always easy to determine if milk glass is rare. To make matters worse, many American manufacturers did not sign their early pieces.
There are a number of resources available intended to demystify the murky waters of milk glass collecting, including the popular Collector’s Encyclopedia of Milk Glass by Betty and Bill Newbound (Collector Books, 1994). But even avid collectors recommend leaving the guesswork to a reputable appraiser.
If the prospect of beginning a collection is too daunting, consider accenting your home with modern reproductions or newly manufactured pieces. Many popular home decor chains sell milk glass in the form of lamps and canisters. You can also purchase a quality original directly from the source; the Fenton Art Glass Company of Williamstown, West Virginia is one of the few glass makers that continue producing high-quality milk glass.
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Reader Comments:
I am so sad. I had milk glass which my grandmother gave me. My husband and I divorced and before I could get all of my things out of his house his girlfriend got rid of it. They would not tell me who they gave it to. It really hurt in every way because my husband knew how much I loved the pieces that I had and he knew how much it meant to me because it came from my grandmother. The understanding was that because I did not have anywhere to keep it where I was staying I could keep some of my things there until I found a place. Well, a good lesson learned. Take everything with you girls, even the milk glass.
Kathy of St Louis, MO on July 27, 2010 01:59 PM
Years ago,my Aunt lived in Ohio and every time she came to visit my Mom in TN, she stopped by the Fenton company and bought her a piece of milk glass. She has since died and my Mom has about 50 pieces displayed beautifully in her cabinets. I love these dishes. Thanks for the article!
Serena of Kingsport, TN on June 13, 2010 08:46 AM
HI,
I am so glad to see the Milk Glass being talked about. With the oil issues, spill, and pollution, I think using glassware, and such, is a great idea, instead of using plastics.
We need to think about where the things we use comes from and the impact on the planet from there use, from creation to disposal. We need to be aware and be good stewards of Earth. It is up to us as individuals, not up to companies, and governments only.
Peace,
Susan
Susan of Idaho Falls on June 03, 2010 05:56 PM
I like many others have recieved my collection from my mother. I have a set of eight place settings and all the extrats. I have 150 piecies at present.I display and truly enjoy my collection year round. My collection keeps a part of my mom close to me.
Annette Hornbostel of Campbell Hill,IL on June 03, 2010 12:23 PM
I have been collecting milk glass for several years. I got several special pieces from my Mom before she passed away. My step-daughter used some of my collection as center pieces to hold flowers at her wedding reception. It was beautiful and so special since some had been lovingly cared for and used by my Mom.
Diane Cook of Louisville,Ky. on June 03, 2010 11:29 AM
I have a few of those milk glass vases and one fruit bowl. These were gifts for my mother as well. I also have a large set of Peach Luster dishes that were left to me from my mother in law. They are like orange sherbert togehter!
Karen Offermann of waterloo il on June 02, 2010 03:40 PM
What a heart-breaker. I had quite a bit of real milk glass and each of my 3 kids managed to knock one off my shelves (also broke one). I finally just put the rest of them in a second hard store before moving to our first condo in 1997. I sure could use the cash for them now.
We best all be careful of what we think is “Junk” now as it might be valuable later.
Margaret Wisler of Clearwater, Fl. on June 02, 2010 02:58 PM
in regarding to your jadeite collection,I have my Mom’s antique kitchen cabinet,when I was a child growing up,Dad would be studing his lesson for Sunday,for he was a pastor of a church,and Mom was a very old fashion cook,especially for him.she would keep her potato chips in the cabinet,just for me,and now I have it filled with the wonderful jadeite,and every time I look at it,I think of my potato chips,so I include that in there as well.
madge Bailey of Grayson,KY on June 02, 2010 02:56 PM
Ihave a collection of milk glass I received after my mom passed away. I remember my dad giving them to her when I was young (along time ago). Mine have a grape design on them. Have No idea of the value if any.
Sandra Pollard Turberville of Spanish Fort, Alabama on June 02, 2010 02:07 PM
Hi Paula!
I wrote previously and mentioned that I liked the milk glass in the picture of the strawberry cake. Thank you for a special article about one of my favorite collections. Most of my collection was made by the Fenton company. I also collect “Moonstone” which is a clear hobnail glass with a white border - I think most of it is older than my milk glass. I use my glassware as much as possible - I don’t like to just have something that I have to dust. God bless.
Donna Haffenden of Sherbrooke, Quebec on June 02, 2010 01:56 PM
My Grandmother & my mother collected milk glass. I have boxes of it. Would like (I think) to sell it, but then I hate to part with it too! My decor/house is limited in displaying my large collection… have several big pieces. Any ideas on selling?
Cindy Cabaniss of Shelby, NC on June 02, 2010 01:48 PM
I have several pieces of milk glass that belonged
to my late mother in law. Have been trying to find a reputable source to find out the value of
the pieces. Thanks for the book tip.
Claudia Herring of Barnesville, GA on June 02, 2010 01:41 PM
I have about 150 peices of milk glass my mother gave me when she moved from her home to down size to a apartment she has had them for over 66 years I love them and will cherish them. Thanks for your story.
Doris of Lousiana on May 15, 2010 05:26 PM
Last year I went to an auction and bought some dog bowles there was this white small bowl in the box. Now my kitty eats out of it, Im glad i kept it.
Karen Faison of Waverly Va. on April 23, 2010 02:55 PM
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Please email me and let me know how i can get your appraiser to tell me if he knows about a wooden Icebox that has six glass pane doors on it with heavy hardware. i have searched the internet and find nothing that looks like it just almost and that was a mccray this must be 1901-1920 era.
diana carter of silsbee texas on August 14, 2010 12:34 AM