Milk glass is usually white, blue, black, or pink with a smooth and silky surface.The glass can be used to make a variety of items like cups, plates, or figurines, but some pieces are old and expensive.Milk glass pieces are different from regular glass in a number of ways.If you look out for common features and hallmarks, you may be able to identify if your item is milk glass.
Step 1: A creamy-textured glass is what you should look for.
Milk glass is slightly opaque and not completely translucent.The color shouldn't be painted on.Milk glass can be creamy white, light blue, pink, or black.Milk glass that is not white is most likely produced in the 20th or 21st century.
Step 2: If it looks translucent, hold the glass up to the light.
The light should shine through the glass.It is possible that the item is porcelain if the light does not shine through.Milk glass was once a low-cost alternative to porcelain.
Step 3: There are ornate patterns and decorations.
Milk glass has raised bumps, frills, and complex engravings.Birds, leaves, and grapes are included in the engravings.It is possible that your piece is just regular glass or porcelain.Milk glass is usually not used for everyday use.Milk glass is usually used during special occasions.
Step 4: The 19th-century glass has a deep white color.
Deep white pieces of milk glass are the oldest and most valuable.Milk glass began to look dull and translucent at the end of the 19th century.It is possible that the deep white color in your milk glass is from the 1800s.It is a good idea to get an old piece assessed by a professional.Knowing how old the glass is will help you price it.
Step 5: There is an engraved "F" on the bottom of the piece.
Milk glass with raised bumps and frilled edges is known as fennell.The "F" is engraved on the bottom side of the item.Your item could be genuine if it has this engraving.The first number in the decade was marked by a single number after the "F" engraving.All of the glassware made in the 80's has an "8".Since 1905, Fenton has been making glassware.
Step 6: There is a "Vallerysthal" or "PV" engraved on the bottom.
If "Vallerysthal" is a raised engraving on the bottom of the piece, it may be a genuine item from France.The bluish-white pieces are usually made into glass animals or shells.Some newer pieces have a sticker on the bottom of the item that says "PV France" instead of an engraving.The glassworks was founded in France in 1836.
Step 7: Fruits, birds, and/or flowers can be found on the piece.
The product was produced in America by Westmoreland, thanks to an engraving on the bottom of the item.They are known for their rimmed edges.The item may have been produced before the 1980s if the "G" is in the logo.glassware was made from 1889-1984 by Westmoreland.
Step 8: You can identify the pieces by their etching or paper label.
Older pieces may not have the paper label that means the brand.The raised triangles on the surface of the piece are created by an ornate crossing pattern.Some pieces have a different pattern.They usually make vases, cups, and bowls.Glass was made from 1886-1986.
Step 9: Purchase a milk glass collector's manual.
If you want to improve your milk glass identification skills, you can look through the hundreds of examples and photographs contained in the Milk Glass Book, Yesterday's Milk glass, and Collectors Encyclopedia of Milk.You can get the manual to compare photos of authentic milk glass with items you own.You can buy the books online.
Step 10: There are websites and catalogs for milk glass manufacturers.
Glass milk items can be found online or in catalogs.If you think you have an expensive piece of milk glass, take a picture of it.It is possible that it is the same item.
Step 11: The item should be assessed by a professional.
If you don't know if you have milk glass or if it's worth anything, you should take it to an appraisal.You can find antique appraisers near you.A professional appraisal can cost a lot.It is possible to use websites like What's It Worth to You, Value My Stuff, and WorthPoint as an alternative to a professional appraisal.The sites cost anywhere from $20 to$40 for an appraisal.Sometimes the item can be awarded with a certificate of authenticity and you can get a history of it.