Antique Milk Glass

Originally intended to be an inexpensive substitute for porcelain, milk glass is named for the milky white color of the most popular pieces. Originally produced by glass makers in Venice in the 16th century, most of the items currenty in collections date from the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries. Because it ws so popular, and produced in such an astounding variety of shapes and colors over a very long period of time, it is one of the most common of collectible items, and is readibly available in every price range.

Older milk glass, which was produced primarly for the carriage trade in late 19th century, is noted for its delicacy and the fineness of its detail. The best pieces from this period are almost transparent, especially along the edges. The avid and knowledgeable collector of milk glass can often come across valuable older pieces which have been misidentified.

Newer milk glass, most dating from the 1930s through the 1970s is often called “depression glass,” and was mass produced and sold at lower prices for a less affluent market. Pieces from this era are especially common in shops, flea markets and at garage sales. These peices are often difficult to distinguish from earlier, more valuable pieces, primarily because older mold were frequently used by manufacturers to make reproductions.

Milk glass can be found in a variety of colors beyond white. Blue milk glass is espeically prized by collectors, with many of the best pieces coming from French manufacturers.