During the late 1800s, milk glass was a very popular form of decorative dinnerware. A few companies specialized in making milk glass. They produced vases, jugs, bowls, and serving pieces. These pieces were designed to be inexpensive replacements for more costly and elegant porcelain dishes.
A good piece of milk glass may be worth several hundred dollars. This depends on several factors. For instance, how old the piece is. It may also have defects. If the piece is worn, stained, or incomplete, it may not be worth much.
The early glass factories produced milk glass using heavy iron molds. Workers would lower a plunger to force the glass into the mold. These factories also used a piston to arrange the molten glass. In the 1820s, a machine was developed that allowed molten glass to be pressed into metal molds.
Milk glass was also used in architectural decoration. Engineers also used it to make an information booth clock at the Grand Central Terminal in New York. Other companies used milk glass to make figurative sculptures and busts of famous past presidents. These pieces are also highly prized.
Milk glass was made from a variety of minerals. The earliest glass manufacturers used arsenic and lead. This created a slightly grayish effect, while later manufacturers used other additives to achieve the ivory color.
Many milk glass pieces are still made today. Some companies, like Avon, are making large quantities of glassware. They produce several different styles of milk glass. Most of the time, these pieces are smooth and opaque. However, they can also be made in a variety of colors. Some manufacturers use feldspar, bone ash, or other minerals to produce milk glass.
Many antique milk glass pieces are sold for a variety of prices. If the piece is old, it may have markings to indicate its manufacturer. These markings may be a pattern number, patent date, or other markings. Older milk glass pieces also tend to have a smoother finish than newer pieces.
The most valuable milk glass pieces are those that were produced in France in the early 19th century. These pieces are known for their beautiful color and design. If you are interested in purchasing an antique milk glass piece, be sure to research the company or manufacturer. Some pieces were made with iridescent salts that give them a rainbow or ring of fire look when held to the light.
Older pieces of milk glass are also worth more than newer ones. A few examples of older milk glass are the Westmoreland Paneled Grape, which is worth about $25 with an intact lid. These pieces are characterized by their ribbed grapes, bows, and fan patterns.
If you are interested in purchasing milk glass, be sure to take care of the piece. It can be a fragile item that needs to be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm water. The inside of milk glass can also be abrasive, so be careful.