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- 10 Valuable Milk Glass Pieces That Are White Hot With Collectors (wealthgang.com)
Milk glass, a creamy, opaque glass reminiscent of captured moonlight, has been a collector’s favorite for over a century. Certain pieces command high prices in the vintage market due to age, brand prestige, or unique manufacturing characteristics. Provenance also plays a key role for serious collectors, with items possessing original labels or a history connected to notable estates sometimes fetching hundreds of dollars at auction.
From elegant retro patterns to rare Art Deco designs, here are ten vintage milk glass items that have garnered impressive resale values, along with tips on authenticating genuine pieces.
1. Westmoreland Butter Dishes
Westmoreland milk glass is admired for its delicate appearance. Covered dishes with ornate designs, such as the charming glass cat, command the highest prices, often exceeding $100.
Even simpler Westmoreland butter dishes can sell for $50 or more. While some pieces have been estimated to sell for as much as $10,000, fortunate collectors have occasionally found them for significantly less.
Pro Tip: Look for an intertwined “W” and “G” logo on the base, or a raised “Westmoreland” within a keystone shape for items produced after 1946, to verify authenticity.
2. Atterbury Salt & Pepper Shakers
Dating back to the late 1800s, these sought-after salt and pepper shakers exemplify Atterbury’s enduring prestige in glassmaking. Handblown in molds and produced in limited quantities, the six-inch shakers depict John Bull, a recognizable British cultural figure. Examples in excellent condition, without chips or damage, can be found on the market.
3. Fenton Punch Bowl Sets
Fenton’s holiday-themed milk glass, particularly their whimsical punch bowl sets and vases, are highly desirable among collectors. Featuring hand-painted details, intricate patterns, and motifs, complete sets, including the bowl and matching cups, have been known to sell for over $400. Individual pieces, like the pink fan vase, also command substantial prices.
4. McKee Milk Glass Vases
McKee’s Art Deco-inspired vases, with their sleek geometric designs and high-gloss finish, are especially popular among collectors of early 20th-century glass. Vases from the early 1900s are particularly prized due to their thicker, more detailed finish compared to later mass-produced versions. These pieces can sell for hundreds of dollars.
5. Imperial Milk Glass Sets
This vintage set, comprising a pitcher, creamer, sugar bowl, and candy dish, dates to the 1950s and showcases Imperial’s intricate mold work. Featuring a grapevine design, these sets occasionally surface on the market.
6. Kemple ‘Hen on Nest’ Covered Dishes
Manufactured in the late 1940s, these white milk glass hen dishes exhibit impressive detailing in the feathers, comb, and woven basket base. While some can be found for modest prices, used sets in fair condition can sell for over $100, reflecting Kemple’s reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Pro Tip: Ensure the original nesting lid fits snugly. A wobbly lid may indicate a replacement, potentially reducing the value.
7. L.E. Smith ‘Moon & Star’ Pitchers
While classic milk glass is white, dyed versions in opaque white, blue, pink, and green are also considered milk glass if they retain the characteristic milky finish. This opacity is achieved through additives like tin oxide and feldspar.
L.E. Smith’s pitchers, prized by mid-century modern collectors for their space-age patterns and raised motifs, can sell for $150 or more.
Look for the faint “L.E. Smith” mark on the base to confirm authenticity.
8. Fostoria ‘American’ Punch Bowls
Fostoria’s “American” line, first introduced in the 1920s, was highly fashionable. Known for its precision-cut geometric patterns, a single restored punch bowl can sell for upwards of $300, while complete sets can fetch significantly higher prices.
9. Gillinder Presidential Glass Busts
These ornate busts of U.S. presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington have achieved notable prices at auction. While these busts are over 150 years old and may show some wear, their historical significance contributes to their value. Gillinder also produced other milk glass items, including opaline snack plates.
10. Anchor Hocking ‘Royal Ruby’ Milk Glass
Anchor Hocking’s red “Royal Ruby” line represents some of the most popular Depression-era glassware. Sets featuring the brand’s hobstar pattern and original foil labels, though sometimes faded, are particularly desirable. These pieces can be found at reasonable prices, making them an appealing option for collectors.
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