Milk glass is usually white, blue, black, or pink in color, and is slightly opaque with a smooth, soft surface. This glass is processed to make various objects such as cups, plates, or small statues, and some are expensive. There are several indicators that distinguish most objects made of milk glass from ordinary glass. If you inspect the glass visually, and look for special features and markings, you can determine whether the glass you have is milk glass or not.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Differentiating between Plain Glass and Milk Glass
Step 1. Look for a cream-textured glass
Unlike ordinary glass, milk glass is not completely see-through and is only slightly opaque. The color should appear soft and not like it was painted. Milk glass is usually cream white, light blue, pink, or black.
Milk glass in colors other than white was probably produced in the 20th or 21st century
Step 2. Look at the glass in the light to see if it's see-through
The light should be able to pass through the milk glass. If something like milk glass is opaque, it's probably made of porcelain.
Milk glass was originally created as a cheaper alternative to porcelain
Step 3. Look for decorative patterns and decorations
Milk glass usually has bumps, tassels, and intricately embossed carvings. These carvings are usually birds, leaves, and grapes. If the item doesn't have any of these decorations, it's probably plain white glass or porcelain.
Milk glass is not usually made for everyday use. Usually, milk glass is used in certain events
Step 4. Look for deep white to distinguish 19th century glass
The oldest and most valuable milk glass is often a deep white color. Towards the end of the 19th century, milk glass began to look more dull and translucent. If your milk glass is deep white, there's a good chance it was made in the 1800's and is very valuable.
- We recommend that expensive or old items be assessed by a professional.
- If you can determine the age of the glass, you can estimate the price better.
Method 2 of 3: Evaluating Company Characteristics
Step 1. Look for the letter "F" or the word "Fenton" at the bottom of the object
Fenton is known for decorating his dairy glass products with prominent, fringed edges. Most Fenton products feature the letter "F" or the word "Fenton" engraved on the inside of the oval on the bottom side of the item. If the object has these engravings, chances are it is genuine.
- After 1980, Fenton began to include single digits after the engraving "F" or "Fenton", to denote the first digit of the decade. As such, all 80s Fenton glassware has the number "8" after the "F" or "Fenton."
- Fenton has been making glassware since 1905.
Step 2. Look for the "Vallerysthal" or "PV" engraving on the bottom of the item
If the "PV" or "Vallerysthal" engraving stands out at the bottom of the item, it's likely genuine from Vallerysthal Glassworks of France. Usually, these items are bluish-white in color and made into glass animals or shells.
- Some of the new Vallerysthal products have a sticker that says "PV France" on the bottom of the item instead of engraving.
- Vallerysthal Glassworks was founded in 1836 in France and is still operating today
Step 3. Check the "WG" or fruit, bird and/or flower engraving on the item
The "WG" engraving on the base of the item means the product is made by Westmoreland in the United States. This producer is known for making products with framed edges and wine and floral designs.
- If the "G" overlaps the "W" logo, it's likely that the item was manufactured before the 1980s.
- Westmoreland produced glassware in 1889-1984.
Step 4. Identify the Fostoria product by its notch or paper label
Fostoria products usually have a paper label indicating the brand; however, old product labels may be lost. Fortunately, most Fostoria products have a similar engraving: the ornate pattern is crossed which creates triangular protrusions on the product's surface.
- Not all Fostoria products have their famous patterns.
- Fostoria usually makes vases, cups, or bowls.
- Fostoria made glass in 1887-1986.
Method 3 of 3: Using Other Methods
Step 1. Purchase a milk glass collector's manual
Handbooks like The Milk Glass Book, Yesterday's Milk Glass, and the Collectors Encyclopedia of Milk have hundreds of examples and photos to look at to improve your milk glass differentiation skills. Get a manual and compare photos of real milk glass with your own.
- You can buy these books on the internet.
- You can also use sites like https://milkglass.org to find what you're looking for.
Step 2. Look at the catalogs and websites of milk glass manufacturers
You can find samples of real milk glass items on the internet or in certain catalogs. If you think you've seen the milk glass often enough, compare it to the item in the photo. If it looks exactly the same, there's a good chance it's the same item.
Step 3. Use a professional to appraise the item
If you are still in doubt about the authenticity of the milk glass or want to know the value of an item you have, take it to an appraiser for evaluation. Find a reputable antique appraiser in your city
- Usually the cost of a professional appraiser can range from Rp. 1,500,000 to Rp. 6,000,000.
- You can use sites like What's It Worth to You, Value My Stuff, and WorthPoint as a cheap alternative to a live professional appraiser. The cost can range from IDR 300,000-IDR 600,000 per estimate.
- An appraiser will sometimes be able to provide a certificate of authenticity and the background and history of your item.
