Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

How Do I Know If a Milk Glass Is Real?

Milk glass has been around since the 17th century and grew more common as the years went on, hitting a boom in the 1950's. It can be difficult to identify true milk glass with all the reproduction glass on the market, but with a careful eye and a knowledge of milk glass you can learn to spot it.

Things You'll Need

Book about antique glass

Instructions

- 1
  Get familiar with the various manufacturers of milk glass and their unique styles.
- 2
  Start shopping. When shopping for milk glass pay careful attention to markings on the glass. These may be on the bottom or side and sometimes have a date. Some common branding to look for are Fenton, Imperial, Fostoria and Westmoreland. On very old milk glass, usually pre-1900's, there will be no markings; the telltale sign of such an old piece is to look at the edges, it will be semi transparent.
- 3
  Learn to determine the importance of colors and patterns on milk glass and how it affects its value and authenticity before making a purchase. For instance the hobnail pattern crafted by the brand Fenton, has very distinguishing ruffles and buttons in the glass. Westmoreland, another milk glass brand, typically use rabbits or fruit as a pattern. Counterfeit milk glass generally has no pattern or marking.
- 4
  Take your milk glass to an appraiser to get it dated and priced.

Antiques