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How to Identify Milk Glass

Milk glass, made popular in the 16th century, has become a sought after collectors item among antique enthusiasts. Depending on the time period in which it was made, some milk glass items are more valuable than others. Milk glass can be easily identified by its look, however, there are also certain distinctive patterns that are common to items from different eras.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the color of the piece. Milk glass is distinctive and is not clear. The most common pieces range in color from bluish to a deep white.
- 2
  Look for a deep, creamy shine to the glass. Generally, the whiter the glass, the more valuable it is. However, some manufacturers in the 20th century mixed dyes into the glass resulting in pieces that can be blue, pink, purple or green as well.
- 3
  Look at both the style and the pattern. For instance, animal figurines, candy dishes and drinking glasses were very popular in the 1880's. Before then, common patterns included Block and Fan, Holly, Stars and Striped, and Button and Arches. Being familiar with the different patterns can help you determine real milk glass from the knock off kind.

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