Hobbies And Interests
Description
Milk glass is milky white in color although it was also created in different colors later on in the 19th century. Some pieces are opalescent white, some a watery white and the more modern pieces are solid white. Molds were used to make the glass and imprint interesting deep designs in the glass. One of the most popular designs is called "hobnail" and is a series of squares and dots. Other designs consisted of wedges and triangles or looked like folded material. These designs often cover the piece. Other simpler designs were also developed such as a row of raised grapevines or roses. Some dishes had ruffled edges with lace-like motifs or intricate lattice work. Figurals were dishes that had a base that looked like a nest or basket with the lid in the likeness of an animal. The most popular was that of a chicken or rooster.
History
Mill glass came into popularity in the 1840s, but the forerunners of the actual manufactured glass came from China, with snuff bottles dating to 140 B.C. Something similar to milk glass was found in Egypt dating to 1500 B.C. Formulas for producing the glass were documented in the 1800s and the glass was mass-produced by 1840.
Manufacturers
Several companies began to mold milk glass in the 1840s. There were a few companies in France and England and several in the United States near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Westmoreland Specialty Company, Imperial Glass and Fenton Glass where some of the largest producers in the U.S. It is rare to be able to find an imprint of the manufacturer on any glass.
Production
Milk glass components have changed over the years, but the process of making the glass remains relatively the same. Milk glass is made up of half silica, or sand, which is mixed with other chemicals and minerals to give it the milky color. The mixture is heated to a high temperature and melted to a liquid. This liquid is poured into metal molds and sealed until cool. When the molds are opened the glass pieces are shined and buffed, and some are hand painted.
Changes
Arsenic was used in the early days to make milk glass opalescent. Some of these pieces have a reddish glaze around the edges, and these are most prized by collectors. The use of arsenic was stopped when it was determined to be dangerous. From 1840 through the 1870s flint glass was used to make milk glass. Flint contained lead and if a piece was lightly hit it would ring as if it were a bell. Fluorite was used to make the milk glass iridescent. Unfortunately, fluorite started to leach into the water system around the manufacturing plants and caused problems. Fluorite also caused molds to corrode very quickly and they could only be used a few times before they were useless.
Modern Milk Glass
Not many manufacturers make good quality milk glass today. Most of it is reproductions of past production. Plain glass is used along with white paint to get an effect like milk glass. The patterns of the molds are not nearly as intricate as they were in the past. Fluorite was used up until the 1960s. Pieces made up to this time are the most valuable.