How to Collect Milk Glass

Understand that milk glass is an opaque white, blue or green glass. Most pieces were manufactured in the late 1800s.

Realize that true antique pieces of milk glass are very valuable. However, many reproductions are on the market, and it is often hard to tell the difference between an original and a reproduction.

Look on the bottom of the piece for a patent date or company name. This will help you determine the age of the piece. The amount of wear on the object can also be a clue.

Know that some of the most popular milk glass items are animal-covered dishes. Often the animal cover will not have a date or other identification, so collectors must be particularly careful about purchasing these pieces.

Buy a milk glass pricing guide and familiarize yourself with the colors, patterns and values.

Ask for the provenance of the object before purchasing anything. The provenance is the history and authentication of the item.

Purchase milk glass from antique shops and collectors. You might also find a few pieces in the collections of older relatives.

Attend milk glass conventions and join a glass-collecting group in your area.