Milk glass, with its creamy, opaque glow reminiscent of moonlight captured in glass, has been a beloved collectible for over a century. Whether due to age, brand prestige, or manufacturing quirks, certain designs are commanding top dollar in the vintage market. For serious collectors, provenance matters, too: Pieces with original labels or ties to famous estates can sell for hundreds at auction.
From elegant retro patterns to rare Art Deco designs, here are 11 valuable pieces of vintage milk glass, plus tips on how to spot the difference between real gems and fakes.
1. Milk Glass White Eagle
Regal and stately, this 1920s-1930s milk glass eagle — which once topped a White Eagle Oil gas pump — sold for a cool $4,000 at the end of 2024. The price is eye-popping, to be sure, but it’s worth noting that there aren’t any chips, cracks, or repairs, and that the piece is an original and not a reproduction.
2. Westmoreland Butter Dish
Westmoreland’s milk glass is beloved for its delicate appearance, with covered dishes featuring ornate designs (like this adorable glass cat) commanding the highest prices (over $100). But even plainer ones can fetch upwards of $50. Though one was estimated to fetch up to $10,000, a lucky buyer was able to snag it for just $25 at auction.
Pro tip: To check for authenticity, look for an inter twined “W” and “G” logo on the base (or a raised “Westmoreland” inside a keystone for products made after 1946).
3. Atterbury Salt & Pepper Shakers
These adorable salt and pepper shakers from the late 1800s are coveted by collectors thanks to Atterbury’s lasting prestige and reputation in the glass realm. Made in small batches and handblown in molds, these six-inch shakers depict John Bull (a British cultural icon). Sold for around $100, the shakers were in “excellent shiny nice condition with no chips or damage.” If you have any other salt and pepper sets stashed at home, be sure to check out our story on vintage salt and pepper shakers.
4. Fenton Punch Bowl Set
Fenton’s holiday-themed milk glass is another hot commodity among collectors, especially the brand’s whimsical punch bowl sets and vases. Featuring hand-painted details with intricate patterns and motifs, complete sets, including the bowl and matching cups, have been known to sell for over $400. One pink fan vase is also listed for close to $500 on eBay.
5. McKee Milk Glass Vases
McKee’s Art Deco-inspired vases, with their sleek, geometric design and high-gloss finish, are a favorite among fans of early 20th-century glass. Versions dating back to the early 1900s are particularly sought-after thanks to their thicker and more detailed finish compared to mass-produced versions. Listed for upwards of $350 on eBay, a bowl from the brand also sold for $110 at auction.
6. Imperial Milk Glass Set
This vintage set, consisting of a pitcher, creamer, sugar, and candy bowl, dates all the way back to the 1950s — and showcases Imperial’s intricate mold work. According to the seller, the set was found “in the back bedroom” of their grandparent’s home, stashed away like a nesting doll. “Behind a box was another box and in that box was a small box and in THAT box (seriously) was THIS milk glass set,” the item’s description reads. Featuring a beautiful grapevine design, the set was listed for just $80.
7. Kemple ‘Hen on Nest’ Covered Dishes
These white milk glass hen dishes were manufactured in the late ’40s and feature impressive detailing in the feathers, comb, and woven basket base. Though you can find them listed for just $60 on eBay, used sets in “fair” condition can sell for upwards of $100, thanks to the brand’s lasting reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Pro tip: The original nesting lid should fit snugly — if it wobbles, it may be a replacement, which can halve its value.
8. L.E. Smith ‘Moon & Star’ Pitcher
While traditional milk glass is white, dyed versions in colors like opaque white, blue, pink, and green shades are still considered milk glass as long as they retain the glassware’s signature opaque, milky finish. This is achieved through additives like tinoxide and feldspar to achieve a more “saturated ivory hue.”
Cherished by mid-century modern collectors for its glitzy space-age patterns and raised motifs, a single pitcher by L.E. Smith can sell for upwards of $150. Featuring bold designs in favorites like ruby red and cobalt blue, the brand is known for its sturdy milk glass that’s both futuristic-looking and high quality. Look for the faint “L.E. Smith” mark on the base for authenticity.
9. Fostoria ‘American’ Punch Bowls
Fostoria’s “American” line was all the hype in the 1920s when it was first released. Renowned for its precision-cut geometric patterns, a single restored punch bowl can sell for upwards of $340. Full sets are also listed on eBay for over a grand.
10. Gillinder Presidential Glass Busts
For those who are feeling patriotic, these ornate busts featuring U.S. presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, sold at auction for $180 in 2019. Made over 150 years ago, the busts had “some residue and surface wear” along with “mold marks” and a “small chip” on the base of Washington’s bust. But if you aren’t interested in having old men on display, you can invest in more functional glassware, like this beautiful opaline snack plate by the brand that’s going for just $17.
11. Anchor Hocking ‘Royal Ruby’ Milk Glass
Known for its red “Royal Ruby” line, Anchor Hocking created some of the most popular Depression-era glassware. Just take this vintage four-piece set featuring the brand’s hobstar pattern and original (though partially faded) foil labels. Super cute for Christmas or Valentine’s Day displays, the red set is listed for just $50. You can also find soup bowl sets and glasses for under $100.
We’ve got more vintage glass content right this way:
Collectors of carnival glass can find plenty of pieces to covet with 10 Valuable Carnival Glass Pieces To Look Out For, while Depression glass fans can enjoy 12 Valuable Depression Glass Pieces That Could Be Hiding in Your Cabinet. Interested in uranium glass? 11 Glowing Uranium Glass Pieces That Collectors Want should be added to your list.
The post 11 Valuable Pieces of Milk Glass appeared first on Wealth Gang.
