The Valuable Glass Item You Shouldn't Pass Up If You See It At The Thrift Store

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Those antique white vases, pitchers, and candy dishes that keep catching your eye at the local thrift store are worthy of a closer look. Milk glass is a charming collectible that gained popularity in the Victorian era as an elegant but cheaper alternative to porcelain. It later saw a resurgence in the mid 20th century along with other types of depression glass. Glass manufacturers made a huge variety of items in milk glass, from figurines to punch bowls to butter dishes. This opaque glass remains popular with collectors and is a hot thrifting find that can be worth a lot more than its bargain price.

Figuring out the value of a piece of milk glass can be a bit tricky. The first step is determining if it is "real" milk glass. Milk glass is slightly translucent. Hold it up to the light and see if you can see a pale colored light ring, known as a "ring of fire" shining around its edges, which is a telltale sign that you have the real thing. Some popular manufacturers like Fostoria, Indiana Glass Company and Westmoreland marked their pieces with a company signature on the bottom, but many older pieces are unmarked and could still be valuable. As with any collectible, rarer items are higher in value. 

Before buying a bunch of milk glass, scan online second-hand shops like eBay or Etsy to see what items are common. While most milk glass items on these sites go for only a few dollars, rarer pieces can fetch upward of $100 or more. Items that sell at higher prices include whimsical figurines, complete punch bowl sets, and uniquely shaped pedestals. The hobnail pattern, which is a bumpy texture, is popular with many current collectors. For a deeper dive into research, consult one of the many catalogs or collectors encyclopedias available, such as The Milk Glass Book. You can even visit an appraiser to authenticate your thrifted find.

With so many items crafted in milk glass, from the practical to the whimsical, finding a home for these pieces is easy and fun. A set of candleholders or bud vases grouped together would be perfect for open kitchen shelving, or on your dining room table. A classic candy dish on your dresser can serve as a stylish holder for your rings. You can also integrate more eccentric figurines and unique shapes into a trendy curiosity cabinet. Many thrift and antique stores have vintage lamp shades and pendants made of milk glass, which can be added to your home for a cozy lighting vibe. Milk glass is most commonly found in white, but was also made in pastel pinks, greens and blues, as well as black. Keep an eye out for unique shades that might suit your decor when thrifting.