Antique Milk Glass Embossed Lamp (2024)

FAQs

How do I identify my antique lamp? ›

As with many types of antiques, vintage lamps are likely to have a date stamp or maker's mark somewhere. Typically, these marks are on the base of the lamp, but sometimes there are also stickers on the light fixing itself that will include a name or date or manufacturer.

But the term "milk glass" almost always refers to the white glass that was popular from 1835 through the 1980s in America and England. To create milk glass, early manufacturers added arsenic to their standard glass recipes, which yielded a faintly grayish, but nicely opalescent effect.

milk glass, opaque white glass (as opposed to white, or clear, glass) that was originally made in Venice before 1500 and in Florence between 1575 and 1587, where it was intended to simulate porcelain.

Milk glass is valued among collectors and prized for its delicate beauty, but what exactly is it? Originally created as an alternative to pricey porcelain, milk glass is opaque glass in a smooth, creamy color pressed into ornate designs and patterns.

The type and quality of the material used can impact the value of the lamp. For instance, lamps made from precious metals like gold or silver are more valuable than those made from other materials. Similarly, lamps made from hand-blown glass are more valuable than those made from machine-made glass.

Antiques are items which must be at least 100 years old. That means, as of the date of this posting, an antique item was made on or before April of 1918.

When it comes to valuable milk glass, certain patterns, shapes, and styles are highly sought after such as pedestal planters, embossed pitchers with fruit, particularly grapes and apples, hen game dishes, and items with flower motifs such as daisies, roses, poppies with leaves as well as slim tapered bud vases and ...

1. The Most Valuable Vintage Milk Glass in a Set — Octagonal Punch Bowl. A 1900s design; has an impressive design; one of the most sought-after pieces by collectors; the most expensive at $517; incredibly rare.

Pay special attention to the bases and edges of Fenton's glass. The base will have a flat, collared surface, or it may have a ball or spatula feet. The edges are often smooth, bracketed, crimped, or ruffled, and are one of Fenton's most recognizable characteristics.

Most milk glass you find in antique stores, garage sales, and online will sell in the range of $10 to $30 per piece. However, some items sell for far more, and there are several factors that can affect the price of milk glass. When you're comparing values, always check the sold price of similar items.

Is milk glass still collectible? ›

Collectible. Milk glass has a considerable following of collectors. Glass makers continue to produce both original pieces and reproductions of popular collectible pieces and patterns.

Many milk glass pieces have markings on the bottom, such as the company name or numbers, so you can use that information to look it up. There are also certain patterns, including hobnail (one of my favourites), daisy, holly or stars that can determine the maker and era.

Some of the most collectible types & styles of antique and vintage glassware include Depression Glass, Carnival Glass, Milk Glass, Moonstone, Hobnail Glass, and Jadeite. One of the most popular styles of antique glass was a Hen on Nest, also known as Animal Dishes because of the variety of animals they come in.

Rough Spots or Areas can be identified by running a finger along the rim or base of a drinking glass or goblet. Scratches, often an indicator of age, hide on the bottom of a piece of antique glass. They typically go in every direction on an older piece while those on a newer one will all be going in the same direction.

Opalescent or iridescent glass can increase a piece's value. Cobalt blue glass can bring a higher price.

The answer / solution to the problem / question documented in this article. To locate the the serial number of the lamp to determine the age or type of lamp, you will have to physically remove the lamp from the lamp housing module. Etched on the lamp is type and serial number.

Look at the Cord and Plug

The plug of older lamps had prongs that were the same size, whereas modern plugs have prongs that are different sizes. Exposed wires or screws are other indicators of an antique cord. Fabric or cotton-covered cords are another sign of an older lamp.

If you come across something you're unsure of, check the silhouette style, type of glass, and bulb age. Edison bulbs, certain ceramics, types of metals and colors are all distinguishable features for different ages of vintage light fixtures.

You can often date an antique lighting fixture by examining its design, materials, and any maker's marks or labels. Researching historical catalogues and consulting experts can also help determine its age.