Dishes and cups were of course made of this glass, but so were boxes, vases, and figurines, perfume bottles, match holders and toothpick holders, even lanterns. Milk glass pieces are often figural in designs, incorporating flowers, animals, especially barnyard animals such as cows and roosters, people, and everyday items and landmarks. I also remember, but do not have, several cold cream jars that sat atop my mother s dressing table. Another interesting piece I came across while browsing on the Internet, was a photograph of a man from WW1, placed directly onto a square of milk glass. Christmas bulbs and other Christmas decorations were made of milk glass, including parrots, Santa s, trees, and sleds, just to name a few.
Milk glass is decorated in many different styles and techniques.
A molded glass, milk glass lends itself well to Hobnail, a raised pattern of bumps, and lace, in which the glass simulates the look of lace. Handpainted pieces are also common. Manufacturers are numerous, including Fenton, Westmoreland Specialty Glass Company, U.S. Glass Company, L.E. Smith Glass Company, Boston and Sandwich Glass Company, Duncan Glass, Fostoria Glass Company, Belknap, and many, many, more glass manufacturers. When buying milk glass, be sure to look for chips, crack, discoloration, and replacement parts. It is fine to purchase them with the new lids, but be aware of what you are buying.