Bit By the Collecting Bug
My first encounter with collecting came from a love and admiration for Milk Glass. It was something about it being of another era, about the many patterns and designs it came in, about the fact that it was relatively cheap to buy (compared to other things found in an antique shop). I also loved that I could find Milk Glass at thrift stores for even cheaper! And so, I was “bit by the collecting bug.”
I had vase upon vase, pitchers and cake pedestals- you name it. In our previous house, we had a shelf just below the ceiling in our kitchen that spanned the entire perimeter of the room, in which I displayed my beautiful collection. Soon, I had too many to fit on the shelf, and had to place the others in boxes that sat in the garage collecting dust.
When we decided to sell our house and move to a bigger one, we had a garage sale and I ended up selling many of my treasured pieces…I managed to convince my husband that I needed to keep a few, for “sentimental reasons” ;D
Did you know that there’s even a national organization for Milk Glass collectors? Me neither. Well, apparently there is, and they have conventions each year- in case you wanted to check it out, the next one is in New York at the end of September. According to Collectors Weekly, Milk Glass originated as far back as the 16th century! However, I think most of the Milk Glass found in thrift and antique stores are from the 1950’s onward, with many popular pieces having producer Fenton’s signature “hobnail” pattern (see an example of it in the image of the pitcher above).
I truly enjoy antiques in general, but something about Milk Glass just captivates me 😀
These pieces are beautiful! Now I have something new to look for on my rounds… Oh dear… =)
I know, it’s hard not to fall in love with all the unique designs and shapes of milk glass! I’m always tempted to buy more. I’ve noticed recently that a few thrift shops I’ve been to actually mark up the price on milk glass- I think they’ve caught on that it’s a collector item 🙂
i can see your fascination with milk glass. i’ve never seen it before, never having come across any in australia. it’s beautiful!
Wow, that’s interesting! I thought it would’ve made it’s way over there somehow. Maybe you’ll have to keep you eye open for it on your next thrift/antique shopping trip 🙂
i love those little bowls!
Thanks! It’s a set of one larger serving bowl, and smaller “dessert” bowls. It has a really cool swirly pattern on the bottom. I can’t really remember where I got them or how much I paid, unfortunately 😦
Oh my!! Another milk glass fan! It’s the first thing I started collecting too. However, I haven’t gotten rid of any of it. I’ve got countless bud vases, cereal bowls, mugs, and anything else you can imagine in milk glass. I even have a pitcher similar to the one you have pictured. It’s probably time to thin the herd, but like you, I consider them my treasures! Glad to know that I’m not the only one! Maybe I should check out the milk glass convention 🙂
You should totally check it out! Do you live near it’s location? (NY, I think…) Where do you store/display your milk glass collection?
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