White Milk Glass Footed Bowl Value Guide

Period
1940-1960
Origin
United States
Materials
Milk glass
Category
Milk glass

This mid-century White Milk Glass Footed Bowl represents a classic era of American glassware produced between 1940 and 1960. Highly collectible for its opaque porcelain-like finish and intricate embossed leaf patterns, these three-footed vessels were staples of domestic decor from manufacturers like Fenton and Westmoreland.

What affects the value of White Milk Glass Footed Bowl?

  • Condition is paramount, as chips on the delicate leaf edges or feet significantly reduce the $15-$25 market value.
  • The presence of a maker's mark from prominent firms like Fenton, Jeannette, or McKee can increase desirability among brand-specific collectors.
  • The purity of the white color, free from yellowing or 'sick glass' cloudiness, ensures the item reaches its maximum price potential.
  • Intricacy of the embossed design, with more detailed botanical motifs typically commanding the higher end of the value range.

How to Identify White Milk Glass Footed Bowl?

  • Examine the base for three distinct integrated feet and a smooth, fire-polished rim.
  • Look for the characteristic 'milk-white' opacity that mimics fine porcelain without being translucent.
  • Check for high-relief embossed leaf patterns that are crisp and consistent around the exterior circumference.
  • Verify the weight; authentic mid-century milk glass from the US is notably heavy and dense compared to modern reproductions.

History of White Milk Glass Footed Bowl

Milk glass, an opaque or translucent glass, was first produced in 16th-century Venice. It gained immense popularity in the United States from the mid-19th century through the 1950s, often produced to imitate porcelain. Companies like Fenton, Jeannette, and McKee were prominent manufacturers of decorative milk glass pieces, and designs featuring natural elements like leaves and flowers were particularly cherished for their elegant and often whimsical appeal. These bowls served various purposes, from holding candy and trinkets to being purely decorative accents in homes.

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