"Milk glass" today is considered neither white nor entirely opaque, as illustrated by more than 450 photos in this book The Milk Glass Book by Frank Chiarenza and James Alexander Slater. Milk Glass has a long history, originally made during the 1700's in England. It was named milk glass because of its milky white coloration. Originally, it was called "Opal Ware" by glassmakers and was meant to be an imitation of china and porcelain when it was first produced in England. It was not highly successful commercially until the mid 1800's. Milk glass produced during the late 1800's - early 1900's is highly prized by collectors. Milk glass not only comes in the well-known opaque white, but it also comes in pink, blue, yellow, caramel, green and black; the black is really a dark amethyst. When held up to light, purple can be seen around the edges. The pink pieces are very popular today and highly sought after. The most popular pattern in milk glass is the paneled grape pattern by the Westmoreland Glass Company, in business from 1889 - 1985. It is thought to be one of the most collected of the patterns in milk glass. Another popular type and most expensive of milk glass are the figurals and animals. They were originally used as packaging containers for mustard, ketchup, vinegar, and preserves. These containers were used by manufacturers as enticements for people to buy their product. They were made from the 1890's and early 1900's. Two of the most collectibles manufacturers are McKee and Flaccus. They had the oldest figure containers and most were unsigned since they were considered giveaways. Other well-known manufacturers are Anchor Hocking, Fostoria, and Indiana Glass. Drawn from the extensive collections of members of the National Milk Glass Collectors Society, most pieces pictured in The Milk Glass Book have not appeared in any previous book. Even long-time collectors will be surprised to see items they have never encountered. American, English, French and other foreign manufacturers are all represented, and some pieces are shown here in extremely rare colors. A special section shows items that have puzzled collectors or whose distinctive qualities merit special attention. Twenty-four pages from early catalogs of the French glasshouses Vallerysthal and Portieux are reprinted in color illustrating exquisite pieces. A checklist of major manufacturers such as Fenton and Northwood, selected readings, index, and value guide are also provided. A must for lovers of milk glass, this book will appeal to all who appreciate finely-made glass.

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The Milk Glass Book (Schiffer Book for Collectors)