When did Westmoreland Glass Company start making milk glass?
First made by Westmoreland in the 1920s, milk glass was the most remarkable and prolific product this company manufactured. In fact, they were one of the top producers of fine quality milk glass in the United States, according to the Collector’s Encyclopedia of Milk Glass by Betty and Bill Newbound.
Who was the largest maker of antique milk glass?
One of the largest makers of antique milk glass was Atterbury, which made so much of the stuff that the company’s Pittsburgh factory was often referred to as the White House. Starting in the 1870s, Atterbury began making figural opal glass bottles in the shapes of ducks.
How did Westmoreland Glass Company survive the Great Depression?
Westmoreland suffered through the Great Depression in the 1930s like the majority of other glass companies and varied businesses, but unlike others, they never ceased production. The company reorganized in 1937 with further funds risked by the Brainard family who had partnered with the West family to operate the factory since the late 1800s.
Where did the term milk glass come from?
Milk glass, also known as “opal glass,” has been around since the 16th century, but the term “milk glass” was coined in the 20th century to describe the opaque plates, goblets, serving items, and decorative glassware objects that became popular…
Where was Dugan glass made in the early 1900s?
The glass companies in the early 1900s were all closely related and networked. The Dugan Glass Company was started by Thomas Dugan in Pennsylvania in 1905. The glass was manufactured in what used to be one of the Northwood glass factories. Dugan left in 1913 and the company was renamed Diamond Glass.
What did u.s.glass sell in the 1920s?
In the 1920s, U.S. Glass advertised “bridge sets” that were basically a coaster/ashtray combination packaged with the company’s footed tumblers. The coaster/ashtray was void of an actual pattern, but the footed tumblers in Primo and their other Depression patterns fit them perfectly.
What did the United States Glass Company Mark?
U.S. Glass Co. Marks This conglomerate marked its glassware in a number of different ways in the early 1900s. One mark combines the letters U, S, and G with Co. in an intertwined fashion. Other pieces were marked with U imposed over an S, or simply USG, according to the Glass Lovers Glass Database marks gallery.
When did the Jeannette Glass Company start making bottles?
The Jeannette Bottle Works Company was established in 1887, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. In 1898 the Jeannette Bottle Works company was succeeded by the Jeannette Glass Company and got its start producing hand made bottles.
What kind of labels did Westmoreland Glass use?
The Newbounds report the following Westmoreland marks used on milk glass and other wares: Several different paper labels were also used by Westmoreland throughout the years. Most of these wore away with cleaning and use over time, but collectors will occasionally find one still in place.
Where did Westmoreland Specialty Company get its name?
Westmoreland Specialty Company grew out of Specialty Glass Company when the business moved from East Liverpool, Ohio to Grapeville, Pennsylvania in the late 1880s. In 1890, the company began producing high-quality glass in pot furnaces at its new factory.
When did Westmoreland Glass Company move to Grapeville?
Pamela is an antique expert and the author of three books on the subject. She’s written over 400 articles on antique collecting for The Spruce Crafts. Westmoreland Specialty Company grew out of Specialty Glass Company when the business moved from East Liverpool, Ohio to Grapeville, Pennsylvania in the late 1880s.
What kind of glass do Westmoreland glass collectors use?
Among the most successful patterns were Paneled Grape, Old Quilt, Quilted, English Hobnail, Beaded Fruit, and American Hobnail. Paneled Grape in particular has remained a staple of Westmoreland collectors, who know that all it takes to transform a milk glass punch bowl from plain to extraordinary is a cluster of grapes in high relief on its side.
When did the Westmoreland Glass Company shut down?
On January 8, 1984, almost 100 years after its founding, the factory shut down production. The Westmoreland Glass Company grew out of the Specialty Glass Company of East Liverpool, Ohio, which, in 1889, relocated to Grapeville, Pennsylvania, to take advantage of the area’s abundant supply of natural gas.
Why was Westmoreland Glass important during the Great Depression?
Thanks to their high level of craftsmanship, Westmoreland milk glass pieces were considered some of the finest examples of the material in the country. This reputation for quality is one reason the factory was not forced to close its doors during the Great Depression, a fate that befell so many of Westmoreland’s competitors.
