Preliminary identification

Fenton and Westmoreland Milk Glass Assortment, Mid-20th Century

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

A charming collection of American milk glass featuring iconic patterns like Fenton's 'Moon and Star' and Westmoreland's open-lace 'Old Quilt' or 'English Hobnail' styles. These pieces represent the peak of the mid-century obsession with opaque white glass that mimicked expensive Victorian porcelain.

Story

Post-war American families used these snowy-white vessels to brighten their Sunday tables. This specific mix includes the 'Moon and Star' pattern, a design so beloved it was produced by several different glass houses over 70 years.

Maker / Origin

Fenton and Westmoreland were the titans of the Ohio River Valley glass industry. While Fenton was famous for its ruffled edges and hand-painted details, Westmoreland became the gold standard for high-quality milk glass with a dense, creamy consistency.

Condition & Value

The pieces appear to be in good vintage condition with no visible 'flea bites' on the scalloped edges. The lace-edge plate is particularly prone to breakage, but this example looks intact. Condition is excellent for the age. Individual bowls in these patterns typically sell for $15–$25, while the lace-edge plate can fetch $30–$40.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.