Vintage Milk Glass Ruffled Swung Vase

This item is a vintage milk glass swung vase, a style popularized in the mid-20th century, specifically the 1950s through the 1970s. The piece features a bulbous, ribbed base that tapers into a long, slender 'swung' neck, terminating in a flared, ruffled, or 'petal' rim. The construction is typical of American art glass manufacturers like Fenton or Viking, though no specific maker's mark is visible in the provided image. The opaque white color is characteristic of traditional milk glass. The ribbed pattern on the base provides a tactile texture and helps catch the light, emphasizing the verticality of the piece. Swung vases are unique because each is hand-stretched while the glass is hot, meaning no two are exactly identical in height or curvature. The condition appears fair to good with no immediate signs of large chips or cracks, though close inspection would be required to rule out flea bites on the rim or surface scratches. The height appears to be approximately 12 to 15 inches based on surrounding objects. Such pieces are highly collectible examples of mid-century decorative arts.

I have examined the digital representation of this vintage white milk glass swung vase. The piece exhibits the classic 'stretch' characteristics of Mid-Century American glass, likely produced by a manufacturer such as Fenton Art Glass or Viking Glass Company. The ribbed 'Six-Finger' or 'Stark' style base appears structurally sound, and the ruffled rim maintains its delicate petal form. While the glass displays the correct opacity and sheen for period-accurate milk glass, I must note that fine 'flea bites' or internal heat cracks—common in swung glass—cannot be definitively ruled out without a tactile examination. The market for mid-century milk glass remains steady but saturated. Large quantities of these vases were produced during the 1960s, which keeps them accessible. While taller examples (exceeding 20 inches) or those with rare 'slag' colors command higher prices, standard white milk glass vases in the 12-15 inch range typically trade within the $35 to $55 bracket. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to verify the base for a 'Fenton' logo or pontil mark, which would narrow the manufacture date and potentially increase value. For full authentication, an in-person inspection would be required to analyze the 'orange peel' texture of the glass and check for UV fluorescence, which helps distinguish vintage formulas from modern reproductions. Provenance documentation or original foil labels would further solidify its market standing.