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Milk glass is a type of opaque glass that first originated in Venice in the 16^th century. Despite the name, not all milk glass is white—even very old pieces can be found in alternative colors such as pink, blue, or brown. Although the genesis of this type of glass is quite old, the milk glass that is found in the collectible market today tends to date from the 19^th and 20^th centuries, and much of it was produced in America.

White milk glass became popular during the Victorian era because it was a beautiful and economical alternative to porcelain, which it resembles. (This is also the era when the term “milk glass” was coined to describe this type of glassware.) A wide variety of decorative pieces were made out of this type of glass, including glasses, dishes, vases, perfume bottles, and decorative boxes. During the Great Depression and into the 1940s, milk glass went out of vogue somewhat, only to enjoy a revival in both popularity and production in the 1950s and 1960s.

Because milk glass has enjoyed such a long history, the value of pieces can vary considerably depending on their origin and condition. Milk glass that dates from the 19^th century is more valuable than that of more recent manufacture, and pieces that feature unusual patterns will fetch a higher price than more common ones. Some milk glass pieces were designed to commemorate historic events or highlight patriotic themes, such as dishes featuring the likeness of George Washington or memorial pieces for Presidents Lincoln and Garfield. These types can be quite valuable, depending on their rarity.

Different patterns of milk glass have become associated with particular manufacturers, such as Fenton’s Hobnail pattern, which it introduced in 1939 and soared to popularity in the 1950s. However, many iconic designs were copied and made by multiple manufacturers, such as covered dishes designed to look like nesting hens. Written guides and identification websites can help interested collectors learn about the variations in design and production during milk glass’s heyday.

The long history of milk glass can make it tricky to definitively identify an individual piece as being authentic. This has been complicated by the fact that as some glass manufacturers have gone out of business and their molds were sold off to other companies, some of which continued to produce new pieces with them. Some experts suggest looking through a piece of milk glass in sunlight to detect the iridescent color around the edges known as the “ring of fire,” which is supposed to distinguish older pieces from more recent ones. Makers’ marks on the glass can also help you pin down the date when a particular piece was made. However, if establishing an exact positive ID and value on a piece is important to you, you should take it to an appraiser for an expert examination.

Auction King seeks out unusual and attractive collectibles to bring to our clients at below-market prices on our convenient online platform. We verify the authenticity of our pieces so that you can rest assured that what you see is what you’ll get. We constantly update our selection with new finds from our extensive network of sources. Register for a free online account today to start bidding.

Baseball fans are among the most devoted in sportsdom, following their favorite teams through good times and bad. Autographed baseballs are a popular type of baseball memorabilia, but not all signed balls are created equal. For fans looking to own a piece of baseball history or a connection to their favorite player, it’s helpful to know what factors can make a signed ball more or less desirable. Here are some things to look for if you are considering buying a signed ball:

What’s the quality of the signature?: The signature should be clear, not smudged or spotted.

Where is the signature placed?: In general, collectors prefer that a baseball be signed on the “sweet spot,” the location on the ball where the seams are closest together. This is because a signature in this spot makes for a more appealing visual when the ball is on display.

Is it inscribed?: If the signed ball includes an inscription such as a team slogan, a personal motto, or an acknowledgment of a team or personal accomplishment, in general its value will be higher than a similar ball with just a signature.

Is it personalized?: While a ball inscribed to a particular recipient by name will have great sentimental value for the person who received it, it will bring less on the sports memorabilia market than a ball that is not personalized.

What type of ball is it?: An official ball from the league the player played in will be more valuable than a random baseball. A specialty baseball, such as a World Championship Ball, will be more valuable still. (Note: specialty baseballs are usually signed on the side panel, under the logo, rather than the sweet spot, so that both the logo and signature will be visible when the ball is displayed.)

Does it comes with a certificate of authenticity?: As with any type of collectible, the signed baseball market attracts unscrupulous dealers. They may try to exaggerate the value of goods they have on offer or pass something fake off as being the real thing. Reputable dealers will supply a certificate of authenticity with a signed baseball so you can be confident that it has not been misrepresented.

Signed baseballs follow the general rules that apply to the value of sports memorabilia—value increases with rarity, the stature and popularity of the player who signed it, and whether or not that player is still living. When you’re contemplating purchasing a signed ball, take the time to do a bit of research to figure out the general price you can expect to pay. If you think you might sell it down the road, know that prices for memorabilia can vary depending on current fads, so be prepared to hold onto the ball for a while until you can get the price you want. In the meantime, store the ball in a climate-controlled environment protected from UV rays, which can fade the signature and lower the ball’s value.

Auction King gives sports fans the opportunity to bid on authenticated memorabilia at below-market prices from the comfort of their own homes. We bring you collectible treasures from baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and more. Register today for a free online account and start bidding.

While golf doesn’t have as showy a following as other major sports, the legions of devoted golf fans and players testify to the enduring popularity of the sport. Golf as we know it was first developed in southeastern Scotland in the 15^th century. It was so popular then that King James II banned it in 1457, complaining that it was distracting his archers from their practice. That ban didn’t last long—by 1500 it had been lifted, and shortly thereafter King James IV took up the sport. Golf spread around the globe with the expansion of the British Empire, and over the centuries the rules of the game and the equipment used evolved into the forms we are familiar with today. Golf balls have undergone dramatic changes since players first used bent sticks to whack a ball toward a designated target in the fewest number of strokes.

The very oldest golf balls look nothing like the golf balls you would purchase today. While there is speculation that very early golfers used either wooden balls or leather balls stuffed with hair, the earliest balls that we know for certain were used for golf were made of leather stuffed with feathers, developed in the 17^th century. These were labor-intensive to make and thus expensive—a ball maker could make only two or three of these balls per day. In reasonable condition, these early leather golf balls will go for thousands of dollars.

The first molded ball was introduced in the mid-1800s. These were made from gutta percha, a light rubbery substance made from the sap of the sapodilla tree, found in Malaysia. These were the first golf balls that could be mass produced. Although the first gutta-percha golf balls produced were smooth, players found that the nicks they gained through play helped produce a more stable flight path. Manufacturers began adding raised patterns to these balls to improve performance. The price for one of these on the collectible market will vary depending on the rarity of the ball and its condition, but you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars.

The Haskell ball—a golf ball with a solid core wrapped in rubber threads and covered with a layer of gutta-percha—was invented at the very end of the 19^th century. This most closely resembles the golf balls that are used today and is the most common type of golf ball you’re likely to find on the vintage market. However, the pattern of dimples that distinguish modern golf balls was not introduced until the 1930s. Before then, golf balls had raised patterns that varied by manufacturer. Rare and unusual patterns can boost the price of a golf ball from this period.

Another popular category of collectible vintage golf balls is the wrapped golf ball. From about 1910 to 1970, manufacturers sold golf balls individually wrapped in coverings advertising their maker. Balls still in their wrappers can sell for several hundred dollars, particularly if they are very rare or in mint condition.

For golf aficionados looking to connect with the history of the game, collecting vintage golf balls is one way to satisfy that urge. Auction King offers authenticated sports memorabilia and collectibles at below-market prices in a secure, convenient format that allows fans to own a piece of their favorite game. Register today for a free online account and start bidding!