Old Fashioned Milk Jug Old Fashioned Milk Jug
How to Appointment Old Milk Cans
By
Kate Miller-Wilson
An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written virtually antiques for many years. She has also managed an online antiques community.
Read More than
Antique Collector
Metallic milk cans tin can be a beautiful addition to whatsoever farmhouse kitchen or vintage farm collection, and learning how to engagement old milk cans is very useful. If y'all know how old the can is, you tin can go a meliorate sense of its value.
Milk Tin History
Used to transport milk from the cow to the abode, some of these cans date back hundreds of years. The earliest metal milk cans are from the Island of Guernsey about 1,000 years agone, where they were made past hammering sheets of metal into a gear up form in the same way armor of the era was made. The design inverse over time to create the standard shape you are likely to encounter in antique stores. The tapered tiptop helped continue the milk from spilling during send, peculiarly during the 19th century when carts and wagons were the primary form of transport. Most examples you'll see are made from tin, steel, or copper. Milk cans savage out of common usage as dairy send methods changed afterward the invention of refrigerated trucks.
How to Date Erstwhile Milk Cans
If you accept an old milk can or are considering one in an antique shop or flea market, at that place are some clues for establishing a appointment, according to Antique Trader. Follow these steps to decide how quondam your milk can may be.
Consider the Size
Older milk cans from the 19th century tend to be larger, often property up to 25 gallons. If a milk can is this size, information technology likely dates to earlier 1920. Smaller milk cans, such equally those that can hold five gallons, could be from whatever fourth dimension in the 19th or 20th centuries.
Look for a Patent
Milk can designs changed oft as farmers adapted them to ameliorate suit their needs. Many cans feature patent numbers, which offer an easy clue well-nigh date. Check the tin can over thoroughly for a patent number and and then expect the number upwards at the United states Patent Office. You'll get a specific date that patent was issued.
Check for a Creamery Characterization or Farmer'south Name
Many old milk cans include a label for the creamery that endemic it or a small brass tag with the name of the farmer. Either of these tin give you more than data virtually the milk can'southward history, including an estimate age for it. Do a local search or contact the library in the boondocks where the creamery was located. In that location may be records of the business that will give you a range of dates for the can.
Look at the Materials and Construction
Older milk cans are constructed from thicker metal, while new ones were made of thinner tin can. Older cans too tend to be fabricated of three pieces of metal that are welded together instead of a unmarried slice of metallic. Additionally, labels on older cans are thick paper instead of a thin sticker.
Bank check for Holes in the Cap
The cap of older milk cans from before 1920 oftentimes had several pocket-size holes to help vent steam from the warm milk every bit it cooled. These were eliminated in later cans.
Value of Antique Milk Cans
Many milk tin can collectors enjoy gathering cans from a specific region to create a collection. Others choose cans with painted images or cans made of copper. Value depends on what collectors are looking for, just most cans range from well-nigh $twenty to well over $200. Condition is a big factor in value with cans in smashing shape with clear labels and minimal damage fetching the most. Here are a few sample values of what milk cans are worth:
- A minor red-painted milk can in rough shape with no label sold on eBay for about $20.
- A uncomplicated galvanized steel x-gallon milk can in excellent condition sold for virtually $85.
- A lovely polished copper milk can with brass handles and a creamery stamp sold for almost $350.
Using Antique Milk Cans in Your Decor
If you savor decorating with antiques, milk cans are a great addition to your home. Yous can use them equally a big vase for belongings flowers or greenery or simply display them in a grouping every bit kitchen collectibles. Some people also use them as outdoor decorations, but exposure to the weather can cause damage over time. No affair how yous choose to use them, they brand a charming and functional antiquarian with a pretty farmhouse flair.
© 2022 LoveToKnow Media. All rights reserved.
0 Response to "Old Fashioned Milk Jug Old Fashioned Milk Jug"
Post a Comment