McKee Glass: America's Pioneering Pressed Glass Manufacturer
McKee Glass Company, founded in 1843 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was one of America's earliest and most prolific pressed glass manufacturers. Operating for over 100 years before being acquired by Thatcher Glass in 1951, McKee produced everything from brilliant flint glass tableware to Depression-era kitchenware that remains highly collectible today.
History and Development
The company began as McKee & Brothers, established by Samuel McKee. The factory relocated to Jeannette, Pennsylvania in 1888, where it became a dominant force in American glass production. McKee was instrumental in developing new glass formulas, including their famous Prescut line and a range of opaque colored glasses that collectors prize today.
Key periods include the early pressed glass era (1850s-1880s), the pattern glass period (1880s-1910s), and the kitchenware/Depression glass era (1920s-1940s).
Identifying McKee Glass
McKee pieces are often marked with "McK" in a circle, "McKee" spelled out, or the "Prescut" mark. Early pieces may be unmarked. Key identification features include:
- Prescut mark: Found on their brilliant-style pressed glass from the early 1900s
- McK: Circle mark used on kitchenware lines
- Mold quality: McKee's molds were notably sharp and well-defined
- Glass colors: Skokie Green, Chalaine Blue, Seville Yellow, and Custard are signature McKee colors
Popular Patterns and Lines
- Rock Crystal: Elegant Depression-era pattern with floral motifs
- Autumn: Art Deco kitchenware line
- Tom & Jerry: Punch bowl sets in milk glass and custard
- Laurel: Children's tea sets and tableware
- Bottoms Up: Figural cocktail tumblers shaped as a nude woman
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bottoms Up tumbler with coaster (Skokie Green) | $150 - $350 |
| Rock Crystal pitcher, red | $200 - $500 |
| Prescut punch bowl set | $75 - $200 |
| Chalaine Blue canister set (4 pc) | $300 - $600 |
| Laurel children's tea set (complete) | $150 - $400 |
| Custard glass Tom & Jerry set | $100 - $250 |
| Seville Yellow refrigerator dish set | $80 - $175 |
| Early flint glass compote (1850s-1860s) | $200 - $800 |
Condition Factors
- Color intensity: Deeper, more saturated colors command premiums, especially in Chalaine Blue and Skokie Green
- Lid presence: Kitchenware pieces with original lids are worth significantly more than bases alone
- Mold sharpness: Crisp pattern detail indicates earlier production runs from fresher molds
- Chips and flakes: Common on utilitarian pieces; even small rim chips reduce value by 40-60%
- Label remnants: Original paper labels add 10-20% to value
Collecting Tips
McKee kitchenware in opaque colors represents the strongest market segment currently. Chalaine Blue and Skokie Green command the highest premiums, while white milk glass pieces remain affordable entry points. The Bottoms Up tumbler is McKee's most iconic single piece and consistently performs well at auction. Early pre-1900 pressed glass by McKee is undervalued relative to comparable EAPG makers and offers opportunity for knowledgeable collectors. Complete sets with lids always outperform individual pieces, so patience in assembling full canister or refrigerator sets pays dividends.