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October 12th, 2007 by Just Glass Oline Staff

Duncan and Miller Glass Company began in 1872 in Washington, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, an area rich in all the items necessary to glass making.

Two years later a man destines to become a great designer joined the company where he worked for over fifty years. His name was John Miller.

For two years (1890-92) the company had to close due to a fire. However, the new factory started out with a bang, making the Mitchell pattern on the first firing.

It is from this point forward that we get into the Duncan and Miller period; Ernest Miller being a partner, and Harry Duncan taking on the role of President after his father’s death.

From a collectors standpoint there are specific lines for which to watch, namely Teardrop, Sandwich, Hobnail and Canterbury.

There are also hues specific to the Duncan and Miller line including rose, light blue, ruby, cobalt blue, black and green. Their products get classified along with “elegant” products thanks to the overall excellence.

Duncan and Miller closed in 1955. Most of the equipment and molds were sold to United States Glass in Ohio, who diligently reproduced some patterns until 1980 when they, too, closed.

Additionally the Hugs Corn Flower Company also bought some patterns (swans, candlesticks, flower bowl), and utilized them as recently as 2001.

Best known Duncan and Miller patterns and designs:

• Canterbury - produced during the 1930s, some of the Canterbury pieces were overlaid in silver or gold.
• Canterbury #115 - produced by Duncan Miller from 1939 to 1955, these are heavy glass pieces that were made in various colors.
• Charmaine Rose - a lovely rose pattern.
• Caribbean - rings of wavy glass distinguish this interesting pattern.
• Dover - an “Elegant” Depression glass pattern produced by Duncan and Miller.
• First Love - an etched floral pattern used with different glass forms, produced from 1935 until the company closed in 1955.
• Tear Drop - a crystal or clear glass pattern with very small glass balls in a distinctive pattern.