Depression Glass Mixing Bowl Value Guide

This green ribbed mixing bowl is a quintessential example of American Depression-era glassware, prized for its vibrant color and historical significance as a household premium. Its unique composition includes uranium oxide, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors who appreciate its ability to glow under ultraviolet light.

What Is Depression Glass Mixing Bowl Worth?

The typical price range for Depression Glass Mixing Bowl is $25 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition is paramount; chips, deep scratches, or 'flea bites' along the rim will significantly lower the $25-$40 value.
• The intensity of the fluorescence under black light can influence desirability among uranium glass specialists.
• Clarity of the glass, as pieces that have become cloudy or 'sick' from dishwasher use are less valuable than clear examples.
• The presence of original manufacturing flaws versus post-production damage like cracks or heavy utensil marks.

How to Identify Depression Glass Mixing Bowl?

• Check for a distinct green hue that fluoresces bright neon green when exposed to a UV or black light.
• Look for the characteristic vertical ribbed pattern molded into the exterior of the glass.
• Inspect for typical manufacturing marks of the 1920-1940 era, such as small air bubbles or slight mold seams.
• Verify the weight and texture, as authentic uranium glass from this period has a specific density compared to modern reproductions.

History of Depression Glass Mixing Bowl

Depression glass was an affordable, mass-produced glassware made in the United States during the Great Depression. It was often given away as premiums in cereal boxes, at movie theaters, or as promotional items. The distinctive green color, often called 'vaseline glass' or 'uranium glass', is due to the addition of uranium oxide to the glass mixture, causing it to fluoresce under black light.