Depression Glass Tumbler Value Guide

This 1930s green uranium glass tumbler is a quintessential piece of American history, mass-produced during the Great Depression as an affordable luxury or promotional premium. Its distinctive paneled design and the inclusion of uranium dioxide make it a highly sought-after specimen for collectors of 'glow' glass.

What Is Depression Glass Tumbler Worth?

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

• The intensity of the fluorescence under UV light significantly impacts the market value for uranium glass enthusiasts.
• Condition is critical; the absence of 'flea bites,' chips on the rim, or cloudiness from dishwasher use preserves the $25-$40 price range.
• Rarity of the specific paneled mold and the clarity of the green tint compared to other mass-produced Depression-era premiums.

How to Identify Depression Glass Tumbler?

• Verify the presence of uranium by using a UV or blacklight to see if the glass emits a bright neon green glow.
• Examine the surface for small bubbles or 'straw marks' which are common manufacturing artifacts from the 1930s era.
• Check for the specific paneled geometric pattern characteristic of United States production from the late 1920s to 1940s.

History of Depression Glass Tumbler

Depression glass was mass-produced in the United States during the Great Depression, from the late 1920s to the 1940s. It was often given away as premiums in cereal boxes, at movie theaters, or sold inexpensively. The presence of uranium in some green glass gives it a distinctive glow under UV light.