Green Depression Glass Oil Lamp Value Guide

This American-made Green Depression Glass Oil Lamp is a quintessential artifact of the 1920s to 1940s, blending functional lighting with the era's distinct aesthetic. Its collectibility is driven by its vibrant green hue and the historical significance of uranium glass production during the Great Depression.

What Is Green Depression Glass Oil Lamp Worth?

The typical price range for Green Depression Glass Oil Lamp is $120 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and intensity of the uranium glow under ultraviolet light significantly impacts market demand.
• The condition of the brass components and the absence of chips or cracks in the green glass body.
• Completeness of the piece, including the original clear glass chimney and functional wick adjustment mechanism.
• Rarity of the specific pressed glass pattern used in the lamp's design.

How to Identify Green Depression Glass Oil Lamp?

• Verify the presence of uranium by using a UV light to see if the glass emits a signature neon green glow.
• Inspect the base and font for the characteristic pressed glass patterns common in U.S. production from 1920-1940.
• Check for authentic brass hardware on the burner assembly and a period-correct clear glass chimney.
• Look for signs of mold marks or slight bubbles in the glass, which are typical of mass-produced depression-era glassware.

History of Green Depression Glass Oil Lamp

Depression glass, often produced during the Great Depression in the United States, was affordable and widely distributed, sometimes given away as promotional items. This particular lamp, with its vibrant green hue, likely contains uranium, a common additive in some depression-era glass, causing it to glow under UV light. Oil lamps were essential for lighting before widespread electricity, and many were beautifully crafted to serve as both functional and decorative pieces.