McKee Bottoms Up Shot Glass Value Guide

The McKee Bottoms Up Shot Glass is a quintessential Prohibition-era novelty, designed by the McKee Glass Company to reveal a hidden nude figurine as the liquid is drained. Crafted from uranium glass, these pieces are highly sought after for their historical 'naughty' charm and their ability to fluoresce bright green under ultraviolet light.

What Is McKee Bottoms Up Shot Glass Worth?

The typical price range for McKee Bottoms Up Shot Glass is $200 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the glass, specifically looking for 'flea bites' or chips on the delicate interior figurine.
• Intensity of the uranium glow, as more vibrant fluorescence typically commands higher collector interest.
• Presence of the original matching coaster, which can significantly increase the value beyond the $200-$250 range.
• Color rarity, with standard green being common but specific McKee experimental hues fetching a premium.

How to Identify McKee Bottoms Up Shot Glass?

• Verify the presence of the McKee 'McK' hallmark or specific mold numbers often found on the base or rim.
• Test the glass with a 365nm or 395nm UV light to ensure it exhibits the signature bright green glow of authentic uranium glass.
• Examine the interior figurine for the specific Art Deco styling characteristic of the 1920-1940 production era.
• Check for the 'Bottoms Up' patent mark which was frequently applied to the coaster or the glass base during original manufacturing.

History of McKee Bottoms Up Shot Glass

McKee Glass Company, founded in 1853, was a prominent American glass manufacturer known for its pressed glass patterns and later for its kitchenware. The 'Bottoms Up' shot glass was a popular novelty item produced in the early 20th century. The use of uranium in glass, which gives it a distinctive glow under UV light, was common in this era before its radioactive properties became widely understood.