Shot Glass Value & Price Guide

Collecting shot glasses is a popular hobby that blends travel memories, historical craftsmanship, and pop culture branding. These small yet diverse vessels range from mass-produced souvenirs to rare Depression-era glassware and specialty advertising pieces.

Price Range: $9 - $14 based on recent sales

History of Shot Glass

While small drinking vessels have existed for centuries, the term 'shot glass' gained widespread use in the United States during the early 20th century. During the Depression era, companies like McKee Glass produced iconic designs such as the 'Bottoms Up' glass, which featured a female figure and was designed so it could not be set down until emptied. Following World War II, the rise of the American road trip and international tourism turned the shot glass into the quintessential souvenir. From the neon-heavy designs of the 1980s to modern novelty shapes like skulls and boots, these items serve as a chronological map of global travel and social trends.

Value Factors for Shot Glass

The typical price range for Shot Glass is $9 - $14 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity of the design, such as the highly sought-after McKee Bottoms Up or limited edition NASA mission glasses.
• Material quality, ranging from standard machine-pressed glass to hand-etched crystal, brass, or radioactive Uranium glass.
• Historical significance or age, with pre-Prohibition and mid-century Depression glass typically commanding higher prices than modern souvenirs.
• Condition of the decal or etching, where vibrant, unfaded colors and sharp lines indicate a well-preserved collector's item.

Tips for Buying Shot Glass

• Check for maker's marks or logos on the bottom of the glass to distinguish authentic vintage pieces from modern reproductions.
• Inspect the rim and base for flea bites or chips, as even minor damage can significantly reduce the value of etched or hand-blown glass.
• Use a UV light when hunting for vintage green glassware to identify highly collectible Uranium glass pieces that glow under blacklight.
• Prioritize glasses with intact graphics or gold leaf detailing, as fading from dishwasher use is a common issue that lowers resale value.

Items in This Collection

• Green Bay Packers Shot Glass
• Planet Hollywood Shot Glass
• Etched Shot Glass
• Uranium Glass Shot Glass
• Paris Shot Glass
• NASA Shot Glass
• Statue of Liberty Shot Glass
• Paris Souvenir Shot Glass
• Kikkerland Skull Shot Glass
• Brass Shot Glass Value & Price Guide
• Glass Boot Shot Glass
• McKee Bottoms Up Shot Glass