Uranium Glass Ashtray Value Guide

This round green uranium glass ashtray is a quintessential piece of Depression-era and mid-century American glassware. It is highly collectible due to the inclusion of uranium oxide, which gives the piece its signature vibrant yellow-green hue and a striking fluorescent glow under ultraviolet light.

What Is Uranium Glass Ashtray Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Ashtray is $40 - $60 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 of $40-$60.
• Physical condition is critical; the absence of chips in the cigarette rests or surface scratches preserves the higher end of the price range.
• Clarity of the glass, as pieces without clouding or 'glass sickness' are more desirable to collectors.
• Provenance and manufacturer marks, though many Depression-era pieces remain unsigned.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Ashtray?

• Verify the presence of uranium oxide by using a 365nm or 395nm UV blacklight to trigger a bright neon green fluorescence.
• Check for the specific three-rest configuration designed for cigarettes, typical of United States manufacturing between 1930 and 1960.
• Examine the glass for a transparent yellow-green 'vaseline' tint that remains consistent throughout the round form.
• Look for characteristic mold marks or slight bubbles consistent with mid-century glass production techniques.

History of Uranium Glass Ashtray

Uranium glass dates from the early 19th century and became widely produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Manufacturers added small amounts of uranium oxide to glass to produce a bright yellow-green color that fluoresces under UV light. These ashtrays were popular in the Depression era and mid century as both functional smoking accessories and decorative tableware. Collectors today prize pieces with strong fluorescence and intact form.