Uranium Glass Bowl Value Guide

Etched Sugar Bowl Wheat Design Double Handled - Etsy
Uranium Glass Bowl
Estimated Value
$40 – $70
Period
1930s-1940s
Origin
United States
Materials
Uranium glass

This 1930s-1940s American-made Uranium Glass bowl is a quintessential piece of Depression-era history, prized for its signature yellowish-green hue. Its collectibility stems from the inclusion of uranium oxide, which causes the glass to emit a brilliant fluorescent glow under ultraviolet light.

What Is Uranium Glass Bowl Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Bowl is $40 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The intensity and consistency of the glow under UV light significantly impact the $40-$70 price range.
  • Physical condition, specifically the absence of 'flea bites,' chips, or surface scratches from age.
  • The complexity of the pressed glass pattern and the specific shade of green or yellow-green.
  • Historical provenance and rarity of the specific mold used during the pre-WWII production era.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Bowl?

  • Verify the signature vibrant green fluorescence using a 365nm or 395nm UV blacklight.
  • Check for the characteristic oily or 'Vaseline' yellowish-green tint under natural light conditions.
  • Look for manufacturing marks or patterns consistent with 1930s-1940s American glass producers.
  • Examine the piece for typical Depression-era glass characteristics like small air bubbles or mold lines.

History of Uranium Glass Bowl

Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries for its distinctive yellowish-green hue. Its unique glow under ultraviolet light is due to the small amount of uranium oxide incorporated during its manufacturing. Production of uranium glass largely ceased during World War II due to uranium's strategic importance, making older pieces highly sought after by collectors today.

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