Uranium Glass Citrus Juicer Value Guide

This American-made uranium glass citrus juicer is a quintessential example of functional Depression-era kitchenware produced between 1930 and 1940. Collectors prize these reamers for their vibrant green hue and the historical significance of using uranium dioxide as a coloring agent before production was halted for wartime efforts.

What Is Uranium Glass Citrus Juicer Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Citrus Juicer is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition is paramount; chips on the sharp juicing ridges or the pour spout significantly decrease the $40-$60 market value.
• The intensity of the fluorescence under UV light can influence desirability among specialized uranium glass collectors.
• Rarity of the specific mold design or manufacturer markings from the 1930-1940 period can drive prices toward the higher end of the range.
• Clarity of the glass, specifically the absence of 'sick glass' or permanent cloudiness, preserves the item's aesthetic and resale value.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Citrus Juicer?

• Verify the signature neon green glow under a UV or blacklight, confirming the presence of uranium dioxide.
• Check for the characteristic 'Vaseline glass' translucency and the specific green tint common to 1930s American glassworks.
• Inspect the reamer's ridges and pour spout for the heavy, molded construction typical of mid-century kitchen tools.
• Look for signs of authentic age-related wear, such as minor surface scratches or 'straw marks' from the original manufacturing process.

History of Uranium Glass Citrus Juicer

Uranium glass, often called 'Vaseline glass' when it has a distinct yellowish-green color, was popular from the 1880s to the 1940s. Its unique hue comes from the addition of uranium dioxide to the glass mixture. While it contains uranium, the radioactivity is minimal and generally considered safe for household use. During the Depression era, these functional yet decorative pieces were common in American kitchens.