Uranium Glass Compote Value Guide

This American-made uranium glass compote from the 1920-1940 era is a prime example of Depression-era glassware, prized for its distinct yellow-green hue. Its unique chemical composition allows it to glow vibrantly under ultraviolet light, a feature that makes it a centerpiece for glass enthusiasts.

What Is Uranium Glass Compote Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Compote is $100 - $100 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the fluted rim and intricate textured bowl design significantly impacts the $100 market valuation.
• Physical condition is critical; chips or 'flea bites' on the delicate fluted edges will decrease the collectible value.
• The intensity of the fluorescence under UV light, driven by the concentration of uranium oxide, affects desirability.
• Historical provenance as a pre-WWII piece, manufactured before uranium was diverted for strategic military use.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Compote?

• Verify the signature neon green glow using a 365nm or 395nm UV blacklight to confirm uranium oxide content.
• Inspect the rim for the specific fluted, wavy pattern characteristic of early 20th-century American glass pressing.
• Check the bowl for a consistent textured pattern and the absence of modern mold seams which indicate authentic vintage production.
• Look for the specific translucent yellow-green 'Vaseline glass' tint that distinguishes it from standard green Depression glass.

History of Uranium Glass Compote

Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries for its distinctive yellow-green hue, which glows vibrantly under ultraviolet light due to the inclusion of uranium oxide. Its production largely ceased during World War II due to uranium's strategic importance, making surviving pieces highly sought after by collectors today. While it contains uranium, the radioactivity is typically very low and considered safe for handling.