Uranium Glass Cruet Value Guide

This 1930s American uranium glass cruet is a quintessential example of Depression-era kitchenware, prized for its distinct pale yellow-green hue. Its collectibility stems from the inclusion of uranium oxide, which causes the vessel to emit a vibrant neon glow under ultraviolet light.

What Is Uranium Glass Cruet Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Cruet is $75 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original stopper significantly impact the $75-$90 valuation.
• Clarity of the glass, specifically the absence of 'sick glass' or permanent cloudy mineral deposits from vinegar storage.
• Physical integrity, including the lack of chips on the delicate pouring lip or internal bruising.
• The intensity of the glow under UV light, which indicates the concentration of uranium oxide used during the 1930s.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Cruet?

• Verify the signature vivid green luminescence using a 365nm or 395nm UV blacklight.
• Check for the presence of a matching glass stopper, which should fit snugly and share the same color density as the bottle.
• Look for characteristic 1930s manufacturing marks such as faint mold lines or a polished pontil on the base.
• Confirm the 'Vaseline glass' oily sheen and transparent green clarity typical of US production from this era.

History of Uranium Glass Cruet

Uranium glass, often called Vaseline glass due to its pale yellow-green color, became popular in the 1930s. Its distinctive glow under ultraviolet light is due to the small amount of uranium oxide added to the glass mixture. Despite containing uranium, the levels are generally very low and considered safe for household use, though its production largely ceased during World War II due to uranium's strategic importance. Today, it is a highly sought-after collectible item for its unique luminescence.