Uranium Glass Eye Wash Cup Value Guide

The Uranium Glass Eye Wash Cup is a fascinating relic of early 20th-century personal hygiene, combining functional medical design with the era's unique glass-making chemistry. These footed cups are highly sought after by collectors for their striking fluorescent glow, a result of uranium oxide added to the glass during the American Depression Era.

What Is Uranium Glass Eye Wash Cup Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Eye Wash Cup is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the glass, specifically the absence of flea bites or chips along the delicate rim.
• Intensity of the glow under UV light, which indicates the concentration of uranium oxide.
• Clarity of the glass, as cloudiness or 'sick glass' from hard water deposits can reduce the $15-$25 market value.
• Presence of original manufacturer embossing or unique Depression-style geometric patterns.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Eye Wash Cup?

• Verify the signature neon green fluorescence using a 395nm or 365nm UV blacklight.
• Look for the characteristic footed base design typical of 1920s-1940s American mass production.
• Check for a slight oily or 'Vaseline' yellow-green tint in natural daylight.
• Inspect the rim for smooth, rounded edges designed for comfortable contact with the eye socket.

History of Uranium Glass Eye Wash Cup

Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, was popular from the 1880s to the 1920s. Its distinctive glow, a result of small amounts of uranium oxide added to the glass mixture, fascinated consumers. Eye wash cups were common personal hygiene items during this period, used with various solutions to soothe or cleanse the eyes. This particular style reflects the aesthetic of the Depression Era, where such items were mass-produced.