Uranium Glass Inkwell Value Guide

This antique Uranium Glass Inkwell, dating from 1880 to 1920, is a prized desk accessory from the United States. Its collectible appeal lies in the addition of uranium dioxide during production, which gives the glass a striking, luminous glow under ultraviolet light.

What Is Uranium Glass Inkwell Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Inkwell is $350 - $420 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 fluorescence when exposed to UV light.
• Physical condition, specifically the absence of chips, cracks, or staining from old ink.
• The presence of original components such as the lid, hinge, or internal glass well.
• Market demand for specific late Victorian or early 20th-century American designs.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Inkwell?

• Verify the signature neon green glow using a 365nm or 395nm UV blacklight.
• Look for the characteristic pale yellow or 'Vaseline' glass tint under natural lighting conditions.
• Check for era-appropriate wear on the base and the presence of original metal or glass fittings.
• Confirm the weight and clarity consistent with late 19th-century American glass manufacturing.

History of Uranium Glass Inkwell

Uranium glass, often called Vaseline glass due to its pale yellow appearance, gained popularity in the mid-19th century. Its unique glow under ultraviolet light is a result of uranium dioxide being added to the molten glass during production. While it contains uranium, the radioactivity is negligible and considered safe. These inkwells were once common desk accessories.