Uranium Glass Lamp Value Guide

This 1920-1940 American-made Uranium Glass Lamp is a premier example of Depression-era lighting, featuring a distinctive green hue and intricate decorative etching. Highly collectible for its 'Vaseline glass' aesthetic, these pieces represent a peak in domestic glass production before uranium scarcity halted manufacturing.

What Is Uranium Glass Lamp Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Lamp is $450 - $500 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and intricacy of the decorative etching on the glass body.
• The condition and originality of the brass hardware and electrical components.
• The intensity of the fluorescence when exposed to UV light.
• Overall glass clarity and the absence of chips, cracks, or 'sick glass' clouding.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Lamp?

• Verify the signature neon green glow under a long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light source.
• Check for the characteristic 'greasy' or oily surface texture common to authentic Vaseline glass.
• Examine the brass fittings and etched patterns for period-accurate 1920s-1940s craftsmanship.
• Look for a translucent yellow-green tint in natural light, which distinguishes it from standard green glass.

History of Uranium Glass Lamp

Uranium glass, often called Vaseline glass due to its greasy appearance, gained popularity in the mid-19th century. Its unique glow under ultraviolet light captivated many, making it a sought-after material for decorative items and tableware. Production peaked in the 1920s and 30s before declining due to the scarcity of uranium and concerns about its radioactivity. Today, these pieces are prized by collectors for their historical significance and luminous beauty.