Uranium Glass Oil Lamp Value Guide

This antique Uranium Glass Oil Lamp, produced in the United States between 1880 and 1920, represents a unique intersection of Victorian utility and early 20th-century glass innovation. Often referred to as Vaseline glass, these lamps are highly collectible due to their distinct aesthetic and the inclusion of uranium oxide which creates a signature fluorescent glow.

What Is Uranium Glass Oil Lamp Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Oil Lamp is $75 - $100 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The intensity of the fluorescent glow under ultraviolet light significantly impacts the market value.
• Overall condition, specifically the absence of chips in the glass base and the presence of the original hurricane shade.
• The functionality and completeness of the metal wick burner and adjustment mechanisms.
• Rarity of the specific glass pattern or mold design used for the uranium glass reservoir.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Oil Lamp?

• Verify the presence of a vibrant green or yellow-green hue in the glass base under natural light.
• Use a 365nm or 395nm UV light to confirm a bright, neon green fluorescence characteristic of uranium glass.
• Check for period-correct metal burner components and a clear glass hurricane shade consistent with late 19th-century designs.
• Look for manufacturing marks or mold lines typical of American glass production from the 1880-1920 era.

History of Uranium Glass Oil Lamp

Oil lamps, a primary source of light for centuries, evolved significantly with the introduction of kerosene and improved wick and burner designs in the 19th century. This particular lamp, made from uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, was popular from the 1880s to the 1920s. The distinctive green glow of uranium glass under ultraviolet light made these lamps a decorative and fascinating household item, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal during an era of significant technological and artistic changes.