Uranium Glass Pitcher Value Guide

This American-made Uranium Glass Pitcher is a quintessential example of Depression-era glassware produced between 1920 and 1940. Its collectible appeal lies in the trace amounts of uranium dioxide used in the glass mixture, which creates a mesmerizing, vibrant green luminescence under ultraviolet light.

What Is Uranium Glass Pitcher Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Pitcher is $50 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition is paramount; chips, cracks, or 'sickness' (cloudiness) in the glass can significantly reduce the $50-$70 price range.
• The intensity of the fluorescence under UV light directly impacts desirability among specialized glass collectors.
• Rarity of the specific pattern or manufacturer from the 1920-1940 era can push the value toward the higher end of the estimate.
• Historical provenance and the presence of original matching tumblers can increase the overall set value.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Pitcher?

• Verify the signature neon green glow by using a 365nm or 395nm UV blacklight flashlight.
• Check for the characteristic oily or 'Vaseline' yellow-green tint visible even in natural daylight.
• Examine the pitcher for mold marks or patterns consistent with US manufacturers from the 1880s to 1940s.
• Look for signs of age-appropriate wear on the base, such as faint scratches or shelf wear, rather than modern uniform smoothness.

History of Uranium Glass Pitcher

Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, was popular from the 1880s to the 1940s. Its distinctive glow under ultraviolet light is due to trace amounts of uranium dioxide added to the glass mixture. Production declined significantly after World War II due to regulations surrounding radioactive materials, making authentic pieces from this era highly sought after by collectors.