Uranium Glass Saucer Value Guide

Estimated Value
$30 – $36
Period
Early 1900s to mid-1900s
Origin
Likely USA or Europe
Materials
Glass, uranium oxide

Uranium glass saucers are highly sought-after collectibles prized for their distinct yellow-green hue and their ability to fluoresce bright green under ultraviolet light. Produced primarily between the mid-19th century and the mid-20th century, these pieces represent a unique era of glassmaking that utilized uranium oxide as a coloring agent before wartime restrictions limited its use.

What Is Uranium Glass Saucer Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Saucer is $30 - $36 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 'flea bites' on the rim will significantly reduce the $30-$36 market value.
  • The intensity of the glow under UV light can influence desirability among specialized collectors.
  • Intricacy of the pressed or etched pattern, as more ornate designs from the Depression era typically command higher prices.
  • Provenance and origin, with verified pieces from notable USA or European manufacturers being more liquid in the secondary market.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Saucer?

  • Verify the signature neon green glow by placing the saucer under a 365nm or 395nm UV blacklight.
  • Check for the characteristic 'Vaseline glass' translucent yellow-green tint that persists even in natural lighting.
  • Look for manufacturing marks or patterns consistent with early 20th-century American or European glass houses.
  • Examine the piece for a slight oily or waxy luster on the surface, which is common in high-quality uranium glass compositions.

History of Uranium Glass Saucer

Uranium glass, also called Vaseline glass, was popular from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century. It contains a small amount of uranium oxide, which gives the glass its distinctive yellow-green color and its glow under UV light. It was used in tableware, decorative items, and collectibles, valued for its unique appearance and novelty. Production declined during World War II due to uranium restrictions but it remains a collectible item today.

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