Uranium Glass Tea Cup Value Guide

This 1930s American-made Uranium Glass tea cup is a quintessential example of Depression-era glassware, prized for its striking translucent green hue. Its collectibility stems from the unique addition of uranium dioxide, which allows the piece to fluoresce brilliantly under ultraviolet light.

What Is Uranium Glass Tea Cup Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Tea Cup is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Physical condition, specifically the absence of flea bites, chips on the rim, or cracks in the handle.
• The intensity of the fluorescence under UV light, which indicates the concentration of uranium dioxide.
• The presence of specific Depression-era patterns or manufacturer stamps that increase desirability for specialized collectors.
• Clarity of the glass, as cloudiness or 'sick glass' from improper washing can significantly reduce the $25-$35 market value.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Tea Cup?

• Verify the signature vivid neon green glow by using a 365nm or 395nm UV blacklight.
• Look for the specific translucent green or yellow-green 'Vaseline' tint characteristic of pre-WWII production.
• Check for typical 1930s manufacturing marks or patterns consistent with United States glass houses of the era.
• Confirm the material is glass rather than plastic by checking for weight and cold-to-the-touch surface temperature.

History of Uranium Glass Tea Cup

Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, was popular from the 1880s to the 1940s. Its distinctive green or yellow hue comes from the addition of small amounts of uranium dioxide to the glass mixture. While mildly radioactive, the levels are generally considered safe for everyday use. Production largely ceased during World War II due to uranium restrictions but saw a small revival later.