Uranium Glass Tobacco Jar Value Guide

This early 20th-century American tobacco jar is a prime example of 'vaseline glass' craftsmanship, featuring a striking contrast between its glowing green body and original brass lid. Produced between 1900 and 1920, these jars are highly collectible due to the scarcity of uranium oxide following post-WWII manufacturing regulations.

What Is Uranium Glass Tobacco Jar Worth?

The typical price range for Uranium Glass Tobacco Jar is $80 - $100 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original brass lid significantly impact the $80-$100 price point.
• Glass clarity and the intensity of the fluorescence under UV light can drive higher collector interest.
• Physical condition, specifically the absence of chips or 'flea bites' around the jar's rim and base.
• Historical provenance linking the piece to the specific 1880s-1920s peak production period.

How to Identify Uranium Glass Tobacco Jar?

• Verify the signature neon green glow by placing the glass under a long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light source.
• Check for the original brass lid, which should show age-appropriate patina and fit the jar's rim securely.
• Look for characteristic early 1900s manufacturing marks such as slight bubbles or tool marks in the glass.
• Confirm the glass color is consistent with the yellow-green 'vaseline' hue typical of United States production eras.

History of Uranium Glass Tobacco Jar

Uranium glass, also known as vaseline glass, gained popularity from the 1880s to the 1920s. Its distinctive green glow under ultraviolet light is due to the small amount of uranium oxide added during its production. While beautiful, production declined significantly after World War II due to regulations surrounding uranium use, making these older pieces sought after by collectors.