Vaseline Glass Bud Vase Value Guide

This slender American-made bud vase is a prime example of Depression-era uranium glass, prized for its distinct greenish-yellow hue. Its collectibility stems from the historical use of uranium dioxide, which allows the piece to fluoresce brilliantly under ultraviolet light.

What Is Vaseline Glass Bud Vase Worth?

The typical price range for Vaseline Glass Bud Vase is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Intensity of the glow under UV light, which indicates the concentration of uranium dioxide used in the melt.
• Physical condition, specifically the absence of 'flea bites,' chips, or internal mineral staining from water.
• Clarity of the glass and the presence of any original manufacturing marks or patterns from the 1920-1940 era.
• Market demand for specific American silhouettes, with well-preserved bud vases typically fetching between $40 and $60.

How to Identify Vaseline Glass Bud Vase?

• Verify the signature neon green fluorescence by placing the vase under a long-wave UV or blacklight.
• Check for the characteristic oily or 'vaseline' yellow-green tint in natural daylight common to 1920-1940 production.
• Inspect the base for period-accurate wear and the slender, tapered silhouette typical of early 20th-century US glassworks.
• Confirm the material is translucent uranium glass rather than opaque custard glass or non-reactive green glass.

History of Vaseline Glass Bud Vase

Vaseline glass, also known as uranium glass, gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its distinctive greenish-yellow hue comes from the addition of uranium dioxide to the glass mixture. Though the practice declined due to concerns about radioactivity, items like this bud vase remain cherished collectibles for their unique glow under blacklight, a characteristic that fascinated people during its original production.