Vaseline Glass Candlestick Value Guide

Vaseline yellow glass pillar candlestick holders | eBay
Vaseline Glass Candlestick
Estimated Value
$70 – $90
Period
1880-1940
Origin
United States
Materials
Uranium glass

This American-made Vaseline glass candlestick is a prime example of late 19th to early 20th-century uranium glass craftsmanship. Its collectible appeal lies in the specific addition of uranium dioxide, which gives the piece a unique petroleum jelly hue and a striking glow under ultraviolet light.

What Is Vaseline Glass Candlestick Worth?

The typical price range for Vaseline Glass Candlestick is $70 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Intensity of the fluorescence under UV light significantly impacts the $70-$90 price range.
  • Physical condition, specifically the absence of 'flea bites,' chips, or heat cracks in the glass.
  • The complexity of the mold design and the presence of any documented maker's marks from the era.
  • Color purity, with the most desirable pieces closely mimicking the pale yellow-green of vintage petroleum jelly.

How to Identify Vaseline Glass Candlestick?

  • Verify a bright neon green glow when exposed to a long-wave UV or blacklight source.
  • Look for the characteristic 'Vaseline' color, which must be a translucent yellow-green rather than opaque or deep green.
  • Check for manufacturing marks or pontil scars consistent with United States glass production between 1880 and 1940.
  • Assess the clarity and weight, as authentic uranium glass from this era has a specific density and transparency.

History of Vaseline Glass Candlestick

Vaseline glass, also known as uranium glass, gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its unique color comes from the addition of uranium dioxide to the glass mixture. Despite the presence of uranium, the radioactivity is generally considered negligible, making it a safe and sought-after collectible. The term 'Vaseline glass' specifically refers to glass with a yellow-green color resembling petroleum jelly, though not all uranium glass is Vaseline glass.

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