Vaseline Glass Compote Value Guide

Antique Vaseline Glass Urn / No Chips / Bright Glow In UV | eBay
Vaseline Glass Compote
Estimated Value
$40 – $60
Period
1930-1960
Origin
United States
Materials
glass, uranium oxide (colorant)

This ruffled-top Vaseline glass compote is a quintessential example of American uranium glass produced between 1930 and 1960. Highly sought after for its distinctive yellow-green chartreuse hue, these pieces were crafted by iconic makers like Fenton and Tiara to serve as elegant dessert sherbets or decorative accents.

What Is Vaseline Glass Compote Worth?

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

  • Condition of the ruffled edges, as chips or 'flea bites' significantly reduce the $40-$60 market value.
  • Intensity of the fluorescence under ultraviolet light, which is the primary draw for uranium glass collectors.
  • Attribution to a specific American manufacturer such as Fenton or L.G. Wright through documented patterns or marks.
  • Clarity of the glass and the absence of 'sick glass' or permanent cloudiness from improper cleaning.

How to Identify Vaseline Glass Compote?

  • Verify the presence of uranium oxide by checking for a bright green glow under a UV or blacklight.
  • Look for the characteristic ruffled or crimped rim common in mid-century American glass production.
  • Examine the pedestal stem for mold marks or signatures consistent with makers like Fenton, Tiara, or L.G. Wright.
  • Observe the specific yellow-green chartreuse color, which distinguishes true Vaseline glass from standard green depression glass.

History of Vaseline Glass Compote

Vaseline glass, also called uranium glass, was popular from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century and enjoyed revivals in Depression-era and mid-century glassware. Makers added a small amount of uranium oxide to produce the distinctive yellow-green color and a bright fluorescence under ultraviolet light. These pieces were commonly made as dessert sherbets, compotes, or decorative vases and were produced by American companies such as Fenton, Tiara, and L.G. Wright during the 1930s through the 1960s.

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