Tiffin Glass Green Uranium Glass Plate with Gold Encrusted Scalloped Rim

This is a vintage octagonal or scalloped plate crafted from light green uranium glass (also known as Vaseline glass), likely produced between the 1920s and early 1940s. The plate features a pressed glass construction with a slightly recessed central well. The most distinguishing characteristic is the wide, heavy gold encrusted decoration along the outer rim. This gold fretwork appears to be an acid-etched or 'gold sand' pattern, typical of high-quality Depression-era glassware manufacturers like Tiffin or Fostoria. The glass displays a subtle greenish-yellow tint, which is indicative of uranium oxide content that would glow intensely bright green under UV/Ultraviolet light. The rim is divided into eight points with curved, scalloped edges between them. Regarding condition, there is visible wear to the gold gilding, particularly at the sharp points and edges, where the under-layer is showing through—a common sign of age and frequency of handling. There are no major chips or cracks evident in the photo, though typical 'straw marks' or cooling lines from the manufacturing process may be present. The level of detail in the gold filigree suggests a premium piece of tableware from the Art Deco period, designed for use as a salad plate or dessert saucer.

Based on my visual examination of the provided images, I have identified this item as a Tiffin Glass Company salad/service plate, likely in the 'Green' (Vaseline) colorway with a gold-encrusted acid-etched rim, dating circa 1925–1935. The plate exhibits the characteristic glow of uranium glass, a highly collectable subset of Depression-era glass. The gold fretwork is of high quality, consistent with Tiffin’s 'Minton' or similar high-end patterns intended for luxury domestic use. The condition appears fair to good for its age. While I observed no structural fractures or significant chips, there is notable shelf wear and thinning of the gold gilding at the scalloped apexes. In the current secondary market, demand for uranium glass remains stable due to the 'glow' hobbyist community; however, the heavy gold-encrusted style is currently less favored by younger designers than clean-lined mid-century glass, which keeps the price point accessible. Comparables for single Tiffin gold-encrusted plates typically range from $40 to $75 depending on the intricacy of the etch and the preservation of the gold. The wear on this specific piece positions it toward the mid-lower end of that bracket. Important Note: This appraisal is based strictly on photographic evidence. A definitive authentication requires an in-person inspection to distinguish between authentic acid-etching and later screen-printed applications. Furthermore, while the color is indicative of uranium, a Geiger counter or 395nm UV light test is necessary to confirm the exact composition. Final valuation assumes no hidden micro-chips on the ground base or 'flea bites' on the rim edges that are not visible in the provided resolution.