Uranium Glass Sherbet or Dessert Cup

This item is a vintage pressed glass dessert or sherbet cup, notably composed of 'Vaseline' or Uranium glass. The glass possesses a distinct yellowish-green tint under natural light, which fluoresces into a vibrant, neon lime green when exposed to the ultraviolet (black) light shown in the image, confirming the presence of uranium dioxide as a coloring agent. The piece features a wide, flared bowl resting upon a thick, pedestal-style base with horizontal tiered ribbing or concentric rings, a design typical of early to mid-20th-century American pressed glass. The construction appears sturdy with machine-pressed seams likely present but obscured by the lighting. In terms of condition, the glass maintains a high level of clarity with no immediately visible chips, cracks, or deep abrasions, though some minor shelf wear on the base is common for its age. The style suggests a manufacturing date between the 1920s and 1940s, a period when uranium glass was popular in household tableware. The craftsmanship shows consistent thickness and smooth edges, indicating a quality mass-produced item from a manufacturer such as Hazel-Atlas, Federal Glass, or Fenton. Its primary value driver is the luminescent properties highly sought after by radioactive glass collectors.

Based on my visual examination of this uranium glass sherbet cup, the item appears to be an authentic example of early 20th-century pressed 'Vaseline' glass, likely produced between 1925 and 1945. The vivid neon-green fluorescence under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of uranium oxide. The tiered pedestal base and flared bowl are indicative of Depression-era patterns, commonly produced by American firms like Federal Glass or Hazel-Atlas. The condition appears to be 'Excellent' with no visible flea bites, chips, or clouding (sickness), which is essential for maintaining value in this category. The market for uranium glass remains consistently active, driven by a dedicated niche of 'glow' collectors. However, because this specific sherbet cup is a mass-produced shape rather than a rare pattern (like 'Princess' or 'Royal Lace'), it is considered a common utility piece. Comparables for single sherbet dishes in this style typically sell in the $15 to $30 range at antique malls and online auctions. Limitations: My assessment is based solely on digital images. A physical inspection is necessary to verify the absence of microscopic chips along the inner rim and to check for 'straw marks' or cooling lines that affect clarity. Furthermore, while the UV reaction is a strong indicator, a Geiger counter (radiometric testing) would be required to definitively measure the uranium content. Provenance documentation, such as original catalog identifiers or family records, would further solidify its origin but would likely not significantly shift the valuation of this specific utility form.