
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.
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Estimated Value
$18.00 - $25.00
Basic Information
Category
Vintage Glassware / Collectibles
Appraised On
January 30, 2026
Estimated Value
$18.00 - $25.00
Item Description
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.
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