Federal Glass Company Sharon Cabbage Rose Uranium Glass Oval Serving Bowl

This item is an oval serving bowl manufactured by the Federal Glass Company in the highly recognizable 'Sharon' pattern, often referred to as 'Cabbage Rose' by collectors. Produced between 1935 and 1939 during the peak of the American Depression glass era, this piece is crafted from green uranium glass, which exhibits a vibrant neon glow under ultra-violet (black) light due to its chemical composition. The bowl features a deeply pressed floral design with clusters of large roses and scalloped foliage on the rim and a central rose motif at the floor of the bowl. The exterior rim is accented with vertical triple-line architectural motifs that separate the floral panels. Physically, the bowl is transparent with a soft green tint in natural light, showing a smooth finished edge typical of molded glassware from this period. The condition appears excellent with good clarity, though pieces of this age frequently display small surface scratches (utensil marks) or manufacturing bubbles which are standard for Depression-era mass production. Its craftsmanship reflects the Art Deco influence of the mid-1930s glass industry.

Based on my visual examination of this Federal Glass Company 'Sharon' pattern (Cabbage Rose) oval serving bowl, I have identified several key markers of authenticity, including the specific triple-line architectural motifs and the characteristic green tint indicative of late 1930s uranium glass. The piece appears to be in excellent vintage condition; the clarity is high, and the pressed design remains crisp. While I detect no major chips or 'flea bites' common on these scalloped edges, mass-produced Depression glass often contains manufacturing inclusions like straw marks or air bubbles, which do not detract from the value here. The market for Sharon Cabbage Rose remains stable because it is a 'cross-collectible' sought by both Depression glass enthusiasts and uranium glass (glow) collectors. While not as rare as the pink or amber variations of this pattern, the green oval bowl is a desirable serving piece. Comparables on the secondary market consistently fetch between $40 and $70 depending on the intensity of the UV reaction. However, this appraisal is based solely on digital images. A physical inspection is required to check for 'sick glass' (permanent cloudiness) and to confirm the absence of ground-down chips on the rim. Definitive authentication of the uranium content requires a 365nm or 395nm UV light test to confirm the signature neon green fluorescence. Without provenance documentation or a hands-on tactile review of the mold seams, I cannot definitively rule out modern reproductions, though the color and pattern complexity suggest this is a period-correct 1935-1939 original.