AI Appraisal Estimate

This lot features seven vintage octagonal-shaped dessert or salad plates crafted from green depression-era uranium glass. Each plate exhibits a translucent, pale 'Vaseline' green hue under normal lighting, which transforms into a brilliant, neon-green florescence when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light due to the presence of uranium oxide in the glass batch. The plates are approximately 6 to 8 inches in diameter with a distinct eight-sided geometric profile and a central circular depression for food placement. The construction is pressed glass, typical of the early to mid-20th century, likely dating from the 1930s or 1940s. The edges are faceted, providing a clean Art Deco aesthetic. Regarding condition, the glass appears bright with good clarity; however, as with most utilitarian glassware of this age, minor surface scratches (flea bites) or utensil marks may be present. No major chips or deep cracks are immediately visible in the provided thumbnail imagery. These pieces are highly sought after by collectors for their radioactive novelty and classic American depression-ware craftsmanship. The uniform glow across all seven pieces suggests high-quality consistency in the chemical composition of the glass melt used during manufacturing.

Upon visual examination of this lot of seven octagonal green uranium glass plates, I find them to be authentic examples of American Depression-era pressed glass, likely manufactured by firms such as Federal Glass or Hazel-Atlas during the 1930s. The 'vaseline' green tint and the subsequent neon-green fluorescence under UV light are diagnostic of uranium oxide content. The octagonal geometry and faceted edges are consistent with Art Deco design trends of the period. Current market demand for 'glow' glass remains robust, driven by a crossover of antique collectors and scientific novelty enthusiasts. The condition appears fair to good. From the images provided, the clarity is high; however, I must remain cautious regarding 'flea bites' or surface dulling (sick glass), which are common in utilitarian pieces. A lot of seven is an unusual count—falling just short of a full service for eight—which slightly caps the value compared to a complete set. Comparable sales for individual plates of this pattern range from $12 to $18, placing this lot in the $100+ category. Limitations: Verification from digital imagery alone cannot account for tactile defects such as 'stilted' bottoms or internal stress fractures. A full professional authentication would require an in-person physical inspection to verify weighted consistency and a Geiger counter reading to confirm radioactivity levels (typically 0.5 to 2.0 mR/hr). Provenance documentation or original catalog matching would further solidify the specific manufacturer and production year.