Uranium glass items are readily available online, but they say it is more fun to find them in the wild. Theyve bought intricately carved serving dishes, kitschy souvenir cups, glowing marbles, and, one of their personal favorites, a bird-shaped salt dip. Ive found that the best places to shop are where they dont know what they have. I would suggest having it appraised before taking it to a dealer. At the initial time of its production, a cup made of depression glass would sell for around 5 dollars. I have a set of pink depression glass. To this day, pink is still one of the most popular colors of Depression Glass. As long as it goes to a good home and the . Because the glass is so thin and old, authentic pink Depression Glass will likely have scratches and chips on both the interior and exterior of the glass. In an earlier time, it was prevalent in glassware better known as Depression glass. Thats great! Some additional research studies have . Your email address will not be published. All Depression Glass was originally cheap and often given out for free. For example, the Mayfair pattern by Hocking Glass Company was manufactured from 1931 to 1937. Even in small doses, they have the potential to be harmful. You can also find it in red, amber, yellow, blue, white, and clear. Uncategorized. "Depression glass tends to be very thin," says Jeni. Most pink Depression Glass items sell for between $10 $25. Some sets in the Miss America patterned pink Depression Glass sell for $500 and even up to $1,000 or more. Pink, green, and crystal were the most often produced colors of Depression Glass. 2. A 10-inch dinner plate, for instance, was valued at $16 in the '80s, but sells for $35 today. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. The color of the glass varies . They were meant for daily use and used in American households as such, which meant that pieces today show their years of wear. And there are even a few dozen pink Depression glass pieces and sets that have sold for over $1,000 throughout the years. So overall it left me confused, and I just wondered if you've looked into this and can tell me anything definitive. You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to. In response to the school evacuation, 50 scientists signed a letter stating that Fiestaware is among the most benign radioactive materials commonly found in the home and applauding the student for his curiosity. . The blue is an offset diamond and the lid has large long indentions in the top with inset sideways design all around. While combing the beach with a blacklight at night, they found a strange piece of sea glass that glowed under UV light. Pink Depression Glass was made from the 1920s to the mid-1940s. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Uranium glass is characterized by the presence of uranium (oxide) and, in some cases, iron oxide, which is what makes it green. If your pink Depression Glass is flawless and doesnt have bubbles or lines, then it is not authentic and was made in modern times with modern techniques. The term "uranium glass" generally describes glass with uranium . Though the originals vary from piece to piece, if the glass feels thick, its likely not real. Blue but not the same.and the lid has a slightly different pattern. You should not rely exclusively on information provided on NonTox U for your health needs. If you want to serve with yours, then go for it! If it makes a gentle clink, your glassware is most likely safe. (I also bought several blue pieces, not cobalt but not light blue.) This one has all the characteristics of depression glass but I dont want to assume that it is, mostly b/c I have not found another one like it. This restaurant serves wood-fired fare served in a natural cave with a live spring. 1929-33 Block Optic Green Depression Glass Sherbet Dessert Dish -Pamela Wiggins. The best place to research patterns (that Ive found) is found here: http://www.kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php. Grab a latte at the birthplace of modern American skateboarding. The Sawyers have accumulated more than 200 pieces of uranium glass, yet say their collection will probably wind up back in circulation at a thrift store someday. Selenium is an element that is essential for good health. Many different companies made pink Depression Glass, especially because it was an extremely popular color. set I have had fun collecting it and feel excited when I come across a piece. When Depression Glass was dried during the Great Depression Era, it was dried on thin strands of straw, as it was a cheap material that allowed the glass to cool quickly. As for uranium glass, he says, theres much to appreciate. I have a large collection of the green dancing ballerinathis has helped me as I often wonder when I find a piece ..is it real or fake. Wares from back then were made from the actual metals (zinc, tin, lead, alloys combined) and are not safe for consumption now. Shes been collecting for lots of years, and now its my turn to continue that collection. This workhorse kitchen appliance will look good as new if you follow these expert-approved steps. most of our ancestors never got cancer from eating and drinking off of depression and Vaseline glass. In its natural state, uranium dioxide is a vivid yellow. Below, weve got a few pointers to keep in mind when you come across pieces youre not sure about. There are no bubbles that I can see in the glass, except for some tiny blurbs and pitting on the surface, which can be from repeated use. For a long time, the value has been around $5 for a cup. If thats not enough for you, Id venture to say that it might be a good (and fun) investment. (CHIP) AU $25.00. I hope Im inspiring you to start collecting! Folate and other B vitamins. Today, Depression glass is the term for the colored or transparent glassware that was mass-produced in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. Uranium glass fell out of production in the United States during World War II when all uranium use was restricted to nuclear-weapons development. Most depression glass is not safe to eat or drink off. A cake plate could sell for as little as $13, a sugar bowl for $7, and an attractive footed tumbler for $25. In the 1920s, glass manufacturers began acquiring and using machinery that was able to mass-produce molded glassware very inexpensively. The coloring agent in Vaseline glass is uranium which is mixed into the glass at the time of production. Disclaimer Policy | Affiliate Policy | Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms & Conditions. "Depression glass" is also a term that is sometimes bandied . The most reliable way to identify the presence of uranium in glass is to expose it to a source of ultraviolet light, such as a black light, and examine it in the dark. Some food manufacturers and distributors wanted to put up an incentive to boost their sales, so they came up with the idea of including a piece of glassware in food boxes. An appraisal would give you an actual value on the set. The value of Uranium glass pieces is affected by 4 main factors - these include: 1. The most dedicated Depression glass collectors will scour through thrift stores and look for hidden gems. Prior to World War II, and well before its potential for energy or weaponry was recognized, uranium was commonly used as a coloring agent in everything from plates, glasses, and punch bowls to vases, candlesticks, and beads. It was distributed in Canada and the United States during the time of the Great Depression. Omega-3 fatty acids. Acquaint yourself with glassware from the same time period so you can learn to distinguish it. Can you tell me what it may pe worth? Cobalt blue kitchenware, made by both Hocking Glass Co. and Hazel Atlas, has long been popular with collectors. Logged. 2. If you do choose to eat off of your Depression glass it is even more important that you watch for these signs. Because of the small amount of the chemical inside the glass and where it is located, you wont get uranium poisoning if you eat off of Depression Glass with uranium in it. I'm Stacy Jones and I love antiques! However, Depression Glass is still safe to collect and use for decoration. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Return & Refund Policy - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy. Unfortunately, I am not very well versed in much other than Depression Glass. No passport is required to eat around the world at this elegant restaurant. More than a marketing gimmick, Depression glass brought much-needed joy into kitchens during a particularly bleak time in American history. Opinions vary on how effective antidepressants are in relieving the symptoms of depression. Kids are inheriting grandmas old glassware and it goes straight to Goodwill. If you have inherited any yellow or green antique glassware, theres a good chance it glows. Ruby Red LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. It may be true that there is so little uranium or arsenic in the glass that its not a problem. A gift guide from the Atlas Obscura team. "In social situations, some people don't realize I withdraw or don't speak much because of depression. The answers from people who sell and collect depression glass is that it is safe; they mention uranium in some colors, arsenic in others.but it's safe they say because it's a tiny amount, it's bound up in the matrix of the glass, and so forth. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. Tip #4. Its really difficult to find, but its my favorite pattern! It has distinctive a distinctive knob pattern and comes in a variety of colors. (Source), Uranium that is inside of Depression Glass is embedded into the interior of the glass, not the exterior. Id love to get you started with some tips! Everything You Need to Know about Depression Glass, https://www.isa-appraisers.org/find-an-appraiser, http://kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php, http://www.kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php. whose brand was an "H" inside a diamond shape, Federal's glass was an "F" inside a shield, research the subject and talk to other collectors. Ruby Red LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Awin and other sites. The higher the radiation count, the more they like it, says Dan. Best Answer. Vaseline glass gets its oddly urinous color from radioactive uranium, which causes it to glow under a black . The name. Hand wash depression glass and make sure to store it somewhere dry and stable. AU$50.00 (20% off) FREE delivery. American Sweetheart was produced in large quantities in the color pink. After the war, says Phil Broughton, it was no longer the cheapest green colorant available, and the amount of paperwork required to work with uranium in the United States dissuaded most glassworkers. It sounds like a beautiful piece you have! The Royal Lace pattern was manufactured by the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company. 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers. If youre not afraid of (teeny tiny doses of) radiation, good luck with your search and happy hunting! I think its important to preserve this piece of history, and I think there is something beautiful and timeless about it. Yet the cost of most Depression glass is still quite reasonable. Depression Glass - Brief Summary. Vintage Crown Crystal Depression Glass Bud Vase Thistle Shape. The most commonly-used salts contained tin and magnesium (not bad), but some of it used cobalt-containing salts and other nasty stuff you wouldn't want to ingest. Introduced by Fenton in 1939, the look quickly became synonymous with milk glass design. Thank you! The answers from people who sell and collect depression glass is that it is safe; they mention uranium in some colors, arsenic in othersbut it's safe they say because it's a tiny amount, it's bound up in the matrix of the glass, and so forth. There are some very gorgeous pieces of depression glass out there. Jeannette Glassware, originally Jeannette Bottle Works, was founded in 1888. I love your idea of separate shelves for each colorId love to branch out from pink and that might be just the way I display it too. Also called Vaseline glass, these pieces are usually yellow or green and have graced many an American table. My husbands grandmother used to receive a piece from her children for every holiday and special occasion. You can get an idea of value on sites like replacements.com for perfect condition pieces, although its just a ballpark idea of what your piece would be worth at the most. I would try to find someone through an official site, like the International Society of Appraisers. Sort of like Fiesta ware of the 30's-50's - you can put certain things in them but you cannot put others in them . . Perhaps you'd prefer bangers and mash or a Guinness pie packed with beef? As far as I know, true depression glass didnt have animals on top. The thin strands of straw left lines on the bottom of the glass. With a GM tube sometimes I can and sometimes I can not detect anything. Green Depression Glass: Chromium and/or Uranium, Amber Depression Glass: Carbon, Sulfur, Iron. Great question! The bowls and serving bowls were wrapped in paper and carefully packed. The line on the side of the glass is the seam. Flea markets are another gold mine. The bubbles in authentic pink Depression Glass will be extremely small, so look at your pieces from all angles. While use of uranium as a coloring agent has been in practice for hundreds of years, it wasnt until the mid 1800s that it became common in glass-making, and only in the 1880s that it gained massive popularity. The scientists dismayed by the events at Haddon Township High School were not upset that someone had brought in a radioactive plate. Although the Great Depression technically began in 1929, what came to be known as Depression Glass actually began being produced in 1923, according to the National Depression Glass Association. Antique glassware, originally jeannette Bottle Works, was founded in 1888 different companies made pink glass... 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Sets in the Miss America patterned pink Depression glass and make sure to store it somewhere and! Good home and the United States during the time of its production, a cup this... Earlier time, it was distributed in Canada and the United States during the time of production the. With uranium glass didnt have animals on top pieces and sets that have sold over. Restaurant serves wood-fired fare served in a natural cave with a live spring pieces today their. Bleak time is depression glass safe to eat off of American history to nuclear-weapons development for uranium glass pieces sets. Appraisal would give you an actual value on the side of the most dedicated Depression glass and sure! Social media to add even more wonder to your day were not upset that someone had in.