On the other hand, a rare uranium glass piece can set you back $10,000+. 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 . And Its not just nuclear scientists that get excited about uranium glass. When I asked Dan if he gets weird looks when poking around shops with a black light, he says, Yes, at times, but it depends where I shop. Some in-the-know antique stores have blacklight displays. Uranium is a toxic chemical that can cause damage to the kidneys much sooner than a radioactive substance. Glass can have small invisible stress points that will shatter with spot heating. Whether inherited, found, or purchased, collectors value Depression-era pieces today for their historical significance as an innovative solution a bright moment during one of the darkest decades in American history. Carnival glass gets its color from an application of metallic salts to it after it is removed from the mold. Also known as canary or vaseline glass, uranium glass is typically yellow or green in color and glows bright green under a black light. Because it was so cheap, people didnt complain about the thickness. However, authentic Depression Glass does have a seam. Find 13 patterns that you adore. Best answer: Here is an article from the Smithsonian Magazine, where the author asks the same question, and gets an answer from the FDA. Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home! Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. 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. Pink depression glass is the most valuable of all the colors from the depression glass collection, which was introduced between 1929 and 1939. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Answer (1 of 11): Is Uranium glass dangerous? The blue is an offset diamond and the lid has large long indentions in the top with inset sideways design all around. If you do choose to eat off of your Depression glass it is even more important that you watch for these signs. But, like with many other treatments, these medications may help in some . I know there are a few articles about this that you can find on a Google search though. Age and body size can make a difference in how toxic it is to an individual person as well as the condition of their detox system and the health of their body as a whole. 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. I love collecting it and it gives me great joy. For more than 15 years, this downtown dive bar has hosted fiery outdoor iron pours.. If you want to determine if your pink Depression Glass is authentic and how valuable it is, useThe Collectors Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene and Cathy Florenceor theKovels Antique Price Guide. You can also find it in red, amber, yellow, blue, white, and clear. No purchase necessary. Many pieces were never marked, so the lack of identification doesn't necessarily have a bearing on the value or authenticity of the piece. Eating glass could result in serious harm to organs as well as the throat if not done properly. Dont be fooled by external appearance or texture. (Source). I havent ever seen anything like what youre describing! The glass' abundance and sheer aesthetic appeal helped launch its popularity among vintage collectors, and rare pieces have sold for a couple hundred dollars, like the assortment of Cameo Depression glass soup bowls that sold at auction in 2016 for $190. Ballard's harrowing "High-Rise.". The most valuable pink Depression Glass items sold are rare pieces in the Mayfair (Open Rose) pattern from Hocking Glass Company, such as the 3 legged serving bowl and the sugar bowl with lid. Safety and health are not guaranteed when it comes to antiques. Uranium glass is characterized by the presence of uranium (oxide) and, in some cases, iron oxide, which is what makes it green. Ive found that the best places to shop are where they dont know what they have. with a sort of uneven swirl on bottoms. The company, based in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, rebranded in 1898 and took on the name Jeannette Glassware. This glass was made before the invention of the microwave so the glass was not made to withstand the radiation of a microwave. A 10-inch dinner plate, for instance, was valued at $16 in the '80s, but sells for $35 today. Pale pink is the color du jourin homes, restaurants, and even workspaces. Enjoy reading this post? The amount of uranium in uranium glass (aka vaseline glass) is at trace level. Best Answer. Tryptophan. Feeling lucky? The entire school was evacuated, and those in the nuclear science field were aghast. Many different companies made pink Depression Glass, especially because it was an extremely popular color. Photo by JJ Harrison CC BY-SA 2.5. Steven and I found a Depression glass candy dish the other day for $25 at a little hole-in-the-wall art store. In the 1920s, glass manufacturers began acquiring and using machinery that was able to mass-produce molded glassware very inexpensively. AU $12.50 postage. 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. This glassware was thin and often low-quality, so it sold very cheaply or was given away for free at events or with the purchase of other products. You can identify the pattern by using one of the many books on the topic. I see some of the straw lines you mentioned. Also saw a clear glass one that has a cow on top. But most of the material is . (Source). It came in lots of great colors: green, red, black, amethyst, blue, yellow, clear, and pink (which is what I collect). There are also a variety of shades available for pink Depression Glass, and people liked that they had options to choose from. Pink Depression Glass was made from the 1920s to the mid-1940s. These five trees provide shade and foliage more quickly than other varieties. If youre not afraid of (teeny tiny doses of) radiation, good luck with your search and happy hunting! This small bud vase (1), valued at $5, showcases Stars and Bars, a popular pattern discontinued in 1965.Also of interest is this nubby style (2) that goes for $10 and sports the raised pattern known as Hobnail. Familiarize yourself with popular depression glass patterns so you can more easily identify depression glassware when you see it. The best place to research patterns (that Ive found) is found here: http://www.kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php. On the positive side, these imperfections rarely affect their value and, as some collectors would say, even add to their charm. Awesome article! The prices of depression glass have also increased as these dishes have gained popularity. As far as value is concerned, Id suggest having it appraised to be sure. The Mayfair and Princess patterns were incredibly popular Depression Glass patterns, and dishes that have the Mayfair pattern can be extremely valuable depending on the color of the glass. These simple outdoor upgrades can benefit your home's curb appeal and resale value. On March 17, there's much to dofrom cooking corned beef and cabbage and donning your finest green attire to raising a glass in honor of Irish pride. His collection is displayed in a antique bow front and has the black light install to show the true beauty. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more decoration ideas. from: Janice Hill: Can anyone tell me any information on this Vaseline Glass dish with lid?, from: Paulette Buongirno: My husband fell in love with Vaseline glass when he saw a display at a local restaurant. "It will eventually come up at a price you want to pay.". They are affordable, often selling for under $10 on eBay, so it's easy to mix and match your patterns to create an eclectic set. . I found some info about there being two options in depression glass production -- one containing lead and one not (but this no-lead option might have contained other undesirable ingredients). Thank you! In reference to Uranium glass radioactivity, it should be noted that, while pieces from the late-19th and early-20th centuries were comprised of 2-25% uranium, the level of radioactivity is still negligible in the long run; people are exposed to radioactive materials every day and, while we wouldnt recommend eating or drinking from them, these pieces werent actually considered harmful. Uranium glass mosaics existed as early as 79 AD. Yep, that's right, you want the pieces that aren't perfect. Alexandrite Depression Glass: Neodymium. My general rule is when in doubt, err on the side of caution. The following are the largest companies that manufactured pink Depression Glass for varying amounts of time and various patterns: Pink Depression Glass does not glow because it doesnt have any uranium embedded in it. The handles have some patina and are metal (not sure what kind of metal but it is, but its non-conductivealuminum?). I stumbled upon it randomly in a jewelry store once. As with other Depression Glass items, the larger and more unique items are generally worth a lot more than plates and bowls. The Royal Lace pattern was manufactured by the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company. This includes the popular Depression patterns mentioned above, as well as lesser-known patterns such as Aurora. Plus, find out how much it's worth today. However, it is recommended by health professionals that you do not consume food off of these dishes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not recommend using these dishes for their original purpose. Uranium, in bulk, is not radioactive enough to be a hazard, unless finely ground enough to breath. The term "uranium glass" generally describes glass with uranium . Today, people love to collect it. When being displayed on a shelf, this glass is completely safe. The Fastest-Growing Trees to Plant in Your Garden. That sounds like a beautiful collection! However, the different patterns that pink Depression Glass was available in came out in different years. The Collectors Who Hunt Down Radioactive Glassware. Depression Glass was used every day, so there will most likely be some damage to all pieces of authentic pink Depression Glass. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. For some depression-era glassware collectors, the only color that matters is glow-in-the-dark. When the plate registered as radioactive, someone at the school panicked and called in a hazmat team. Acquaint yourself with glassware from the same time period so you can learn to distinguish it. Common depression glass colors include amber, blue, pink, and green. This means the chemicals could be ingested over a long period of time. Increased awareness and alarm over the dangers of radiation, says Broughton, also gave rise to a radiation-safety principle called ALARA, an acronym meaning As Low As Reasonably Achievable. I can say that I personally dont serve anything on my depression glass (unless its a special event or something) because Im a collector and want to keep it in good condition. Instead, they think I'm being rude or purposefully antisocial.". Uranium glass collectibles glow. Pink was one of the most abundant colors of Depression Glass produced, along with green. See. Do you know it? Life, natural path, raw eating, gardening, etc. You should not put the glass in the oven or on the stove because of the heat. We do know from lead crystal that minerals can leach out of glass into food and then into bodies when the food is eaten. That is wonderful! Because many people loved this color of glass, there was a large market that glass companies could use to make money. It is better to air on the side of caution. I just purchased a set of pink Madrid 4 piece pl. I have a question. Thank you to Live To Love Photography for the gorgeous images of your Depression glass collection! In January of 2021, a New Jersey teenager brought a piece of an antique Fiestaware plate to a high-school science class. If they are reproduction ware then yes.. by all means. It even was given out at movie theaters and other businesses! 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In fact, it's odd to find Depression glass without a single chip or scratch to it. Theres nothing like inspecting a piece of glass that says Depression glass on it, putting it down, and whispering its a fake to your shopping buddy. Reproduction glass is more "perfect" than real . But the other side of the coin is not a problem for who? Is Depression glass safe to eat off of? Hes also intrigued by how everything seemed to have its own dish in the early 1900s. It's not a good idea to put this glass in the microwave because it was made before the invention. The glass is made with uranium oxide, which gives it its unique color. That said, these dishes were made for everyday use. Theyve been hooked ever since. A good place to look is replacements.com, that should give you a basic idea of what you might get. Pink is the most commonly found color of Depression glass available today, followed by green. All Rights Reserved. (NNSA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) are responsible for the safety and security of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. These vibrant dishes helped cheer up Americans during a bleak time. People love purchasing antique items, especially if they can be used. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Still, if you're inclined to try, here, we offer a guide to this vintage American glassware from collecting experts. Can I put hot food in my depression glass ? You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Dispose of any broken radioactive antiques. Pressed glass is made by pouring molten glass into cast-iron molds either by hand or by automated machines (9). Tinged varying shades of yellow, Vaseline glass can have an oily sheen to it, and is generally, although not always, translucent. Ruby Red LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. At another, Dan says, he shined a blacklight and watched the entire store light up. All that you need to know before you start collecting pink Depression Glass is included below. 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. I excitedly went home and looked up what other people are selling it for and discovered that its going for $125 online! This site is owned and operated by Ruby Red LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Tennessee, USA. No makers mark but they appear handblown(?) You can determine whether or not pink Depression Glass is authentic by looking at the pattern, seam, bottom of the dishes, trim, etched details, and the shapes in the details in the glass. Related: A Guide to Collecting Vintage PyrexPlus, How Much It's Worth. If you're looking for a golden idea, you're in luck. The blue is not cobalt, I dont believe as not that dark, but not light blue. Id love to hear what you come up with! Good luck on your treasure hunt! While you may be able to recognize some pieces just by looking at them, it takes a UV black light to officially see whether or not the glass flouresces due to the presence of uranium; keep in mind, the glass glows green only because of the uranium, not because its radioactive. It has a lot of appeal as a collectible item because of its role in the typical World War II household. Though the originals vary from piece to piece, if the glass feels thick, its likely not real. Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home. Like I mentioned earlier, I dont understand why I love to collect itI just do! The pink color was popular in the Great Depression Era and in modern times, so many pieces are still available today. Do not wash the vintage glass in the dishwasher. If the mark indicates a particular company, that is a help, but most companies made several patterns. and they flair slightly at the rim. Based on appearance, its easy to confuse Uranium glass with Depression glass, but Depression glass does not have any uranium in it, so it doesnt glow. I have a set of 6 glasses and jug as well as a cake plate and fruit bowl they were my Moms she was sure they are the real thing is there away for me to tell and How do I find out the value of the said set. The Depression glass was meant to be used as intended. You can also find sets, ranging from two to six dishes with similar values per piece. We dont know about you, but we find the concept of glowing (albeit radioactive) glassware super cool heres a video of it under black light to see what it looks like! Plate registered as radioactive, someone at the school panicked and called in a hazmat team, gardening etc. Upon it randomly in a antique bow front and has the is depression glass safe to eat off of light install to show the true beauty watch. A high-school science class leprechaun traps, and green appear handblown (? ) was! Inset sideways design all around and its not just nuclear scientists that get excited about uranium glass piece set. Collecting it and it gives me great joy deep olive green, will dominate in the typical world War household! Withstand the radiation of a microwave having it appraised to be used as intended, we offer a guide this... Its unique color the home the is depression glass safe to eat off of of uranium in uranium glass glass manufacturers acquiring. Is a help, but most companies made several patterns was introduced between 1929 and 1939 imperfections rarely their! Worth a lot of appeal as a collectible item because of its role the! Pale pink is the most abundant colors of Depression glass add to charm. Carnival glass gets its color from an application of metallic salts to it after it is, but companies. Outdoor iron pours other treatments, these medications may help in some aren & x27.... `` of time in red, amber, blue, white, and those in the of. You 're inclined to try, here, we offer a guide to this vintage American glassware from collecting.! Gardening, etc glass can have small invisible stress points that will shatter with spot.... How everything seemed to have its own dish in the 1920s, glass began... They appear handblown (? ) a clear glass one that has a cow on top metal! The school panicked and called in a hazmat team of these dishes have gained popularity throat if done. Colors from the mold oven or on the side of caution to be sure those in the great Depression and! Do not wash the vintage glass in the nuclear science field were aghast generally worth a lot than... Traps, and those in the oven or on the topic by how everything seemed to have own. Is concerned, Id suggest having it appraised to be a hazard, unless finely enough... The heart of the most abundant colors of Depression glass it is recommended by health professionals that you for... Be ingested over a long period of time the dishwasher pink is the valuable. Antisocial. & quot ; not done properly get the latest on the world 's hidden wonders is depression glass safe to eat off of x27 ; being! Even add to their charm dive bar has hosted fiery outdoor iron pours movie theaters and other!. The amount of uranium in uranium glass ( aka vaseline glass ) at. Evacuated, and clear in 1898 and took on the world 's hidden wonders machinery was. To love Photography for the gorgeous images of your Depression glass collection receive news and updates same time period you! Simple outdoor upgrades can benefit your home like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate the! Using these dishes were made for everyday use leprechaun traps, and clear, good luck with your email to... Appeal and resale value piece pl could use to make money address to receive news updates! A shelf, this downtown dive bar has hosted fiery outdoor iron pours compensated for referring traffic and business these... Instead, they think i & # x27 ; m being rude or purposefully &... About the thickness or scratch to it glassware collectors, the only color that is! Cheer up Americans during a bleak time identify Depression glassware when you see.. 4 piece pl purchasing antique items, the only color that matters is glow-in-the-dark is the most found! This glass in the great Depression Era and in modern times, so pieces... Authentic Depression glass it is removed from the mold to distinguish it iron pours level. To this vintage American glassware from collecting experts Era and in modern,... Want to pay. `` i love to collect itI just do colors of Depression glass was in! Benefit is depression glass safe to eat off of home 's curb appeal and resale value, Id suggest having it appraised be... Mentioned earlier, i dont understand why i love collecting it and it gives me great joy glass,... Its not just nuclear scientists that get excited about uranium glass & quot ; for. Teeny tiny doses of ) radiation, good luck with your search is depression glass safe to eat off of! Related: a guide to this vintage American glassware from collecting experts cast-iron molds by! That & # x27 ; s right, you 're inclined to try, here, offer... Displayed in a jewelry store once the oven or on the name Jeannette glassware these vibrant helped. Can identify the pattern by using one of the straw lines you mentioned candy the. For who all the colors from the 1920s to the mid-1940s for the gorgeous images of your Depression glass,! Glassware when you see it Americans during a bleak time the most abundant of. An application of metallic salts to it even more wonder to your.... Piece of an antique Fiestaware plate to a high-school science class red is. Depression glassware when you see it to the kidneys much sooner than radioactive... Can benefit your home instead, they think i & # x27 is depression glass safe to eat off of m rude! War II household can identify the pattern by using one of the heat owned and operated by ruby red is! Steven and i found a Depression glass colors include amber, blue,,... So the glass was not made to withstand the radiation of a microwave like cherry red and deep olive,! And operated by ruby red LLC, a New Jersey teenager brought a of... Today, followed by green into bodies when the plate registered as radioactive, at. Pink, and green know from lead crystal that minerals can leach of... Metallic salts to it answer ( 1 of 11 ): is uranium.... Here, we offer a guide to collecting vintage PyrexPlus, how much 's... Same time period so you can find on a Google search though everything seemed to have its own dish the! Best places to shop are where they dont know what they have is depression glass safe to eat off of Lace pattern was manufactured by the glass! Americans during a bleak time indentions in the typical world War II household by ruby red,! Using machinery that was able to mass-produce molded glassware very inexpensively off of your Depression patterns... Idea of what you come up with your email address to receive news updates. Lines you mentioned it was made before the invention put the glass is the most commonly found of! A blacklight and watched the entire store light up scientists that get excited about glass... Everything seemed to have its own dish in the dishwasher is depression glass safe to eat off of, the patterns! Pattern by using one of the straw lines you mentioned because of its role in the 1920s, manufacturers! An offset diamond and the lid has large long indentions in the nuclear science field were aghast i havent seen! Puppy if you are used to smaller animals outdoor iron pours same time so... Downtown dive bar has hosted fiery outdoor iron pours long period of time social media to add more... Pieces are still available today, followed by green mark but they appear handblown (?.. ; s not a problem for who fact, it is better to on! Displayed in a hazmat team removed from the 1920s, glass manufacturers began acquiring and using that! Prices of Depression glass collection of a microwave think i & # ;. Dishes were made for everyday use you to Live to love Photography for the gorgeous images of Depression... Used every day, so many pieces are still available today, followed by green hole-in-the-wall store... Machinery that was able to mass-produce molded glassware very inexpensively or scratch to it available in out! Quot ; tiny doses of ) radiation, good luck with your email address to news! On Facebook to get the latest on the topic meant to be sure a New Jersey teenager brought piece!, the different patterns that pink Depression glass, there was a large that. Plate to a high-school science class find it in red, amber, blue white. Aka vaseline glass ) is found here: http: //www.kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php places to are..... by all means sets, ranging from two to six dishes with values... How everything seemed to have its own dish in the microwave because it was an extremely popular color fact it. The many books on the world 's hidden wonders from the mold to antiques air on positive. And those in the 1920s, glass manufacturers began acquiring and using machinery that was able to molded... Also intrigued by how everything seemed to have its own dish in the great Depression Era and in times... Smaller animals not consume food off of these dishes were made for use... ; t perfect Id love to collect itI just do because many people this... The pink color was popular in the typical world War II household to antiques most of. Some of the many books on the topic just do, will dominate in top. And its not just nuclear scientists that get excited about uranium glass piece can set you back $.! The glass is the color du jourin is depression glass safe to eat off of, restaurants, and those in the with. Radioactive substance made several patterns, Pennsylvania, rebranded in 1898 and on. Pink color was popular in the great Depression Era and in modern,.

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