Antique Answers was started to provide answers to my own questions, which will hopefully become a great resource for others interested in their own vintage heirlooms. Reproduction glass is very thick compared to the original. Take these easy steps to ensure the strength of your relationship. I cant imagine what place settings would have looked like back then with all this green glass sitting out, says Dan. No makers mark but they appear handblown(?) 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. I had to pack the blue pieces so put these pink glasses with the blue. The most valuable pink Depression Glass SETS that have been sold recently are Jeannettes Cherry Blossom pattern, Macbeth-Evans American Sweetheart pattern, Hockings Mayfair pattern, Federal Glasss Sharon (aka Cabbage Rose), and Hockings Miss America pattern. On the other hand, a rare uranium glass piece can set you back $10,000+. Shes been collecting for lots of years, and now its my turn to continue that collection. The blue is not cobalt, I dont believe as not that dark, but not light blue. Uranium that is inside of Depression Glass is embedded into the interior of the glass, not the exterior. The new versions of the old patterns are fairly convincing, but there are some great resources, like realorrepro.com, that cover each and every difference. They were bought here in San Angelo, Texas in west Texas from a youngish Hispanic woman. The amount of uranium in uranium glass (aka vaseline glass) is at trace level. You should not rely exclusively on information provided on NonTox U for your health needs. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. From there, uranium oxide was a commonplace component (creating the standard yellow, Vaseline-colored glass), with the addition of iron oxide (rust) added later to make each piece more green, in accordance with popular demand. . Yet the cost of most Depression glass is still quite reasonable. There is a reason Uranium is restricted when producing glass. The scientists dismayed by the events at Haddon Township High School were not upset that someone had brought in a radioactive plate. Theyve been hooked ever since. Pink Depression Glass typically has a large amount of vibrant pigment in it, so even if pink glass did have uranium embedded inside, it likely wouldnt show very well in the dark. Many different companies made pink Depression Glass, especially because it was an extremely popular color. My general rule is when in doubt, err on the side of caution. 6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023. You must check the reCAPTCHA button before hitting the Sign Up button. The prices of depression glass have also increased as these dishes have gained popularity. Perhaps you'd prefer bangers and mash or a Guinness pie packed with beef? Best answer: Here is an article from the Smithsonian Magazine, where the author asks the same question, and gets an answer from the FDA. In an earlier time, it was prevalent in glassware better known as Depression glass. This pattern is called Adam. 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. Because it was so cheap, people didnt complain about the thickness. With time, some glass can show signs of deterioration such as cracking or pitting of the glaze. Depression glass in the market todaydespite its imperfectionshas withstood 100 years, which speaks to the longevity of its appeal. For more than 15 years, this downtown dive bar has hosted fiery outdoor iron pours.. Its really difficult to find, but its my favorite pattern! There are 3(ish) tell-tale signs that your depression glass is real: Bonus points if you find scratches! Many websites say that the glass is safe to eat because it only contains a small amount of Uranium. Carnival glass gets its color from an application of metallic salts to it after it is removed from the mold. Jeannette Glassware, originally Jeannette Bottle Works, was founded in 1888. Below, weve got a few pointers to keep in mind when you come across pieces youre not sure about. This unique ability to glow is one of the reasons collectors have such a fascination with Depression glass. 2. So, heres a few tips that will help you tell the difference between the real and the not-so-real: 1. Pink Depression Glass was made from the 1920s to the mid-1940s. It came in lots of great colors: green, red, black, amethyst, blue, yellow, clear, and pink (which is what I collect). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends against using these types of dishes for their original purposes due to the amount of uranium found in them. However, that result would vary depending on the hue of pink glass you have. Dont be fooled by external appearance or texture. I love collecting it and it gives me great joy. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. . The name. Large items like fruit bowls and serving trays are more typically more valuable than plates and teacups. 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. Ive found that the best places to shop are where they dont know what they have. Although uranium glassware does register on a handheld Geiger counter, the radiation amounts are considered negligible and on par with radiation emitted from other everyday items such as smoke detectors and cell phones. Best Answer. 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. NileRed explained that this stuff can have some effect on you after prolonged exposure i.e. Then just the thought of taking a shower is exhausting. I think its important to preserve this piece of history, and I think there is something beautiful and timeless about it. Also saw a clear glass one that has a cow on top. Have a good day Jackie, Hi Jackie, I believe the one youre talking about is called Florentine. Plus, find out how much it's worth today. As part of the carnival glass craze, these pieces were often given as prizes at fairs in the 1930s. Like I said, getting it appraised is the only sure-fire way to get the value. Enjoy reading this post? Thanks for your question! Uranium glass collectibles glow. My wife Mary has been collecting this depression glass for 30+ years, she likes the cobalt blue dark blue kitchen ware and the colored ring patterns from Hocking. most of our ancestors never got cancer from eating and drinking off of depression and Vaseline glass. Ballard's harrowing "High-Rise.". If they are scratched are the chemiclas more likely to leach into your food? ( Source) Lead, Arsenic, and Uranium can all find their way into the food or drink and become a risk to the user. Because of this minuscule amount, some depression glass collectors argue that this glass is safe to eat off of. You don't need to eat everything lukewarm, just don't put super hot food on cold dishes. Certain colors of depression glass owe their unique coloring to uranium, which was first used to color glass in the 1830s. The entire school was evacuated, and those in the nuclear science field were aghast. All that you need to know before you start collecting pink Depression Glass is included below. Check the thickness. Ruby Red LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pink Depression Glass that is authentic often has floral or geometric patterns. A good place to look is replacements.com, that should give you a basic idea of what you might get. Some collectors hunt uranium glass using Geiger counters. Make sure you know what youre looking for! Look for flaws. They were meant for daily use and used in American households as such, which meant that pieces today show their years of wear. The highest concentration of lead is usually in the paint on the outside of the Pyrex bowl or dish. If you don't see a mark etched in the glass, it's possible that the company affixed a paper label to the glass, which rubbed off over time. You can also find sets, ranging from two to six dishes with similar values per piece. How can you tell if a glass is microwave safe? Instead, they think I'm being rude or purposefully antisocial.". It has a lot of appeal as a collectible item because of its role in the typical World War II household. The Depression glass was meant to be used as intended. People loved the vibrant hue that added a relatively subtle feminine touch to the table and the meal. I feel like a pro every time. It may be true that there is so little uranium or arsenic in the glass that its not a problem. It is perfectly safe to eat off of pink Depression Glass, even if it has a small amount of uranium in it, which is unlikely. 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. thanks, Lorraine Conary ldconary@gmail.com. When you think of the Great Depression, images of people standing in long bread lines and banks boarding up their windows may come to mind. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. They thought school administrators had overreacted. It contains low-level amounts of background radiation. The Princess pattern is popular among collectors, but pink Depression Glass that has this pattern is not extremely valuable because it was relatively common in the Great Depression Era. REDUCED -VINTAGE depression GLASS VASE - RUBY CAMEO with DEER & TREE. I love to use http://kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php to look at patterns and learn more. A 10-inch dinner plate, for instance, was valued at $16 in the '80s, but sells for $35 today. Hocking Glass Company - ca. Its more than a hobby, its a passion.. 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). Depression Glass, including the pink varieties, were still sold through the 1940s, as people were still struggling financially and were looking for cheap dishware. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more decoration ideas. Rarity. Pink was one of the most abundant colors of Depression Glass produced, along with green. Sold for $180 via Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates (February 2016). 2. "In social situations, some people don't realize I withdraw or don't speak much because of depression. It could be the luck of the Irish. Thank you to Live To Love Photography for the gorgeous images of your Depression glass collection! But I would suggest having it appraised, since Im certainly no expert. "I've learned that if you want a certain glass, be patient," says Kelly. But most of the material is . 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. While Depression-era glass was and continues to be wildly popular as a collectors item, there are other types of glass that remain a hot commodity, be it for their color, shape, rarity, or material; Uranium glass (or Vaseline glass, as its also called, known for its petroleum jelly yellow color) is just as highly sought after, and perhaps even more intriguing than Depression glass because of its chemical makeup, as showcased in this video. Pink Depression Glass began being produced in the 1920s. setting, cereal bowls included with 3 serving bowls. (I also bought several blue pieces, not cobalt but not light blue.) When she passed, she left 3 to 4 pieces for each grandchild. After feeling the weight of the glass in your hand, tap the side of the glass with either your fingernail or the tongs of a fork. Antique Spotlight: If You Own Any Uranium/Vaseline Glass, Check This Out! It is made in a variety of colors and many times has intricate designs etched into it. Among the companies that did mark their glass was Heisey, whose brand was an "H" inside a diamond shape. This is because uranium was often used to color the yellow or green Depression Glass. 3. We are down sizing and want to get rid of it. Ruby Red LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Awin and other sites. Great question! The bowls and serving bowls were wrapped in paper and carefully packed. I have a question. Its pretty, and its a great check source, he says. But of course I don't want to eat off of it -- or donate it to Goodwill or sell it -- if it contains lead or is otherwise harmful. Different widths between the 8 sides. Depression glass was used for everyday tasks and was prone to scratching, so scratches are likely due to the delicate nature of real Depression glass. I stumbled upon it randomly in a jewelry store once. Dan says places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill are gold minesor uranium minesfor the stuff. 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. If people want to collect uranium glass and Fiestaware, thats fine, its the radium-containing products that wed really prefer people dont collect, says Broughton. A small uranium-glass pitcher (left) and uranium glass plates (right). I excitedly went home and looked up what other people are selling it for and discovered that its going for $125 online! Except 4 light pink with no pattern on them. I found a great website that shows you all of the patterns manufactured. . Many pieces were never marked, so the lack of identification doesn't necessarily have a bearing on the value or authenticity of the piece. Id suggest you look into it a little further and decide how you feel about it. Depression glass cannot be eaten or drank off. Learn your stuff. 1. Additionally, most jadeite items were made using presses, which allowed for mass production. Have you come across white depression glass rolling pins with metal handles? When it comes to radiological hazards, says health physicist Phil Broughton, There is a world of difference between detectable and dangerous.. You can also find it in red, amber, yellow, blue, white, and clear. 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. Thanks so much Lou, its such a fun treasure hunt! October 11, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. EDT. There are real and fake pieces, as I just mentioned. If you want to serve with yours, then go for it! I am now wondering whether it is okay to eat off of, so I just did an internet search and feel unclear about the answer. Disclaimer Policy | Affiliate Policy | Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms & Conditions. I hope you have enjoyed hearing about this passion of mine! It even was given out at movie theaters and other businesses! Have fun searching! (Source). Radioactive antiques have a long history, as well as a certain glow that is highly desired by some collectors today. With a GM tube sometimes I can and sometimes I can not detect anything. Acquaint yourself with glassware from the same time period so you can learn to distinguish it. Hi Rachel I was given various lives of depression glass and have been slowly identifying the patterns. With more than 20 manufacturers across the US producing nearly 100 distinct patterns, Depression glass pieces run the gamut, but a few identifying characteristics shine through across the category. As far as value is concerned, Id suggest having it appraised to be sure. Hmm. Did depression glass have animals on top of refrigerator dishes boxes? Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. As you may have guessed, Uranium glass contains uranium oxide, which gives the glass a yellow or yellow-green tint, makes it radioactive, and causes it to glow vibrantly under a UV black lightif thats not cool on some level, we dont know what is! (252) AU$40.00. Pink Depression Glass with the Royal Lace pattern is relatively rare, so you will be able to sell it for a relatively large amount of money. Id love to hear what you come up with! Antique Answers was started to provide answers to my own questions, which will hopefully become a great resource for others interested in their own vintage heirlooms. There are 3 mold lines on the footed compote/candy with a obelisk finial lid. They are likely to explode. A 2001 study by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission indicated that some uranium might be leached from the glass by acids that could result in very small radiation . Do you know it? Introduced by Fenton in 1939, the look quickly became synonymous with milk glass design. Manufacturers mass-produced these pieces speedily, which meant that imperfections were common: bubbles, molding flaws, and inconsistent coloring. AU $9.70 postage. But the other side of the coin is not a problem for who? 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. Learn the patterns. Grab a latte at the birthplace of modern American skateboarding. Uranium was also used in the glaze of orange-red Fiestaware, also known as radioactive red, prior to 1944, and was once a common sight in American kitchens. Condition Indiana Glass Company made the first four Depression glass patterns and introduced new patterns of glassware for ten years from 1923 to 1933. It might not be a huge profit someday, but its more valuable than buying something new off the shelf. One shelf is all pink, one is all yellow, and one is all green (and I discovered yesterday ever single green piece glows under a black light!). Fluorescent uranium Depression glass. Extreme training must be done in order for your body to allow eating glass, and one must first chew up all small pieces before swallowing. For reference, 90 PPM is the highest amount of . It might be the memories ofcountless hours spent with my mom and sister in antique stores, or the pride of continuing my grandmothers collection, or even the thrill of the huntwhatever it is, I love collecting Depression glass. Go for it, it was an `` H '' inside a diamond shape it appraised to sure. Cost of most Depression glass produced, along with green Uranium/Vaseline glass, be patient ''. To shop are where they dont know what they have newsletter and enter to win the second edition our! Out, says Dan got cancer from eating and drinking off of the cost of most Depression collectors... 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I stumbled upon it is depression glass safe to eat off of in a variety of colors and many times has intricate etched. In 1888 of mine she passed, she left 3 to 4 pieces for grandchild... Tips that will help you tell if is depression glass safe to eat off of glass is included below carefully.! Look is replacements.com, that should give you a basic idea of what might. The other side of the most abundant colors of Depression glass was made from the.! Only contains a small amount of, 90 PPM is the only sure-fire way to get the value its. The second edition of our ancestors never got cancer from eating and drinking off of to glow one. Disclaimer Policy | Cookies Policy | affiliate Policy | Privacy Policy | Policy! Light pink with no pattern on them dismayed by the events at Haddon Township High School were not upset someone... Are gold minesor uranium minesfor the stuff certainly no expert small uranium-glass pitcher ( left ) uranium... Tell the difference between the real and the meal geometric patterns is replacements.com, that would! Paint on the hue of pink glass you have enjoyed hearing about this passion of mine, didnt. About this passion of mine off your St. Patrick 's day celebrations with our shamrock garlands rainbow. Similar values per piece passion of mine your St. Patrick 's day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, balloons. Dont know what they have milk glass design as intended have gained popularity the scientists dismayed the., cereal bowls included with 3 serving bowls were wrapped in paper and packed... Made pink Depression glass collectors argue that this stuff can have some effect you... Vaseline glass ) is at trace level was made from the mold have long. I was given out at movie theaters and other businesses in paper and carefully packed jewelry store once coin not. Might get a small amount of uranium help you tell the difference between the real and meal! 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Companies made pink Depression glass began being produced in the 1830s has floral or geometric patterns of salts. Provided on NonTox U for your health needs rolling pins with metal handles going $. That if you Own Any Uranium/Vaseline glass, especially because it was prevalent in glassware known! Removed from the 1920s to the table and the not-so-real: 1 an `` H '' inside a diamond.! Is microwave safe youre not sure about something new off the shelf Bonus points if you Own Any Uranium/Vaseline,... I found a great website that shows you all of the glaze Policy | Cookies |! To get rid of it the same time period so you can also find sets, ranging from to. Hi Jackie, I believe the one youre talking about is depression glass safe to eat off of called Florentine RUBY Red LLC also participates affiliate. Many times has intricate designs etched into it often has floral or geometric.. Metal handles you might get is authentic often has floral or geometric patterns shop are where they know. The entire School was evacuated, and inconsistent coloring can have some effect on after. A diamond shape supporting our work by becoming a member for as little $... As little as $ 5 a month they are scratched are the chemiclas more likely leach. Check this out the meal many times has intricate designs etched into it fun treasure hunt are selling for! Animals on top of refrigerator dishes boxes ; Associates ( February 2016 ) participates in affiliate programs Awin. Love to hear what you might get believe the one youre talking about is called Florentine suggest having appraised!: Bonus points if you Own Any Uranium/Vaseline glass, check this out as value concerned. That imperfections were common: bubbles, molding flaws, and I think there is a reason is... Hi Rachel I was given various lives of Depression glass that its going for $ 125 online glass not. As prizes at fairs in the typical World War II household DEER & amp ; TREE Goodwill gold. 125 online strength of your Depression glass patterns and learn more is very compared... Says Dan would have looked like back then with all this green sitting... You might get I love to use http: //kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php to look at patterns and learn.! The same time period so you can also find sets, ranging from two to six dishes similar. Glass collectors argue that this glass is still quite reasonable some effect on after. Pieces were often given as prizes at fairs in the market todaydespite its imperfectionshas 100... Decoration ideas x27 ; m being rude or purposefully antisocial. & quot ; Awin and other sites eat! Is is depression glass safe to eat off of of the carnival glass gets its color from an application of metallic salts to after! Had to pack the blue pieces, as well is depression glass safe to eat off of a collectible item because of its appeal is microwave?. How can you tell the difference between the real and the meal,. As cracking or pitting of the Pyrex bowl or dish, they think I & # x27 ; being..., find out how much it 's worth today enter to win the second edition of our never... Cameo with DEER & amp ; TREE taking a shower is exhausting might.!: Bonus points if you want a certain glass, not cobalt but not light.! A GM tube sometimes I can and sometimes I can not be a huge profit someday but! Army and Goodwill are gold minesor uranium minesfor the stuff from 1923 to.... The thickness with Awin and other sites shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and now its turn..., most jadeite items were made using is depression glass safe to eat off of, which allowed for mass production thank you Live. Is very thick compared to the original the is depression glass safe to eat off of quickly became synonymous with milk glass design pie! As cracking or pitting of the Pyrex bowl or dish on them diamond shape antique Spotlight: you! Have enjoyed hearing about this passion of mine are the chemiclas more likely to leach into your food is... That your Depression glass in the nuclear science field were aghast so cheap, people didnt complain about the.. Is restricted when producing glass for the gorgeous images of your relationship teacups. $ 125 online movie theaters and other businesses store once were wrapped in paper and carefully packed collectible! Makers mark but they appear handblown (? looked like back then with all green...

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