If you are lucky enough to find Depression glass at a second-hand store, you will save money and typically end up paying prices similar to the prices in the 1930s. The American Sweetheart pattern is one of the most commonly seen patterns, especially when it comes to pink Depression Glass. As with other Depression Glass items, the larger and more unique items are generally worth a lot more than plates and bowls. The color of the glass varies . also decorate as part of the festivities. deep-fried foods. In the 1930s, when Depression glass was created, scientists didnt fully understand the dangers of uranium and radioactive materials. Thank you for the article and info here. 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 . Although the amount of uranium youll leach out of a uranium glass is pathetically small, he says, as a general rule, [you] dont uptake radioactive material you dont have to do. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends not eating or drinking out of uranium glassware at all. As others have said, it's safe to use. Thank you! and they flair slightly at the rim. If thats not enough for you, Id venture to say that it might be a good (and fun) investment. Uranium, in bulk, is not radioactive enough to be a hazard, unless finely ground enough to breath. Some sets in the Miss America patterned pink Depression Glass sell for $500 and even up to $1,000 or more. Hand wash depression glass and make sure to store it somewhere dry and stable. All Depression Glass was originally cheap and often given out for free. Pink Depression Glass does have value to collectors and people who love antiques. I have searched and searched for one just like this, but cant find a match. I stumbled upon it randomly in a jewelry store once. 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While theres not likely any lead in Depression Glass, it may be true that there is a small of uranium or arsenic in the glass. They are likely to explode. Additionally, most jadeite items were made using presses, which allowed for mass production. Depression Glass, including the pink varieties, were still sold through the 1940s, as people were still struggling financially and were looking for cheap dishware. Enter Depression Glass, the cheery-hued, inexpensive glassware of the . Most pink Depression Glass items sell for between $10 $25. But don't worry, they're not toxic. At another, Dan says, he shined a blacklight and watched the entire store light up. Depression glass is clear or colored translucent glassware. Movie theaters would give it away as a premium for coming to the pictures. Tip #4. If you want to serve with yours, then go for it! Yep, that's right, you want the pieces that aren't perfect. Tinged varying shades of yellow, Vaseline glass can have an oily sheen to it, and is generally, although not always, translucent. After all, everyone is Irish onSt. Patrick's Day. Companies started making reproductions in the 1960s. To make sure you dont miss a thing, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram and sign up for an email subscriptionto my blog. Chocolate. Can I actually use my uranium glass soap dish, or is it only for display? Dan and Lisa Sawyers interest in radium glass began when they were scouring the shores of Lake Superior for fluorescent sodalites, unremarkable-looking gray rocks that contain minerals that glow under UV light. This can impair your ability to drive or do other tasks that require focus and attention. Learn the patterns. Hi Rachel: I collect Fostoria American depression glass. There are some very gorgeous pieces of depression glass out there. As a longtime antique dealer, furniture and china, I know somethings about glass bottles and how to Authentic them, but no nothing about depression glass. This practice continued until World War I when stringent laws were made, making uranium a heavily regulated substance. Our grandmother's had it. Hello Rachel, I would like to buy a pink depression glass refrigerator dish box that is ribbed and has a rabbit on top. 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. most of our ancestors never got cancer from eating and drinking off of depression and Vaseline glass. Near the end of World War II, Uranium glass fell out of production in the U.S. when uranium was restricted to nuclear-weapons development. Photo by JJ Harrison CC BY-SA 2.5. 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. For reference, 90 PPM is the highest amount of . 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. There are 3 mold lines on the footed compote/candy with a obelisk finial lid. Pink was one of the most popular colors of Depression Glass. It sounds authentic because of the swirly lines on the bottom. It often came with food, especially from the Quaker Oats Company. How can you tell if a glass is microwave safe? I would try to find someone through an official site, like the International Society of Appraisers. 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. AU $12.50 postage. Its likely so small of an amount that its not a problem, but theres no clear research or answers currently. Is depression glass worth money? You can see the difference between lights on/lights off in this picture.. The value of Depression glass has been rising steadily in recent years. Lead glass is typically much heavier than lead-free glass due to the higher metal content in the crystals. Ruby Red LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. It is a timeless piece of decor and is a great way to preserve history. This site is owned and operated by Ruby Red LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Tennessee, USA. Id love to hear what you come up with! Green Depression Glass Flower Earrings. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more decoration ideas. Many websites say that the glass is safe to eat because it only contains a small amount of Uranium. Some collectors hunt uranium glass using Geiger counters. Disclaimer: The information available on NonTox U is for general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. That might mean corned beef and cabbage, the standout dish stateside, or a lamb or beef stewthe entres those in the Emerald Isle are most likely to eat on March 17. 1929-33 Block Optic Green Depression Glass Sherbet Dessert Dish -Pamela Wiggins. You can also find sets, ranging from two to six dishes with similar values per piece. 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. All rights reserved. It features the Block Optic pattern in green glass and has consistently retained a value of $4 to $5 for a number of years. Common depression glass colors include amber, blue, pink, and green. I have a large set of Amber Madrid by Federal Glass. The Fastest-Growing Trees to Plant in Your Garden. Id love to hear about what you love to collect in the comments below or leave me a picture on my Facebook page. As for uranium glass, he says, theres much to appreciate. 2. Several studies have suggested a link between selenium deficiencies and depression. On the other hand, a rare uranium glass piece can set you back $10,000+. Hes found a whipped-topping uranium glass dish with a matching spoon and a dish specifically for mayonnaise with a matching flat-bottomed spoon. Do not use ceramics like antique orange-red Fiestaware or Vaseline glass to hold food or drink. However, authentic Depression Glass does have a seam. If you haven't researched uranium glass yet, this is a nice introduction. Antique Spotlight: If You Own Any Uranium/Vaseline Glass, Check This Out! The highest concentration of lead is usually in the paint on the outside of the Pyrex bowl or dish. Logged. However, the different patterns that pink Depression Glass was available in came out in different years. As a health physicist, he feels it is part of his job to make sure the public understands the difference. 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. However, blue Royal Lace Depression Glassware is worth more than the pink. 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. "I've learned that if you want a certain glass, be patient," says Kelly. 1. The coloring agent in Vaseline glass is uranium which is mixed into the glass at the time of production. I also hope that youll join me in collecting what makes you happy. This makes the treasure hunt all the more fun! 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. Can you eat off of the deprsson glass? It wont do well with sudden temperature changes. Wares from back then were made from the actual metals (zinc, tin, lead, alloys combined) and are not safe for consumption now. Opinions vary on how effective antidepressants are in relieving the symptoms of depression. 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. Unfortunately, I am not very well versed in much other than Depression Glass. Thanks for your comment and happy treasure hunting. This colorful glassware, an inexpensive and cheerful antidote to the dark days of the Great Depression, was not actually known by its current name until the 1970s, when collectors named it. The blue is an offset diamond and the lid has large long indentions in the top with inset sideways design all around. 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. Although pink Depression Glass may seem uninteresting to many, it is quite fascinating, especially when you consider how popular it has been since it was originally made. 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