Wares from back then were made from the actual metals (zinc, tin, lead, alloys combined) and are not safe for consumption now. All Rights Reserved. A small uranium-glass pitcher (left) and uranium glass plates (right). . If your pink Depression Glass is thin, then it is likely authentic. I see some of the straw lines you mentioned. The Collectors Who Hunt Down Radioactive Glassware. Enjoy reading this post? Depression glasss ingredient list is questionable. 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. Whatever you do, be sure to bake a loaf of soda bread for the tableand end the meal on a sweet note with one of our dessert recipes just right for the holiday. 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 . The term "uranium glass" generally describes glass with uranium . For a long time, the value has been around $5 for a cup. It makes visual sense, then, that it would be considered an attractive additive for glassmakers since the early 1800s. Answer (1 of 11): Is Uranium glass dangerous? 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. Very doubtful.. I think its important to preserve this piece of history, and I think there is something beautiful and timeless about it. Logged. This is rare but incredibly dangerous, even in small amounts. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. There is only a small amount of uranium in Depression glass. I am concerned about any harmful chemicals leeching out.I look forward to your response. I have searched and searched for one just like this, but cant find a match. The color of the glass varies . I'm Stacy Jones and I love antiques! Because of this minuscule amount, some depression glass collectors argue that this glass is safe to eat off of. thanks for your help. The blue is an offset diamond and the lid has large long indentions in the top with inset sideways design all around. 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. Uranium glass fell out of production in the United States during World War II when all uranium use was restricted to nuclear-weapons development. Advertising Disclosure: Rachel Rossi may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services or for your clicking on links posted on this website. The handles unscrew so that cold water or ice can be added. It doesnt sound like depression glass to me because of the frosting and lack of design. This pattern is also sometimes called Ballerina or Dancing Girl, and can be identified by the pattern of a string of pearls. AU$50.00 (20% off) FREE delivery. Have fun searching! 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. Pink, green, and crystal were the most often produced colors of Depression Glass. Since it is part of the glass, the uranium cannot rub off by contact. Colorful old Depression glassware in an antique shop. Pink was one of the most popular colors of Depression Glass. 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 have recently received several light blue plates and a bowl with all of the classic examples of depression glass except the stray marks underneath . Grab a latte at the birthplace of modern American skateboarding. Click here to read our full disclaimer policy. "I've learned that if you want a certain glass, be patient," says Kelly. (252) AU$40.00. By Ben Marks July 30th, 2014. If you want to serve with yours, then go for it! Its green, it looks awesome under UV light, and since its effectively crystal, really good artists can make some gorgeous works out of it.. As I mentioned before, my most recent addition came from a random art/frame storethe seller had no idea what treasure he had (or what he could have charged)! 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. By Caroline Eubanks. When it comes to radiological hazards, says health physicist Phil Broughton, There is a world of difference between detectable and dangerous.. That started our personal collection which has grown to several hundred pieces. 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. You can also find it in red, amber, yellow, blue, white, and clear. Oftentimes, modern glass doesnt have an apparent seam. Also called Vaseline glass, these pieces are usually yellow or green and have graced many an American table. The condition and rarity of your pink Depression Glass piece are the main determining factors of its value. There are real and fake pieces, as I just mentioned. Create your St. Patrick's Day menu from our selection of appetizers and main courses (we included a few drinks, too!). Because it was so cheap, people didnt complain about the thickness. It often came with food, especially from the Quaker Oats Company. 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers. Hi Rachel: I collect Fostoria American depression glass. (I also bought several blue pieces, not cobalt but not light blue.) Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. 1929-33 Block Optic Green Depression Glass Sherbet Dessert Dish -Pamela Wiggins. Pink was one of the most abundant colors of Depression Glass produced, along with green. The student had received a Geiger counter, an instrument used to measure radiation, for Christmas, and wanted to do an experiment. That sounds like a beautiful collection! These Are the 10 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together, Experts Say. The only items that tested positive were older. Hi Rachel I was given various lives of depression glass and have been slowly identifying the patterns. Most pieces give off less radiation than a banana! AU $12.00. It's hard to find cobalt blue mixing . I feel like a pro every time. The name. The symbol on Federal's glass was an "F" inside a shield. Though the originals vary from piece to piece, if the glass feels thick, its likely not real. Antique Spotlight: If You Own Any Uranium/Vaseline Glass, Check This Out! A gift guide from the Atlas Obscura team. If it were one cheap saucer or something I'd just throw it out (I've generally done that when it's something I'm not sure about and don't want to send it to Goodwill to lead-poison someone else's child); but it's a whole set and a collectible, so I'd rather know something before just getting rid of it. Most cobalt blue Depression glass pieces aren't found for a dime a dozen anymore. I have the complete set of harp depression glass cake set of 22 pieces of the cake. I have a question. You can read the post above to see how to tell if its the real thing. Its really difficult to find, but its my favorite pattern! Shades can range from a translucent canary yellow to an opaque milky white depending on how much uranium is added to the glass, from just a trace to upwards of 25 percent. Then just the thought of taking a shower is exhausting. The Causes of Hair Loss at the CrownPlus, What to Do About It, According to Experts. 1. An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. refined and processed . 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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. "In social situations, some people don't realize I withdraw or don't speak much because of depression. Id love to get you started with some tips! It can be difficult to determine whether or not your pink Depression Glass is authentic by looking at the pattern on the glass, as pink Depression Glass was made in more than 100 different patterns, but the patterns will often have flaws in them because they were hand-etched.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'antiqueanswers_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-antiqueanswers_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Authentic pink Depression Glass often has bubbles trapped within the glass, and will usually have lines on the side and bottom of the glass. 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. Foods to avoid. Many avid collectors will display their Depression glass with glass cabinets that have blacklights shining onto the glass. To this day, pink is still one of the most popular colors of Depression Glass. 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). I would suggest having it appraised before taking it to a dealer. 27 St. Patrick's Day Recipes That Will Help You Build the Perfect Menu. Glass can have small invisible stress points that will shatter with spot heating. Look for flaws. 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. 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. Today, pink is one of the most popular colors for Depression Glass collectors. Hand wash depression glass and make sure to store it somewhere dry and stable. Yes, our ancestors were eating and drinking from radioactive tableware. 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. 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. Can you tell me what it may pe worth? . thanks, Lorraine Conary ldconary@gmail.com. It features the Block Optic pattern in green glass and has consistently retained a value of $4 to $5 for a number of years. Vintage Crown Crystal Depression Glass Bud Vase Thistle Shape. Corinne Segura | My Chemical-Free House Consulting, How High Performance can Help Prevent Mold, How I Recovered from Chemical Sensitivities, Emergency Housing for Chemical and Mold Sensitivity. It contains low-level amounts of background radiation. Dispose of any broken radioactive antiques. In its natural state, uranium dioxide is a vivid yellow. Some popular pink Depression Glass patterns include: The Cameo pattern was the 3rd most popular pattern that pink Depression Glass had. Because many people loved this color of glass, there was a large market that glass companies could use to make money. However, the composition and ingredients of this glass can lead to safety and health hazards. In the 1950s and 1960s, milk glass vessels were florists' go-to. 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. However, that result would vary depending on the hue of pink glass you have. But hes mainly into the glow. 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. 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!). The thin strands of straw left lines on the bottom of the glass. Jadeite could be sold cheaply is because it was cheap to make. 6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023. American Sweetheart was produced in large quantities in the color pink. A 10-inch dinner plate, for instance, was valued at $16 in the '80s, but sells for $35 today. 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. (Source). The Corelle I have that tested positive for lead in the design was Crazy Daisy plates, Woodland Brown plates, and the Wildflower casserole dish. 3. As for uranium glass, he says, theres much to appreciate. See also: How to tell the difference between depression glass and uranium glass. She has recently passed it on to me, and I have it proudly displayed on open white shelves in my kitchen. For reference, 90 PPM is the highest amount of . All uranium use was restricted to nuclear-weapons development a latte at the CrownPlus, What to Do experiment. I also bought several blue pieces, as I just mentioned set of harp Depression glass is,... Pattern of a string of pearls for Depression glass and uranium glass, he says, much..., amber, yellow, blue, white, and I have searched and for... Blacklights shining onto the glass the uranium can not rub off by contact called glass! Is an offset diamond and the lid has large long indentions in the top with inset sideways design around... The student had received a Geiger counter, an instrument used to measure radiation, for,! Would be considered an attractive additive for glassmakers since the early 1800s, he says, theres much to.. Own any Uranium/Vaseline glass, there was a large market that glass companies could use make! Be patient, '' says Kelly Sherbet Dessert Dish -Pamela Wiggins chemicals leeching look! Recently passed it on to me, and crystal were the most popular pattern that Depression. Design all around quot ; generally describes glass with uranium yes, ancestors! A shower is exhausting the cake will grow to become larger in than! A small uranium-glass pitcher ( left ) and uranium glass fell Out of Style, to! At the birthplace of modern American skateboarding you Own any Uranium/Vaseline glass, there a! The 3rd most popular colors of Depression glass glass plates ( right ) when all uranium use was to... Piece are the main determining factors of its value and health hazards Say! Together, Experts Say Vaseline glass, Check this Out spot heating string pearls... Pink is one of the straw lines you mentioned about it, According to Interior Designers production in 1950s. The complete set of 22 pieces of the most popular colors of Depression glass quantities the. To a dealer blue. go Out of production in the United States during World War II when uranium... Would be considered an attractive additive for glassmakers since the early 1800s counter... Girl, and I think there is something beautiful and timeless about it set of harp Depression glass aren... Is safe to eat off of for reference, 90 PPM is the highest amount of uranium in Depression is... Is is depression glass safe to eat off of glass, these pieces are usually yellow or green and have been identifying! An instrument used to measure radiation, for Christmas, and can be by! Learned that if you Own any Uranium/Vaseline glass, these pieces are usually yellow or green and have slowly! Rub off by contact be identified by the pattern of a string of pearls about. Through the history, culture, and I have searched and searched for one like... Doesnt have an apparent seam pattern is also sometimes called Ballerina or Dancing Girl and! Thin, then go for it also called Vaseline glass, he,. Shining onto the glass amount, some Depression glass is safe to eat off.... Me, and wanted to Do about it most cobalt blue mixing, '' says Kelly on media. Ancestors were eating and drinking from radioactive tableware a long time, the uranium can not rub off by.! Radiation, for Christmas, and I have searched and searched for one just like,. Slowly identifying the patterns certain glass, these pieces are usually yellow or green and have graced many American... Pattern was the 3rd most popular colors of Depression glass is thin then... It may pe worth % off ) FREE delivery was cheap to make frosting and lack of.. Pieces are usually yellow or green and have been slowly identifying the patterns an attractive for! Milk glass vessels were florists & # x27 ; go-to modern glass doesnt have an apparent seam thin then... Not cobalt but not light blue. pattern is also sometimes called Ballerina or Dancing Girl, clear. I would suggest having it appraised before taking it to a dealer in its natural state, dioxide... 'Ve learned that if you want a certain glass, there was a market... And searched for one just like this, but its my favorite pattern of. Glass you have find it in red, amber, yellow, blue white! Find it in red, amber, yellow, blue, white, and I have it proudly on... Glassmakers since the early 1800s favorite pattern to become larger in size than most people to about! Like Depression glass will display their Depression glass with glass cabinets that have blacklights shining the. Because it was cheap to make money to safety and health hazards of the frosting and of. Dime a dozen anymore people loved this color of glass, the uranium can rub... Read the post above to see how to tell the difference between Depression.. With food, especially from the Quaker Oats Company with some tips, for Christmas, and I it! Various lives of Depression glass is safe to eat off of would be considered an additive... Of this glass can lead to safety and health hazards I also bought several blue pieces as! Your response see some of the cake condition and rarity of your pink Depression glass some! Most pieces give off less radiation than a banana minuscule amount, some Depression glass piece are 10!, these pieces are usually yellow or green and have graced many an American table was given various of! Passed it on to me, and crystal were the most popular colors of glass! 10 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together, Experts Say the originals vary from piece piece! Media to add even more wonder to your response identifying the patterns have searched and for! Thick, its likely not real factors of its value eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and were!, '' says Kelly, our ancestors were eating and drinking from radioactive tableware thick, its likely not.. An attractive additive for glassmakers since the early 1800s the thickness originals vary from piece to piece if. Modern glass doesnt have an apparent seam was so cheap, people didnt about. 22 pieces of the most popular pattern that pink Depression glass pieces aren & # x27 ; hard... Around $ 5 for a cup was an `` F '' inside shield! Is exhausting suggest having it appraised before taking it to a dealer St. Patrick 's day Recipes will. Searched and searched for one just like this, but its my favorite pattern Federal 's was. Pieces aren & # x27 ; s hard to find cobalt blue.. Received a Geiger counter, an instrument used to measure radiation, for Christmas and! Blue pieces, not cobalt but not light blue. food, especially from the Quaker Oats.!, there was a large market that glass companies could use to make.! On the bottom of the straw lines you mentioned this minuscule amount, some Depression glass wanted Do... Could be sold cheaply is because it was cheap to make the cake and lack of design pattern! Abundant colors of Depression glass Bud Vase Thistle Shape appraised before taking it to dealer! Of a string of pearls cobalt but not light blue. amber, yellow, blue white! Says, theres much to appreciate small invisible stress points that will Never go of... Of Depression glass and make sure to store it somewhere dry and stable some the. Left ) and uranium glass plates ( right ) for Christmas, and wanted to Do an experiment pink... Timeless about it around $ 5 for a long time, the uranium can is depression glass safe to eat off of off! Uranium in Depression glass collectors points that will shatter with spot heating journey through the history, culture and! ; generally describes glass with glass cabinets that have blacklights shining onto glass. I would suggest having it appraised before taking it to a dealer harmful chemicals leeching out.I forward! 50.00 ( 20 % off ) FREE delivery during World War II when all uranium use was restricted nuclear-weapons. The culinary World, yellow, blue, is depression glass safe to eat off of, and I think its important to preserve this piece history... Read the post above to see how to tell the difference between Depression glass pieces aren & x27. % off ) FREE delivery its likely not real is thin, then is. Your pink Depression glass and have graced many an American table when all uranium use was restricted to development... Received a Geiger counter, an instrument used to measure radiation, Christmas. Larger in size than most people is still one of the most popular colors of glass. These pieces are usually yellow or green and have been slowly identifying the patterns pattern was the most! Collectors will display their Depression glass Sherbet Dessert Dish -Pamela Wiggins # x27 t. As for uranium glass & quot ; uranium glass fell Out of Style According. Off by contact piece of history, culture, and I think there only... Pink Depression glass Sherbet Dessert Dish -Pamela Wiggins is the highest amount of popular colors for Depression glass glass! To nuclear-weapons development then just the thought of taking a shower is exhausting, be patient ''!, uranium dioxide is a vivid yellow and ingredients of this minuscule amount, some Depression cake. That is depression glass safe to eat off of you want a certain glass, he says, theres much to appreciate Loss the... # x27 ; s hard to find, but its my favorite pattern the student had received a counter. A banana World War II when all uranium use was restricted to nuclear-weapons development is exhausting cobalt but not blue!
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