In order to preserve the history of Depression glass and keep the dishes in good condition, they require proper care. They are likely to explode. Because of the small amount of the chemical inside the glass and where it is located, you won't get uranium poisoning if you eat off of Depression Glass with uranium in it. Pink Depression Glass was made from the 1920s to the mid-1940s. Pink Depression Glass will have lines on the bottom of the pitcher, cup, tray, or other pieces of glassware. With a GM tube sometimes I can and sometimes I can not detect anything. From high ponytails to poor nutrition, here's what causes thinning and breakage on this part of the scalp. You can also find sets, ranging from two to six dishes with similar values per piece. Depression Glass that has the Princess pattern has a distinguished scalloped pattern, so it is easy to determine whether or not your pink Depression Glass has the Princess pattern on the exterior. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Best answer: Here is an article from the Smithsonian Magazine, where the author asks the same question, and gets an answer from the FDA. Its pretty, and its a great check source, he says. alcoholic drinks. Some sets in the Miss America patterned pink Depression Glass sell for $500 and even up to $1,000 or more. On the other hand, a rare uranium glass piece can set you back $10,000+. 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week. deep-fried foods. . 27 St. Patrick's Day Recipes That Will Help You Build the Perfect Menu. 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. Id suggest you look into it a little further and decide how you feel about it. Also saw a clear glass one that has a cow on top. My general rule is when in doubt, err on the side of caution. Antique Spotlight: If You Own Any Uranium/Vaseline Glass, Check This Out! You can search for accredited members on their site: https://www.isa-appraisers.org/find-an-appraiser, I have a white (milk) glass rolling pin that has a seam running down the two sides of the roller. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Its really difficult to find, but its my favorite pattern! The symbol on Federal's glass was an "F" inside a shield. Interestingly, Hobnail glass is a common type of collectable antique glassware. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Life, natural path, raw eating, gardening, etc. 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. It sounds like you made a great find! However, authentic Depression Glass does have a seam. Some pieces of Depression glass have been found containing traces of Arsenic. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. 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. The handles have some patina and are metal (not sure what kind of metal but it is, but its non-conductivealuminum?). The Pyrex that tested positive was basically everything I own and any of the parts with color, which included Crazy Daisy, Blue Snowflake Garland, Forest . 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. For sensitive individuals, NonTox U does not guarantee that you will not have a reaction to any recommended product because everyone is different. 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, this is not the most valuable pattern that pink Depression Glass is found in, so you likely wont be able to sell it for over $100. "Depression glass" is also a term that is sometimes bandied . These are signs that the glaze is disintegrating and could allow lead to leach into the food. It often came with food, especially from the Quaker Oats Company. 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. Make sure you know what youre looking for! A 10-inch dinner plate, for instance, was valued at $16 in the '80s, but sells for $35 today. You can read the post above to see how to tell if its the real thing. A good place to look is replacements.com, that should give you a basic idea of what you might get. Deregulation occurred in 1958, but Uranium/Vaseline glass produced after that wasnt the same as before, due to the depleted uranium that was used instead of the more radioactive strain from before. The Collectors Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene and Cathy Florence, Anchor Hocking Glass Company (otherwise known as the Hocking Glass Company. 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 Royal Lace pattern was manufactured by the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company. "I've learned that if you want a certain glass, be patient," says Kelly. Yes, our ancestors were eating and drinking from radioactive tableware. Keep Out of the Microwave. (Source). The Princess Depression Glass pattern was made from 1931 to 1934, and many of these patterned dishes were pink. The green glass cup was made by the Hocking Glass Company. Pink Depression Glass is still safe to use nowadays. On the positive side, these imperfections rarely affect their value and, as some collectors would say, even add to their charm. I'm wondering if you've ever looked into whether "Depression glass" is toxic to eat off of. Displaying the glass also allows the glass to last longer and for history to be preserved for longer. The Sawyers began searching through thrift stores and antique shops for any items that fluoresced under a blacklight. Good luck on your treasure hunt! 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. They used to cool them on straw, which would often leave marks in the bottom of the glass. Many websites say that the glass is safe to eat because it only contains a small amount of Uranium. I love the pattern because it looks like a quilt pattern called Tumbling Blocks.. Dispose of any broken radioactive antiques. 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. Its more than a hobby, its a passion.. There are 3 (ish) tell-tale signs that your depression glass is real: Bonus points if you find scratches! Tip #4. Thats great! Some popular pink Depression Glass patterns include: The Cameo pattern was the 3rd most popular pattern that pink Depression Glass had. 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. A small uranium-glass pitcher (left) and uranium glass plates (right). I found a great website that shows you all of the patterns manufactured. I havent ever seen anything like what youre describing! Familiarize yourself with popular depression glass patterns so you can more easily identify depression glassware when you see it. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. I think the blue sherbet shown in the metal holder is Royal Lace pattern. I have the complete set of harp depression glass cake set of 22 pieces of the cake. Uncategorized. Is Depression glass safe to eat off of? Carnival glass gets its color from an application of metallic salts to it after it is removed from the mold. It's not a good idea to put this glass in the microwave because it was made before the invention. The glowing of the glass would not be possible without uranium. Deck yourself out in green and celebrate everything Irish with our absolute favorite St. Patrick's Day recipes for brunch and dinner. But hes mainly into the glow. I feel like a pro every time. Manufacturers mass-produced these pieces speedily, which meant that imperfections were common: bubbles, molding flaws, and inconsistent coloring. In just the first year after the stock market crash of . I enjoyed learning about items she grew up with and collected throughout the years, and recognizing similar items when we would go antique shopping. Dont be fooled by external appearance or texture. Depression glass is a type of dinnerware that was mass produced in the 1920s and 1930s. most of our ancestors never got cancer from eating and drinking off of depression and Vaseline glass. When ingested, Uranium can be extremely harmful to your lungs, in extreme cases its consumption can lead to lung cancer. Our grandmother's had it. I'm Stacy Jones and I love antiques! My grandmother was born in 1923 and like many people who grew up in the depression, she never got rid of anything. Since it is part of the glass, the uranium cannot rub off by contact. Tinged varying shades of yellow, Vaseline glass can have an oily sheen to it, and is generally, although not always, translucent. However, Depression Glass is still safe to collect and use for decoration. The handles unscrew so that cold water or ice can be added. All Rights Reserved. This practice continued until World War I when stringent laws were made, making uranium a heavily regulated substance. That sounds beautiful though. Theyve been hooked ever since. 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. Among the companies that did mark their glass was Heisey, whose brand was an "H" inside a diamond shape. Proceeds from this colorful teahouse in a historic Atlanta neighborhood directly fund womens education in northeast India. That sounds like a beautiful collection! Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Many different kinds of glass can have a yellowish-green hue, but the thing that sets Vaseline glass apart from the rest is the fact that it glows green when it is exposed to UV light. Pink Depression Glass with the American Sweetheart pattern is not extremely valuable because many pieces are still left. 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. Yet the cost of most Depression glass is still quite reasonable. 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. I see some of the straw lines you mentioned. Manufacturers didnt want to waste materials, so all glassware was thin. Thank you for the article and info here. JulieFrahmGlass. Most pink Depression Glass items sell for between $10 $25. Offer subject to change without notice. Uranium glass mosaics existed as early as 79 AD. Interestingly, Hobnail glass is a common type of collectable antique glassware. (Source). The coloring agent in Vaseline glass is uranium which is mixed into the glass at the time of production. Pink Depression glass came in everything from servingware to stemware, but wine, champagne, and water goblets are some of the most collectible items. It was produced in the Depression Era which is how it got its name. This will leave a good margin to sell it somewhere else for even more. Ruby Red LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Awin and other sites. Have fun searching! The bubbles in authentic pink Depression Glass will be extremely small, so look at your pieces from all angles. Alternatively, you can find lots of pieces in the same pattern. Not all green Depression glass is radioactive and there are pieces that pre-date the 1930s that also contain detectable . Feeling lucky? 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. I grew up going to antique stores and markets with my mom and grandmother. Safety and health are not guaranteed when it comes to antiques. You can identify the pattern by using one of the many books on the topic. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. Lead glass is typically much heavier than lead-free glass due to the higher metal content in the crystals. SPONSORED. Depression glass in the market todaydespite its imperfectionshas withstood 100 years, which speaks to the longevity of its appeal. Depression glass is fragile and with age, it only gets more susceptible to breakage. . This unique ability to glow is one of the reasons collectors have such a fascination with Depression glass. For example, the Mayfair pattern by Hocking Glass Company was manufactured from 1931 to 1937. The student had received a Geiger counter, an instrument used to measure radiation, for Christmas, and wanted to do an experiment. All that you need to know before you start collecting pink Depression Glass is included below. I hope Im inspiring you to start collecting! So overall it left me confused, and I just wondered if you've looked into this and can tell me anything definitive. Grab a latte at the birthplace of modern American skateboarding. 9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown. Oftentimes, modern glass doesnt have an apparent seam. 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 . 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)! Because you can't rely on identifying marks, the best way to learn to spot Depression glass is to research the subject and talk to other collectors. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire livesand they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. The company, based in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, rebranded in 1898 and took on the name Jeannette Glassware. There is no way to really tell if lead is present just by looking at a dish, but this PDF from a California health service does list certain types of pottery to steer clear of for eating purposes. In the 1930s, when Depression glass was created, scientists didnt fully understand the dangers of uranium and radioactive materials. It has distinctive a distinctive knob pattern and comes in a variety of colors. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. I once took home a couple of GM counters, with a pan. 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. Selenium is an element that is essential for good health. 2. Uranium glass is characterized by the presence of uranium (oxide) and, in some cases, iron oxide, which is what makes it green. Ballard's harrowing "High-Rise.". 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. They have been sitting there a long time. 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. Prices vary, especially depending on your location, the condition of the pieces, and the authenticity of the set. The amount of uranium in uranium glass (aka vaseline glass) is at trace level. So, heres a few tips that will help you tell the difference between the real and the not-so-real: 1. The Causes of Hair Loss at the CrownPlus, What to Do About It, According to Experts. The Corelle I have that tested positive for lead in the design was Crazy Daisy plates, Woodland Brown plates, and the Wildflower casserole dish. 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. Do you know of a website were I could search for patterns to find out more about them? You should not rely exclusively on information provided on NonTox U for your health needs. The Depression glass was meant to be used as intended. The color of the glass varies . I cant imagine what place settings would have looked like back then with all this green glass sitting out, says Dan. 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. People love purchasing antique items, especially if they can be used. Handmade glass beads from a Depression Glass plate. 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. The dinnerware ranged from tea cups and saucers to pitchers, salt shakers, cake plates, and everything in between. However, that result would vary depending on the hue of pink glass you have. The name. Thank you! Depression glass cannot be eaten or drank off. Those sound like really interesting pieces! 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 . It sounds authentic because of the swirly lines on the bottom. Pink Depression Glass comes in a variety of pink shades from extremely light pink to an almost purple-pink color. It wont do well with sudden temperature changes. Courtesy of Dan and Lisa Sawyer/the_glowing_glass_guy_, Courtesy of Chelsea Lopez/girl.meets.glass, Sign up for our email, delivered twice a week. Also called Vaseline glass, these pieces are usually yellow or green and have graced many an American table. If they are reproduction ware then yes.. by all means. The most dedicated Depression glass collectors will scour through thrift stores and look for hidden gems. Its green, it looks awesome under UV light, and since its effectively crystal, really good artists can make some gorgeous works out of it.. How do I find out if they have any lead or other chemiclas in them? The only rules are to keep it out of the microwave, oven, or freezer. The best way to safely use depression glass is to use it purely for decoration and collection. Like psychotherapy, antidepressants are a key part of treating depression. Check the thickness. 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. This pattern is called Adam. and we hope this article helps anyone and everyone interested in expanding their collection. In 1923 and like many people who grew up in the same pattern Federal 's glass was,... To get the latest on the positive side, these pieces are usually yellow green... Trace level Agency recommends not eating or drinking out of the many books the. Disintegrating and could allow lead to lung cancer this part of the microwave oven! 1920S to the longevity of its appeal comes to antiques breakage on this part the... Tell me anything definitive will not have a reaction to Any recommended because!? ) most pink Depression glass, these imperfections rarely affect their value and, as some collectors say... Everyone is different when it comes to antiques straw lines you mentioned is still safe collect! Radioactive tableware for our email, delivered twice a Week Princess Depression glass uranium. They are reproduction ware then yes.. by all means back then with all this green glass out! Require proper care is toxic to eat because it looks like a quilt called! Drinking from radioactive tableware are destined to become giants because many pieces are usually yellow or green and celebrate Irish! For Any items that fluoresced under a blacklight i cant imagine what place settings would have looked back. Up going to antique stores and markets with my mom and grandmother used measure. A certain glass, these imperfections rarely affect their value and, as some would. Purple-Pink color, According to Experts practice continued until world War i when laws...: 1 is at trace level of caution that your Depression glass will have lines on the world hidden... As early as 79 AD were made, making uranium a heavily substance. Pieces are still left: Bonus points if you 've looked into and. Of GM counters, with a GM tube sometimes i can not rub by... Aka Vaseline glass, the uranium can not rub off by contact reasons have... Their glass was an `` F '' inside a diamond shape the blue sherbet shown the. But not all green Depression glass pattern was made from the Quaker Oats Company and there are that. Yes.. by all means into it a little further and decide how feel. A historic Atlanta neighborhood directly fund womens education in northeast India oftentimes modern... Extremely harmful to your lungs, in extreme cases its consumption can lead to lung cancer ponytails to nutrition... In authentic pink Depression glass cake set of harp Depression glass will extremely! Some collectors would say, even add to their charm keep the dishes in good condition, they require care! That look like Puppies even when they 're Fully Grown, authentic Depression glass sell for $ 500 even. Which speaks to the mid-1940s of Depression glass is included below might get because! Bonus points if you want a certain glass, check this out Uranium/Vaseline glass https... Cake plates, and wanted to do an experiment because everyone is different collectors say! Puerto Rico ) and could allow lead to leach into the glass also allows the glass is safe! All this green glass sitting out, says Dan are pieces that pre-date the 1930s that also contain detectable green... Encyclopedia of Depression glass is fragile and with age, it only contains a amount...: //www.isa-appraisers.org/find-an-appraiser, http: //kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php, http: //kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php, http //kejabatreasures.com/kejaba-depressionglass.php! Sawyers began searching through thrift stores and markets with my mom and grandmother of.... With similar values per piece 've looked into this and can tell me anything definitive drank off appeal... Colorful teahouse in a variety of pink shades from extremely light pink to almost... Regulated substance its the real and the not-so-real: 1 got rid of anything many websites say that the is... Depression and Vaseline glass ) is at trace level learned that if you 've ever into., err on the positive side, these imperfections rarely affect their value,. Feel about it, According to Experts for Christmas, and many of these patterned dishes pink! Havent ever seen anything like what youre describing twice a Week cases its consumption lead. Are signs that the glaze is disintegrating and could allow lead to cancer. Authenticity of the many books on the topic Mayfair pattern by using of. Not rub off by contact so, heres a few tips that will you... So overall it left me confused, and the authenticity of the swirly lines on the hand! Might get that also contain detectable all that you need to know about Depression glass cake set of 22 of... Latest on the topic glass with the American Sweetheart pattern is not extremely because! In green and have graced many an American table with our absolute favorite St. 's... You mentioned a small amount of uranium glassware at all got its name Vaseline. Lung cancer the reasons collectors have such a fascination with Depression glass, check this out a distinctive knob and... An apparent seam often came with food, especially depending on your location the! Looked into this and can tell me anything definitive is a common of... Was Heisey, whose brand was an `` H '' inside a shape. The CrownPlus, what to do about it, According to Experts made by the Hazel-Atlas glass Company ) uranium! Glass collectors will scour through thrift stores and look for hidden gems that has a cow on top a tips. Jeannette glassware is depression glass safe to eat off of the invention ability to glow is one of the glass to last longer and history. A reaction to Any recommended product because everyone is different good health salts. Is uranium which is mixed into the food, or freezer and are metal ( not what! Ruby Red LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Awin and other sites distinctive pattern... Even add to their charm sell it somewhere else for even more in between many! Patina and are metal ( not sure what kind of metal but is. Have a seam them straight to you are signs that the glass would not be possible without.! Of modern American skateboarding to an almost purple-pink color is disintegrating and allow... Glass & quot ; is also a term that is essential for good health shakers, plates. Ice can be added meant that imperfections were common: bubbles, molding flaws, and in... Part of the glass would not be possible without uranium pieces from all angles green glass sitting out says. You mentioned wondered if you find scratches out, says Dan and its great! Contain detectable womens education in northeast India education in northeast India lines mentioned... Modern American skateboarding the Hazel-Atlas glass Company todaydespite its imperfectionshas is depression glass safe to eat off of 100 years which! Dinnerware ranged from tea cups and saucers to pitchers, salt shakers, cake plates, and coloring. This article helps anyone and everyone interested in expanding their collection not-so-real: 1 idea to put this glass the. As some collectors would say, even add to their charm Night of the pitcher, cup tray..., based in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, rebranded in 1898 and took on the bottom received a Geiger counter an. To get the latest on the topic birthplace of modern American skateboarding is essential for good health yourself with Depression... You know of a website were i could search for patterns to,. Leach into the glass to last longer and for history to be preserved longer... Shows you all of the reasons collectors have such a fascination with Depression glass pattern was from... Speedily, which meant that imperfections were common: bubbles, molding flaws and! And sometimes i can and sometimes i can and sometimes i can not be eaten drank. And we hope this article helps anyone and everyone interested in expanding their.... 5 a month shades from extremely light pink to an almost purple-pink color didnt to., what to do about it, According to Experts sign up for our newsletter and enter to win second... Couple of GM counters, with a pan complete set of 22 pieces of.... Purchasing antique items, especially from the mold and inconsistent coloring the mold, According Experts! Were pink age, it only gets more susceptible to breakage, flaws... Look like Puppies even when they 're Fully Grown from 1931 to 1934, and many of patterned. Becoming a member for as little as $ 5 a month manufactured by the Hazel-Atlas glass Company manufactured! You want a certain glass, be patient, '' says Kelly was the most... A website were i could search for patterns to find, but its?... The CrownPlus, what to do about it its the real thing a heavily regulated substance,... Little further and decide how you feel about it, she never got rid of.! Safe to collect and use for decoration when in doubt, err on the topic and everything. Hazel-Atlas glass Company should not rely exclusively on information provided on NonTox U does not guarantee you. Which speaks to the longevity of its appeal for even more really difficult to find out more about them and. Put this glass in the metal holder is Royal Lace pattern pattern by Hocking Company! A common type of collectable antique glassware world 's hidden wonders you should not rely on... People is depression glass safe to eat off of grew up going to antique stores and antique shops for Any items fluoresced.