Depression Glass Serving Bowl / Vaseline Glass Bowl
Table / Serving Accessory · Art Deco / Depression Era (1920s-1940s) · Likely produced by a major American glass manufacturer of the era such as Hazel-Atlas, Hocking Glass, or Indiana Glass.
Type
Table / Serving Accessory
Style Period
Art Deco / Depression Era (1920s-1940s)
Material
Pressed glass with uranium content (commonly known as Vaseline glass or uranium glass), which glows brightly under ultraviolet light.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920s-1940s
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 8 to 10 inches and height of 3 to 4 inches, typical for a mid-sized fruit or vegetable serving bowl.
Origin
United States, produced during the height of the American Depression glass manufacturing boom.
Designer/Maker
Likely produced by a major American glass manufacturer of the era such as Hazel-Atlas, Hocking Glass, or Indiana Glass.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail or collector value ranges from $25 to $75 depending on the exact maker, rarity of the pattern, and presence of uranium glow.
Description
An exquisite piece of vintage pressed glass, this serving bowl features a vibrant translucent green-yellow hue and intricate, ornate pressed patterns adorning both the interior base and scalloped rim. Characteristic of the era, the piece combines everyday utility with decorative flair, designed to brighten households during economically challenging times.
Key Features
Translucent yellow-green coloration, intricate molded scrolling patterns, scalloped rim, and potential uranium glass fluorescence under UV lighting.
Color & Finish
Translucent pale yellow-green color with a glossy finish and intricate molded relief patterns.
Construction Method
Machine-pressed glass manufactured using multi-part metal molds, common for mass production during the Great Depression.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Single-piece molded glass construction, indicative of industrial manufacturing processes of the era.
Wood Grain & Species
N/A
Surface Treatment
Molded intaglio and relief patterns featuring stylized floral and scroll motifs on the interior and rim.
Upholstery Details
N/A
Hardware & Fittings
N/A
Origin & Provenance
United States, produced during the height of the American Depression glass manufacturing boom.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in very good vintage condition with no major chips, cracks, or visible cloudiness; minor surface wear consistent with age and careful use.
Interesting Facts
Vaseline glass gets its distinctive glowing color from small amounts of uranium oxide added to the glass batch, which is entirely safe for display and normal handling as radioactivity levels are extremely low.
Cultural Significance
Depression glass represents a fascinating chapter in American consumer history, where inexpensive machine-made glassware was mass-produced and often given away as promotional items in movie theaters or with boxes of soap.
Similar Pieces
Later reproduction glassware or non-uranium green depression glass; distinguishable primarily by weight, mold seam sharpness, and reaction to a blacklight.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash gently with mild dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth; avoid harsh abrasives or dishwashers to protect the vintage glass finish.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail or collector value ranges from $25 to $75 depending on the exact maker, rarity of the pattern, and presence of uranium glow.
Sustainability Notes
An inherently sustainable collectible object, representing decades of reuse, durability, and the preservation of historical manufacturing artifacts.