How to Collect Vaseline Glass

Vaseline glass is the name given to a type of collectible glass that contains about two percent Uranium. Prior to 1901 the glass makers called it Canary glass because of its yellowish color. About the turn of the 20th century glass dealers began to call it Vaseline glass because it looked much like the Vaseline that was commonly available at that time. The name is given specifically to any kind of transparent yellow-green glass which glows brightly under a black light due to the uranium content.

There are several types, and colors, of glass which will glow under a black light. Much of the Vaseline glass today is not true Vaseline glass because in natural light it is much too dark of a green. In order for it to be real Vaseline glass it must not only glow bright neon green under the black light but it must also be a distinctive yellow-green color in natural light. While there is some variation in hue and intensity from manufacturer to manufacturer and year to year over, careful research will help you to be able to spot the real from the imposter.

Images on this page from Vaseline Glass.

While Vaseline glass and other Uranium glass gives off very low levels of Uranium, it is not enough to cause health problems and is safe to display in your home. The best way to display Vaseline glass is in a lighted cabinet. Remove the regular lights and replace with black light bulbs to show-off the spectacular beauty of this glass. There were many types of items made including:

• Vases

• Salt and peppers

• Cake plates

• Sandwich trays

• Marbles

• Creamers

• Sugar bowls

• Rolling Pins

• Candlesticks

• Powder boxes

• Animal figurines

...and many, many more. Most Vaseline glass items are very reasonable, and can be found for less than one hundred dollars. An antique and collectibles price guide, which is current and up to date, and specializes in Depression or Vaseline glass is an important investment and can keep you from making a costly mistake.

There are many companies that produced Vaseline glass, and a few that are currently producing it. Names to look for are:

• Northwood
• McKee
• Bryce Bros.
• Bellaire Goblet Co
• Canton Glass Co.
• Richards & Hartley
• A J Beatty & Co.
• Indiana Tumbler & Goblet Co.
• Jones Cavitt
• Hobbs Brockeunier & Co.
• Riverside Glass Works
• Model Flint Glass Co.
• Albany Glass Co.

• Fenton

• Mosser

Collecting Vaseline glass can become addictive. You can collect by item, by manufacturer, by era, by color, or just by picking up whatever you happen to like. The first time you see this amazing glass glow you will be hooked. Following are some great resources to find out more about collecting Vaseline Glass.