Let's delve into the world of Victorian elegance with this exquisite Victorian Vaseline Glass Opalescent Uranium Glass Footed Bowl. An artifact from the late 19th century, its form is both delicate and ornate, serving as a beautiful centerpiece that marries function with intricate design. This period piece draws the eye, evoking the charm and sophistication of an era celebrated for its artistry and innovation in glassmaking. This remarkable bowl stands as a testament to the era’s craft with its opalescent ruffled edges, pressing techniques that capture light and define its intricate patterns. The radiant yellow-green tint, glowing under UV light, speaks of its unique uranium glass composition. Attributed to the prowess of American glassmakers such as Northwood or Fenton, this piece mirrors the spirit of its time — an era when utility and aesthetics coalesced in everyday objects. Crafted from the enchanting vaseline glass, the centerpiece highlights the delicate opalescence synonymous with Victorian art glass. Its hand-pressed motifs and the subtle 'S' design echo a bygone craftsmanship that values patience and precision. Interestingly, this bowl defies the tests of time, as it stands in 'Very Good' condition with no visible chips or cracks, ensuring its compelling charm endures undiminished. Slight surface wear narrates a history of usage without overshadowing its beauty or authenticity. With an identification score of 95% and a high authenticity confidence of 90%, complemented by a vivid UV fluorescence, this bowl asserts its authenticity against the backdrop of modern reproductions. Its value is estimated between $100 and $180 at auction — a modest yet fitting range for collectors who cherish historical aesthetics. Much like a fleeting glimpse of something rare, it remains a collectible joy, reminding us of its era’s harmony between form and function.
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By:Unknown (attributed to a major late 19th-century American glass maker; possibly Northwood, Jefferson Glass, or Fenton)
Style:Victorian Art Glass
Origin:United States (possibly England, but characteristic of American pressed glass houses)
Materials:Uranium (vaseline) glass with opalescent rim
Age:circa 1890-1910
Condition:Very Good (no chips or cracks visible, some minor signs of use; not officially graded)
Value:$100-$180 USD (auction/estate)
Maker's Marks / Writing:No visible maker's marks, numbers, or inscriptions apparent in the provided images.
Date:2025-08-01 21:23:22.090498
Description:
This is a late 19th-century footed bowl made from vaseline (uranium) glass, readily identified by its distinctive yellow-green tint and strong fluorescence under UV light (shown in the last image). The bowl features opalescent ruffled edges, concentric pressed ring designs, and an embossed 'S' pattern around the body. Such pieces were produced by prominent American and European glassmakers during the Victorian era, notably by companies like Northwood, Jefferson Glass, or Fenton. This bowl likely functioned as a centerpiece or fruit bowl.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A good quality and visually appealing example of late Victorian uranium glassware with desirable opalescent ruffled edging. The strong fluorescence under UV light confirms the vaseline glass composition. Such pieces remain collectible, especially when free from chips or cracks. Condition, pattern, and maker attribution can influence the value further.
Individual Images:
The UV lit image confirms the presence of uranium
with a vivid green fluorescence and no obvious repairs or inconsistencies in the glow
supporting the authenticity. The closeups reveal sharp mold edges and quality opalescence. The lack of chips
major scratches
or stains is a positive. No damage to the ruffled edge is seen
which is uncommon for fragile antique bowls. The foot base and the pressed concentric rings are consistent with late Victorian pressed glass techniques.
Provenance:
None provided; appears to be from a private collection.
Condition:
Very Good (no chips or cracks visible, some minor signs of use; not officially graded)
Identification Score: 95%
The form, color, distinctive glow under UV, and opalescent ruffle place this securely among late 19th-century American Victorian vaseline glass. The decorative 'S' motif is less common, though similar variants occur. Exact manufacturer identification is not possible from these images, but the period and type are well established.
Authenticity Score: 90%
All observed features—glass composition, surface wear, construction, and UV fluorescence—strongly point to genuine turn-of-the-century vaseline glass. Modest deduction in score due to the presence of high-quality reproductions in the market, but no evidence of modern manufacture is visible here.
Image Memory Note
This is a translucent yellow-green glass footed bowl, about 9–11 inches in diameter, featuring a wide ruffled opalescent edge and pressed circular and ‘S’-shaped motifs on its gently sloping interior. Four images: the first shows the bowl held up to a window to highlight its transparency and pattern; the second and third images show the side and profile on white cloth, with the ruffled edge highly pronounced and even; the fourth image shows the bowl fluorescing a strong green under UV light, typical of uranium or vaseline glass. There are no obvious chips, cracks, or repairs, and no maker's marks or inscriptions are visible. The concentric circles and raised dots pattern on the interior base, as well as the stylish ‘S’ motifs, are prominent. There is slight surface wear but no damage to the foot or rim. Condition appears excellent.
Keywords
Victorian, vaseline glass, uranium glass, opalescent glass, ruffled edge, footed bowl, American art glass, antique glass, pressed glass, collectible, United States
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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