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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: wolkenreb on February 14, 2012, 07:41:48 PM

Title: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: wolkenreb on February 14, 2012, 07:41:48 PM
I hope this is a fairly straightforward question!  I just want to know because I have a glass figure who's legs and other bits (yellow} glow under UV light, and I was hoping to get some idea of age.  Thanks!
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 14, 2012, 07:50:06 PM
Silly girl  :kissy:-  a straightforward answer expected? :24:

I don't think there is a date, as such. I'm afraid.
It is still being made in Japan as far as I know. The nuclear power disaster may have halted production - I don't know.

However, there are loads of folk into uranuim glass, there is a fair bit about it known.
So, piccies, pretty, pretty please, Nancy!
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: wolkenreb on February 14, 2012, 08:07:09 PM
Oh dear, yes Sue, I had kinda hoped!   ::)  But no matter.  It's actually this wee feller that I posted a query about a while back

I was messing around pointing my teeny miniature uv torch at various random items, just out of curiosity, and his wee legs, the lantern and other yellow pieces lit up quite nicely.

As I don't have any info on him, I thought that might be a clue as to age.  To me he looks quite old-fashioned, but I really can't tell!
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: Lustrousstone on February 14, 2012, 08:59:38 PM
It didn't stop... My newest piece is 2001 but I know it's still being used. I probably have a piece of uranium glass for every decade from the 1850s until this one.
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: wolkenreb on February 14, 2012, 09:06:42 PM
Oh, well that doesn't help with dating then.  Thanks Christine.  Is it only  used in certain countries (I'm assuming it's no longer used in UK?).
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: Lustrousstone on February 14, 2012, 09:12:59 PM
Wrong again! Its use is regulated in the UK though and probably in other places. It has been and is used worldwide. I'm afraid assumptions aren't going to help here at all.

My guess would be 1950s/60s when lampwork thingys were the thing, more so than now. But in reality there is no answer.
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: wolkenreb on February 14, 2012, 09:15:49 PM
Me and my assumptions!  Thanks for enlightening me Christine!
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: Anne on February 15, 2012, 05:54:10 AM
Used in the USA too Nancy, Jack Loranger for one uses it.
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: Glen on February 15, 2012, 08:11:40 AM
Boyd in the USA, and of course Fenton (pre-closure).  Mosser are currently using it too (Vaseline and Vaseline Opal are two of the colours in their catalogue).
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 15, 2012, 10:37:47 AM
And Desna - I bought a small "Grape harvest" vase when I was on holiday in Poland last year but discovered you can buy them brand new in batches of 5.
(I forgot that yesterday  :pb: )
Wasn't it Anne who posted a link just recently to a load of uranium glass nuclear power stations....?

However, I think your little firefly is very nicely made - he reminds me of very early Disney characters.
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: Anne on February 15, 2012, 01:46:11 PM
Yep, I did Sue, and made Christine drool! :) 
Kate Williams in British & Irish... http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,45958.0.html
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 15, 2012, 01:59:56 PM
And me! I want Douneray.
Title: Re: When did the use of uranium in glass stop?
Post by: markw78 on February 16, 2012, 06:19:17 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium_glass#Modern_production

"Today, a few manufacturers continue the vaseline glass tradition: Fenton Glass, Mosser Glass, Gibson Glass and Jack Loranger.[8]"

Someone should remove Fenton from the list I guess...