For collectors of uranium glass, it’s the rare and unique pieces that truly stand out. Today, we’re exploring three fascinating examples from different eras and makers, each with its own story to tell. From the intricate craftsmanship of Gillinder & Sons to the high-quality designs of Heisey and the creative reimaginings of Boyd, these pieces represent a vibrant history of glassmaking.

Gillinder & Sons: EAPG Leaf Pattern

Gillinder & Sons, established in 1861 in Philadelphia, is celebrated for its high-quality Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG). One of their standout creations is a vaseline glass piece in the Leaf pattern. Known for their detailed, nature-inspired designs, Gillinder’s work showcases the elegance of the late 19th century.

Uranium glass from this period was not only functional but also ornamental. The Leaf pattern, with its crisp detailing and luminous glow under UV light, highlights the artistry that made Gillinder & Sons a prominent name in American glassmaking.

Our rare find is a leaf-patterned nut bowl made of Vaseline glass. It measures about 6 inches long and 1 and a quarter inches tall. The bowl features three feet and intricate detailing. Made in 1885 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we know its date of manufacture because it appears in the Gillinder & Sons catalog from 1881 to 1891. You can view below several photographs from our listing in the marketplace, currently available for sale, along with the catalog page showcasing the bowl.

If you are interested in how the company was started by Gillinder, this website has the story.

Heisey Glass: Octagon Marigold Bowls

The A.H. Heisey & Company, founded in 1895 in Newark, Ohio, was synonymous with quality and innovation. Known for their diamond-shaped “H” mark, Heisey produced exceptional glassware that remains highly collectible.

Among their creations, the Octagon pattern stands out. These uranium glass bowls, in RARE Marigold color, with their geometric elegance and subtle glow, were crafted in the mid-1920s to early 1930s. Heisey’s commitment to fire-polishing each piece lends a smooth, refined finish, making them a pleasure to display and use. Having a pair of these bowls adds symmetry and visual impact to any collection, emphasizing their timeless appeal.

We currently have a pair of these bowls available for sale in our marketplace. The listing provides more details about Heisey glass, including information on this rare Marigold color. You’ll also find a link to the Heisey Glass Museum, showcasing the various colors used in their glassmaking.

Boyd Glass: Peacock & Stork Baby’s Cup

Boyd Glass Company, founded in 1978 in Cambridge, Ohio, revived classic glassmaking techniques while experimenting with bold colors. Their Peacock & Stork Baby’s Cup is an excellent example of their creativity. While most Boyd pieces are easily identified by their “B in a diamond” mark, this particular cup has a unique twist.

This cup stands out as a thick custard glass with a glossy glaze that glows brilliantly under UV light. Intriguingly, a green version – closer to Depression glass tones (and transparent) – was also produced and has been documented in past sales.

Boyd’s ability to reinterpret traditional designs while experimenting with materials and colors makes this piece especially intriguing. And of course, it is clearly marked on the base with the B mark inside of a diamond (rhombus) shape – not to confuse with the above Heisey mark which is an H in a diamond shape. In the time we have been owning this item, we couldn’t find a comparable in the marketplace, so we classify it as scarce. It is currently available for sale in our marketplace.

A Legacy of Luminous Craftsmanship

Each of these pieces tells a story. From the EAPG era of Gillinder & Sons to Heisey’s mid-century precision and Boyd’s modern creativity, uranium glass reflects both history and innovation.

Curious to see more? Take a closer look at our blog post about manganese and uranium glass, and and discover what sets these glowing pieces apart.

On a related note, every day we crave glass that fluoresces. Satisfy your glowing fix by exploring uranium glass in our marketplace.