Striking Yellow Uranium Glass Seltzer Siphon c. 1920 - 10¾"

This French seltzer siphon in rare vaseline glass (uranium glass), dating to the early 20th century, glows in a translucent chartreuse yellow that immediately draws the eye. The mouth-blown heavy cylindrical body rises to a rounded shoulder and thick footrim, its surface etched with an ornate advertising cartouche. The original domed metal head with curved lever bears faint stamped lettering matching the engraved body, its weathered patina contrasting beautifully with the luminous glass. Siphons like this were staples of cafés and brasseries, where they dispensed charged water for aperitifs and spritzes. The vivid yellow derives from uranium-oxide glass, known in France as _ouraline_, a fashionable specialty of late 19th- and early 20th-century glassmakers, prized not only for its strength but for its radiance. The radioactivity in uranium glass is extremely low, as only tiny quantities were used, making such pieces perfectly safe to keep at home, with levels no greater than those naturally present in the environment. Though no longer functional, this siphon stands as much a sculptural object as a historical tool. Its rare citrus hue catches and reflects the light, bringing a vivid accent to a bar cart, kitchen shelf, or vanity. Grouped with other colored siphons, it creates a jewel-like display that combines history, elegance, and playful charm.