Large Mid 19th Century Gold Mercury Glass Witches Ball

Description

An exceptional, large, hand blown witches ball in gold mercury glass. 21.5cm x 18.5cm.

A really lovely example. The glass, … more An exceptional, large, hand blown witches ball in gold mercury glass. 21.5cm x 18.5cm.

A really lovely example. The glass, uniformly covered in dense foxing, dotted with air bubbles and surface imperfections from manufacture, has the pitted surface of a particularly glamorous moon. In completely original condition including the original pressed metal crown/gallery and hanging loop.

No condition issues, other than the ones you’d want to find; heavy foxing to the glass, age/rusting to the gallery. Very rare to find an example of this size and age, especially in such superb condition.

Historically, witch balls were hung in cottage windows in 17th and 18th century England to ward off evil spirits, witches, evil spells, ill fortune and bad spirits. (The glass, reflecting every aspect of a room, leaves nowhere for anything untoward to hide!) Today, they make exceptional decorations whether for Christmas/Halloween or all year round, particularly if grouped together. They also look amazing when hung from a garden tree, especially in the summer. less