1 of 10

Early Gold Mercury Glass Witches Ball or Bottle, circa 1820-1850

$528.58List Price

About the Item

The handblown amber gold mercury glass witches ball or bottle having a corked tapering neck accompanied by string, and when hung reflecting an entire room, showing a beautiful all-over patination, survives from nineteenth century England in beautifully original condition. The condition is largely what one would like and expect to find in an original antique example with pitting and character marks with age. There are no cracks or damages to speak of with some imperfections to the blowing at the neck, which is charming. The cork is certainly old as is the string that hangs around the neck though it is too difficult to say if they are original to the bottle. Witches balls have a rather interesting and mysterious history and there have been several theories put forward as to their main use. The most common theory is that witch balls were hung in 18th and 19th century windows to ward off evil spirits as it was believed that witches could be entrapped by their own reflection. Other theories include the objects being used as an early form of burglar alarm with the large surfaces reflecting intruders to ones attention. History tells us glass houses in England began producing witch balls in about 1690. In 16th century England with the ball was called a ‘watch bottle’ designed to contain holy water supporting the folk tale relating them to magic associated with them. The witches bottle was a stone or glass bottle filled with urine, nails or hair burned or heated for the purpose of repelling or breaking a witche’s power over her victim. Peddlars sold these bottles at country fairs and door to door. This is quite an early example compared to others you see on the market today. We implore you to gaze into this ethereal, lustrous beauty and try not to be bewitched.

Dimensions:
Height: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)Diameter: 4 in (10.16 cm)
Style:
Early Victorian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mercury Glass
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1820-1850
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Please see description for full condition report and photographs for visual reference.
Seller Location:
Bedford, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: gold witches ball1stDibs: LU194434870183

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Taxidermy

Materials

Glass, Pine

Tall Antique Display Showcase, English, Glass, Taxidermy, Dome, Victorian, 1850

$1,333

H 20.28 in Dm 8.08 in

Dog Bottle Opener by Herta Baller

By Carl Bent

Located in Vienna, AT

Brass vintage toy bottle opener from the 1950.

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Brass

Dog Bottle Opener by Herta Baller

$189

H 5.91 in W 3.15 in D 1.19 in

In Memory of Jacko" the Champion Ratter circa 1850 Taxidermy Dog Interest

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A rather curios Victorian diorama of "Jacko" the ratter c.1850, a plaster model of a terrier presented in a period glass dome mounted with its original ebonised stand. Jacko is mounted on a purple velvet cushion with gold threaded decoration. Mounted between his feet is a circular silver medal, the obverse inscribed 'In memory of Jacko, the Champion Terrier 14 lb Weight', the reserve inscribed 'Presentation Medal to Canine Fancier and M.P.R. Jemmy Shaw London 1852', The diorama came from the collection of Jack Webb (1923-2019), London. Jemmy Elton Shaw, also known as Jimm and James was a 19th century pioneer fancier of the early dog show days, a promoter of dog fighting and rat-baiting contests, a breeder of Old English bulldogs, bull terriers and toy terriers...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Taxidermy

Materials

Plaster, Pine, Glass

In Memory of Jacko" the Champion Ratter circa 1850 Taxidermy Dog Interest

$8,230

H 14.97 in W 14.97 in D 7.88 in

Antique English Regency Penwork Games or Playing Card Box, circa 1820

Located in Bath, GB

About as exotic and decorative as they get, this magnificent playing card or games box has a deep red or burgundy background which is smothered in the most exquisite fine penwork wit...

Category

Antique 1820s English Regency Decorative Boxes

Antique English Regency Penwork Games or Playing Card Box, circa 1820

$3,432

Free Shipping

H 4.5 in W 11.5 in D 8.5 in

Large Victorian Leather Cigar Case, Circa 1850.

Located in London, GB

A magnificent hand stitched large leather cigar case or 'cigar protector', circa 1850. Made to put in a bag or case. Has original applied silver monogram. Dimensions (when fully clo...

Category