Search 0
36,901  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 164 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTS
164 ITEMS ADDED TODAY
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Antiques dealer?
Join as a Seller
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1095344
SOLD
Email Phone
Save
German Glass 'Witch' Ball or Kugel, Late 19th Century
Sold by Luke Honey Ltd
sold SA1095344
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

Luke Honey Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2018
Browse dealers 22 items
↓ Relevant Links
Id #SA1095344
PDF SHARE
SAVE

German Glass 'Witch' Ball or Kugel, Late 19th Century

19th century
Sold 26 September 2024 · Luke Honey Ltd
This “German Glass 'Witch' Ball or Kugel, Late 19th Century” found a buyer.

It was listed by Luke Honey Ltd. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Find more for sale
Antique Blown GlassAntique Mercury GlassGold Glass Ornament Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

gold colour, nicely tarnished, with stamped metal plate and a metal ring for hanging.

19cm diameter.

This decorative antique 'witch ball' dates from the late 19th century, and is nicely tarnished. I've done quite a bit of research into these for various magazine articles and despite the romantic stories behind them, they're actually more likely to be German 'Kugel' balls, exported from Germany to Britain in the late 19th century as Christmas decorations.

I've also got a similar silver ball for sale.

Please get in touch for a condition report and further info.

Free shipping in the Mainland UK.

Many thanks, Luke Honey.

Date of Manufacture

Luke Honey Ltd has dated this Antique Glass Witch Ball to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
19cm (7.48")
Width
19cm (7.48")
Depth
19cm (7.48")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1095344
Description
Gold colour, nicely tarnished, with stamped metal plate and a metal ring for hanging.

19cm diameter.

This decorative antique 'witch ball' dates from the late 19th century, and is nicely tarnished. I've done quite a bit of research into these for various magazine articles and despite the romantic stories behind them, they're actually more likely to be German 'Kugel' balls, exported from Germany to Britain in the late 19th century as Christmas decorations.

I've also got a similar silver ball for sale.

Please get in touch for a condition report and further info.

Free shipping in the Mainland UK.

Many thanks, Luke Honey.

Date of Manufacture

Luke Honey Ltd has dated this Antique Glass Witch Ball to the 19th Century.

Height
19cm (7.48")
Width
19cm (7.48")
Depth
19cm (7.48")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1095344
Luke Honey Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2018
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Luke Honey Ltd Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A spherical reflective gold glass witch ball with a decorative metal cap and hanging loop at the top. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 1
Archive I A spherical reflective gold glass witch ball with a decorative metal cap and hanging loop at the top. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

German Glass 'Witch' Ball or Kugel, Late 19th Century

Enlarged Archival View

Luke Honey Ltd
Telephone 020 7450 0914
Location
London
SW8
United Kingdom

By appointment only
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/lukehoney
Verified Since Jul 2018
Items For Sale 22
Items Sold 148
Luke Honey Ltd
Verified Since Jul 2018
View Dealer Info
Location: London, SW8, United Kingdom, , By appointment only
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/lukehoney
Verified
Jul 2018
For Sale
22
Sold
148
A spherical reflective gold glass witch ball with a decorative metal cap and hanging loop at the top.
German Glass 'Witch' Ball or Kugel, Late 19th Century
Ref: SA1095344
A spherical reflective gold glass witch ball with a decorative metal cap and hanging loop at the top.
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Objects
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialGlass, Brass
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsBlown glass sphere, Reflective silvered interior, Embossed metal cap, Hanging loop
  • SizeH 19 cm (7 in) x W 19 cm (7 in) x D 19 cm (7 in)

FAQs

Originating in 19th-century Germany, these blown-glass spheres were traditionally hung in windows or placed in gardens to ward off evil spirits, bad luck, and witches. Over time, smaller versions evolved into early Christmas tree decorations known as kugels.

Authentic period pieces are crafted from free-blown or mould-blown glass, featuring a silvered interior lining often made with a mercury or metal-alloy compound. They are typically finished with an ornate brass or metal cap and hanging loop.

Authenticity is indicated by pontil marks on the glass, heavy irregularities in thickness, subtle bubbles, and natural ageing or oxidation of the silvered interior coating. The metal cap should show appropriate patination consistent with nineteenth-century manufacturing techniques.

These reflective objects can be displayed resting on a heavy metal ring stand, placed inside a wooden bowl as part of a tablescape, or suspended in a sunny window to catch and refract natural light.

Keep these fragile items away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the inner lining and avoid exposure to moisture or abrasive cleaning agents. Dust gently with a dry, soft microfibre cloth and handle with care due to the delicate nature of the aged glass.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories