Oversized 15cm Antique Gold Mercury Glass Witches Ball / Kugel – Circa 1880

An exceptional example of an authentic late Victorian-era gold mercury glass hanging sphere (traditionally referred to as a Witches Ball or Holiday Kugel) dating from approximately 1880–1910.

Commanding an impressive 15cm (6-inch) diameter, this heavy statement piece was meticulously hand-blown by a skilled European artisan. The glowing, deep-metallic gold coloration is achieved via a historic optical method: the interior of a hand-blown, amber-tinted glass sphere was coated with a liquid silver nitrate solution, creating a brilliant, warm gold reflection through the glass walls.

True to its age and artisan craftsmanship, the sphere displays exceptional “seeds” (tiny trapped air bubbles) and organic, non-uniform variations in the thickness of the glass.

The interior silvering displays a highly desirable, natural “puddle” pattern of foxing, oxidation, and subtle flaking where air has seeped in over the last century. This gorgeous internal distressing forms a mesmerizing pattern across the base that serves as definitive proof of its antiquity. The globe is topped with its original, authentic iron/tin-plated steel cap and large hanging loop (the loop could be a replacement). This sturdy hardware reliably supports the substantial 348-gram weight of this large display globe.

An incredibly striking, rare piece of history for collectors of Victorian holiday decor, folklore artifacts, or antique glassware.

Diameter: Impressive 15 cm / 5.9 inches
Weight: Heavy artisan grade, 348 grams
Era: Late 19th / Early 20th Century (Circa 1880–1910)
Materials: Amber-tinted blown glass, Silver nitrate lining, Iron/steel cap
Condition: Excellent antique condition. Absolutely no structural cracks or external damage. Beautiful, dense internal foxing and silver oxidation consistent with 100+ years of age