Price includes UK delivery.
 
A beautiful mercury glass witches’ ball.
 
Hand-blown retaining its original pressed metal gallery and hanging loop.
 
The history of such balls is shrouded in mystery – the most common theory is that they were hung in windows to ward off witches who would be swallowed upon seeing their reflection. Alternatively, it’s been suggested that they served as a form of burglar alarm – their large reflective surface area bringing a room into full view.
 
In good condition with some foxing and surface marks commensurate with age.
 
French, early 20th century.
 
Height 17cm
Width 15cm
Circumference 47cm