Early 1880s Victorian Wire-wrapped Balloon. Father Christmas Glass Ornament. For Sale

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Early 1880s Victorian Wire-Wrapped Hot Air Balloon. Blue Coated Father Christmas, Feather Tree Branch. German Glass Christmas Tree Ornament.

This is one of the early glass ornaments, made in Lauscha, Germany. Blown without the use of a mold--free blown from a single tube of glass, it was shaped into thesailboat that you seeby the fathers in the German household. Then the mothers would paint and decorate the ornament. The grandmothers would do the wire-wrapping as they had the patience to do this very laborious difficult task. This was a cottage industry, a means for the German families to earn money during the winter when they could not work in the fields. A wonderful heritage in that each ornament is individually finished and a true work of art.

Usilvered inside, it was lacquered from a deep pink to gold to blue at the bottom.

Really colorful and so pastel in appearance.

Truly the Victorian colors, and definitely Victorian in that it is excessively decorated.

Just great coloration.

I know I am repeating that, but the pink to gold to soft blue is so stunning on the tree.

Heavier crinkly silver wire around the top of the balloon, and extending down to the bottom blue part.

Then a wonderful silver crinkly wire which goes from the very top to the bottom of the balloon.

And quite tightly wrapped. Very elegant and so graceful.

Riding in the balloon is a blue suited Father Christmas or Santa Claus.

Very different chromo in that it is a cobalt blue coat, with brown fur trim.

He is using a walking stick to get through the snow.

And a huge sack of presents on his back, as well as a green satchel at his waist.

Very nice and very different.

Also quite nice is the addition of the tiny feather branch, with a red composition berry at the top.

As if he is also bringing the feather tree to be decorated for the family he is about to visit.

A wonderful transportation related ornament.

An amazing ornament, in just great condition, with excellent coloration.

5.75" in height,and in very good shape considering it is well over 130 years old.

There is nothing wrong with these glass Victorian ornaments. In fact, they are in very good shape. They are vintage, not reproductions. I guarantee that. I start all my sales at .99 cents as it is an sale and I just never cared when I went to live sale and the saleeer started very high, and then spent time backing down to get a offer.

I am more than happy to combine postage on multiple orders to save money.

THIS ORNAMENT WILL BE INSURED, THUS THE COST OF SENDING INCLUDES INSURANCE.

Just let me know you are multiple offerding and I will invoice you when you are finished offerding and wish for me to send the items. Then, I will combine postage and send to you, and send final invoice. If any questions about this, please email me.

This item has been shown 287 times. Early 1880s Victorian Wire-wrapped Balloon. Father Christmas Glass Ornament.: $188