Cobalt Blue Threaded Witch Ball
Decorative Art / Hand-Blown Glass Vessel • Unidentified; likely British (Nailsea style) or American glassworks (New Jersey or New England region).
Style & Movement
Victorian / Folk Art / Vernacular Craft
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown soda-lime glass with internal cobalt glass threading and a pontil mark finish.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century (Approx. 1880–1920)
Dimensions & Format
Spherical format; estimated diameter 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm).
Subject Description
A hollow sphere of transparent glass featuring a decorative 'trail' or 'web' of cobalt blue glass. Historically, these objects were hung in windows to ward off evil spirits, 'witchcraft,' or bad luck, with the internal threads intended to 'entrap' malevolent energy.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the glass retains its clarity, though surface abrasions and internal dust are typical for its age.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely passed through private collections or estate sales; lacks specific maker marks or labels, which is common for vernacular glass of this period.
Art Historical Significance
A significant example of 'end-of-day' glass or 'friggers'—items created by glassmakers using leftover material at the end of a shift. It represents 19th-century superstition and folk traditions incorporated into domestic decoration.
Notable Features
Distinctive rough 'broken' pontil scar where the blowpipe was detached; hand-applied blue swirled pattern which ensures no two pieces are identical.
Condition Issues
Visible surface scratches (scuffs) consistent with age; possible calcification or internal 'bloom' (clouding) if exposed to moisture; roughness at the pontil mark (though this is a manufacturing trait, not damage).
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with distilled water and mild soap; avoid abrasive chemicals. Display in a stable environment away from high-traffic areas to prevent breakage.