Kugel Glass Ornaments-Germany, 1890-1910

HOW THE AMERICAN CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENT CAME TO BE IN OUR HOMES EVERY YEAR!
MemoryLaneVintiques has authenticated both Kugel ornaments also the pair are included in the purchase.

Made: Germany
When: Research strongly suggests 1890-1910
Color: Cobalt Blue
Cap: Ornate Brass
Circumference of Spheres: 12 inch
Dimensions of Spheres: 4 inch by 4 inch
Weight per Ornament: 7 ounces
Condition: EXCELLENT
Additional photos available on request by PM at the shop (UV photos included in current listing)
MemoryLaneVintiques sanitizes all glassware, glazed pottery, jewelry and resin cast items before packing for shipment....100% Guaranteed!
STANDS IN PHOTOS NOT INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE OF THESE ITEM!

The first Kugels were glass blown in Lauscha, Germany as early as 1820. Originally, the ornaments were large in scale and heavy that were attached to ceilings in churches, schools, stores and homes. At the time, German Folklore believed that hanging the "balls" in an establishment would prevent witches and evil spirits from entering the area. Kugel is actually German meaning "ball" so naturally the Kugel was nicknamed the "Witches Ball".
In 1820's Germany, holiday trees were draped with apples, other natural fruits and nuts, cookies, popcorn and cranberries, as well as homemade paper items, candles, cornucopias, and presents. But then in 1848, German glass-blower Louis Greiner-Schlotfeder produced the first glass Kugel for a holiday tree. Louis made smaller, hollow glass Kugels ranging in size from 1 inch to 18 inches.
He made the balls more reflective in color with silvering inside the glass. Schlotfeder also added brass caps to keep the silvering inside the Kugel from oxidizing. The Krugels were made to replace the traditional holiday tree decorations of the time so they were shaped mostly like fruits, eggs, tear drops, or various diameter ribbed and smooth spheres. Schlotfeder's smaller Kugel became popular with holiday decorating all over Germany and families began glass-blowing their own. The production of Kugels normally took a kiln plus four members with each member having specific roles. One blowing the spheres, one silvering, one painting, and one brass capping.....VERY LABOR INTENSIVE.
Around 1860, the Kugels made in Germany made it to America through importation but were considered a luxury for the wealthy due to their import costs and for holiday decor.
Until around 1867 when the first gas works in Lauscha began a technique that lamp-blew Kugels. By using gas, Kugels could be made smaller (usually) and lighter than the traditional kiln blown Kugels.
These more affordable Kugels would become what we know today as Christmas tree ornaments in America.
Retail pioneer F.W. Woolworth of Woolworth's ( founded Utica, NY in 1879) is credited for bringing these lamp-blown glass Christmas tree ornaments from Germany to America by selling them in his retail stores.
The older and traditional German made Kugels were still popular and produced in Germany throughout the 1870's and 1880's but waned in popularity in America as the lamp-blown glass ornaments got more detailed and less expensive. Americans adopted the newer lighter weight, painted ornaments for less money and the original Kugels became a memory somewhere in the US around 1910.

ETSY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY
As a venue for artists, designers, and makers, Etsy takes intellectual property rights very seriously. We comply with intellectual property laws and industry best practices in order to maintain the integrity of our creative marketplace. This Intellectual Property Policy explains how we address allegations of infringement, how authorized parties can submit reports of infringement regarding content on our marketplace, and how Etsy sellers can respond when their listings or shops are affected by a report.
ANY COPY AND PASTING OR PLAGIARIZING OF MATERIAL
ON MEMORYLANEVINTIQUES IS SUBJECT TO ETSY INVESTIGATION AND PENALTIES!
MemoryLaneVintiques researches also protect our shop from Intellectual Property Theft by researching for violators of our material. Be respectful!
Chad & Jennifer Johnston (August 2024)