eBay

rokkworks · ‎09-03-2019

Hi folks!

I have a pair of clear glass finials, Christmas tree toppers, the points are hand twisted glass - they (the pair) aren’t an exact match in height or width, but very close.

They had some old, yucky attic debris, with antique wired tinsel inside. Hollow . No significant wear , but if they were used as tree toppers, the bases would not, necessarily, show any shelf wear.

Thought to be “Victorian” by the lady I bought them from. And I think they could be. However, I’ve been looking for a few months, and haven’t seen similar anywhere.

Any thoughts? Or , hopefully, an ID?

Thanks for looking!

poppyswag · ‎09-03-2019

The antique wired tinsel was probably part of the toppers.

rokkworks · ‎09-04-2019

Why do you say that?

poppyswag · ‎09-04-2019

There are toppers with tinsel wire in the old European ones, sometimes around the outside. Or a netting of wire. The tinsel wire would camouflage the actual tree top a little in the clear glass. If you can separate the debris from the tinsel wire, I would keep it. They are pretty, having a pair is nice. They sell well starting this time of year.

rokkworks · ‎09-04-2019

Ah. Thanks, that clarifies. Well, it was mouse-furred & pooped, and wasn’t special, so it’s gone. (I checked eBay before tossing to make sure I wasn’t tossing out something irreplaceable. )

Im curious why I haven’t found any similar to these online. There are new Waterford Irish cut crystal, gift-shop type from various makers, but no older clear glass in this form. It’s kind of weird not to find a match. I see lots of thin mercury glass ones, no heavy clear other than the Irish crystal.

poppyswag · ‎09-04-2019

Haha don't need mouse poop at all.

I looked a little and didn't see any like yours with the unusual shaped middle. The mercury glass ones are very lightweight, many went on feather trees. How heavy are they?

rokkworks · ‎09-05-2019

8 ounces, approx.

Lenox made a similar shape, but it was cut glass.

The bottom bulb portion has no mold lines, so I presume it is blown. The spire likes hand twisted, especially since comparison of the pair shows differences in width of the spire and consistency of the twist.

It could be old Lenox.

rokkworks · ‎09-05-2019

I emailed Lenox.

The Rep responded quickly, asking for pics.

We’ll see what happens.

poppyswag · ‎09-05-2019

Good idea. It would be nice to have a name, to grab specific collectors. I can see these being more versatile on modern Christmas looks too. Goes with mid-century. They would look great topping a metallic tree.