The “Christmas” Target Ball

Christmas tree at Windsor Castle Illustration
Powdered Glass Globe Ornament

The “Christmas” Target Ball

Large, 6-Pointed Star with Ornamental Leaf Design

English


Teal Blue Target Ball

Provenance: Ex: Ralph Finch collection, American Glass Gallery

This target ball is unique meaning there are no others. It was dug many years ago on Christmas day in a dump in the northeast part of England. Without a doubt, it has one of the most ornate patterns of all the target balls.

This teal-blue colored glass ball is nicknamed “The Christmas Ball” due to when it was dug and the large, 6-pointed star and an ornamental leaf or shell design which makes it look like a Christmas bulb. It was made in England between 1880 and 1900 in a 2-piece mold with a heavy medial rib. The ball has a rough sheared mouth and is 2-½” in diameter. There is a ¾” crack from the sheared lip to the near side mold seam. Otherwise, it is in excellent condition

Primary Image: The “Christmas” target ball imaged on location by the FOHBC Virtual Museum midwest studio led by Alan DeMaison.

Primary Image: Auction Lot 701: Large, 6-Pointed Star with Ornamental Leaf Design, Target Ball, England, 1880-1900. Teal blue, large, 6-pointed star with leaf or shell pattern, 2-piece mold with heavy medial rib, rough sheared mouth, dia. 2 ½”; (a ¾” crack from sheared lip, near side mold seam, otherwise excellent). Nicknamed “The Christmas Ball”, this fantastic piece was dug many years ago from a privy in the northeast of England, and remains unique today. One of the most interesting, ornate patterns of all the target balls. – American Glass Gallery, The Ralph Finch Collection of Target Balls, Traps and Shooting Ephemera, An Absentee Auction in Six Parts – 2017-2019

Support: Reference to What are target balls? I’m glad you asked! by Ralph Finch

Support: Reference to American Glass Gallery, The Ralph Finch Collection of Target Balls, Traps and Shooting Ephemera, An Absentee Auction in Six Parts – 2017-2019

Join the FOHBC: The Virtual Museum is a project of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC). To become a member.