Anyone know what this is?

[AntiqueMeds]

Are there actually true antique gazing balls? I always considered them to be a modern phenomenon

 

[milkglassbottles]

Actually they came into play back in the1300', the Venetians blew some serious glass!

http://www.ponddoc.com/WhatsUpDoc/YardArt/gazingglobe.html

 

[surfaceone]

Hey Gary,

Gazing ball?

I woulda guessed Cugie's first maraca, but undoubtedly been mistaken...

 

[milkglassbottles]

Maybe you got something there!

I liked the idea of the darning tool but they are typically ovoid, like eggs. This piece was purchased from a dealer that specializes in musuem quality glass, I had no reason to doubt his description. In either event, it's a great piece of old glass.

Thanx

 

[AntiqueMeds]

ovoid, like eggs

I'm dont know much about sewing , maybe someone else does. I always understood darning eggs to be a different beast and served a slightly different purpose.

 

[milkglassbottles]

I am without a clue, I thought it was what I was told it was. One can make a case for either, and you know what they say about opinions?

 

[Plumbata]

I like the darning tool suggestion, but it could be a 19th C. Christmas ornament, sans painted designs and whatnot. Probably not though.

 

[CWBookAuthor]

I believe it's a darning ball. We have one that is not perfectly round, but it WAS used a a darning piece.

Mike

 

[epackage]

very interesting...

 

[beendiggin]

Glass works had an auction full of them once...it's a darner.