10 Antique Christmas Baubles You Need To Collect

The magic of Christmas is in the air, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by decorating your tree with beautiful, antique Christmas baubles? For many collectors, these vintage ornaments are a treasure trove of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and beauty. If you're looking to start or add to your collection, here are 10 antique Christmas baubles you need to collect.

1. Lauscha Glass Baubles (19th Century)

Lauscha, a small town in Germany, has been famous for its glassblowing traditions since the 17th century. Lauscha glass baubles, with their intricate designs and delicate colors, are highly prized among collectors. These baubles were made using a technique called "lapping," where layers of glass were built up to create a beautiful, multi-colored effect.

Characteristics:

• Delicate, intricate designs
• Multi-colored, layered glass effect
• Made using the "lapping" technique
• Typically dated between 1800 and 1900

2. Dresden Ornaments (19th-20th Century)

Dresden, Germany, was a hub of ceramic production in the 19th and 20th centuries. Dresden ornaments, made from porcelain and other materials, are highly collectible and feature intricate designs, often with a Germanic or Nordic theme.

Characteristics:

• Made from porcelain, ceramic, or other materials
• Intricate designs, often featuring Germanic or Nordic themes
• Typically dated between 1800 and 1950
• May feature elaborate decorations, such as gold or silver leaf

3. Victorian-era Glass Drops ( Late 19th Century)

During the Victorian era, glass drops were a popular type of Christmas ornament. These delicate, teardrop-shaped baubles were made from glass and featured intricate designs, often with a floral or geometric theme.

Characteristics:

• Delicate, teardrop-shaped glass baubles
• Intricate designs, often featuring floral or geometric patterns
• Typically dated between 1850 and 1900
• May feature elaborate decorations, such as silver or gold leaf

4. Bohemian Glass Baubles ( Late 19th-Early 20th Century)

Bohemian glass baubles, made in what is now the Czech Republic, are highly prized among collectors. These beautiful ornaments feature intricate designs, often with a floral or geometric theme, and are made using a variety of techniques, including etching and engraving.

Characteristics:

• Intricate designs, often featuring floral or geometric patterns
• Made using various techniques, including etching and engraving
• Typically dated between 1850 and 1920
• May feature elaborate decorations, such as gold or silver leaf

5. Inge-Glas Ornaments ( Late 19th-Early 20th Century)

Inge-Glas, a German company, has been producing high-quality glass ornaments since the late 19th century. Inge-Glas ornaments are highly collectible and feature intricate designs, often with a Germanic or Nordic theme.

Characteristics:

• Made from high-quality glass
• Intricate designs, often featuring Germanic or Nordic themes
• Typically dated between 1880 and 1950
• May feature elaborate decorations, such as gold or silver leaf

6. German Mercury Glass Baubles ( Late 19th-Early 20th Century)

German mercury glass baubles, made using a technique that involves applying a layer of metallic silver to the inside of a glass ornament, are highly prized among collectors. These beautiful ornaments feature a stunning, mirror-like effect and are often decorated with intricate designs.

Characteristics:

• Made using the mercury glass technique
• Stunning, mirror-like effect
• Intricate designs, often featuring floral or geometric patterns
• Typically dated between 1850 and 1920

7. Norwegian Ornaments ( Late 19th-Early 20th Century)

Norwegian ornaments, made from materials such as wood, metal, and ceramic, are highly collectible and feature intricate designs, often with a Nordic theme.

Characteristics:

• Made from materials such as wood, metal, and ceramic
• Intricate designs, often featuring Nordic themes
• Typically dated between 1850 and 1950
• May feature elaborate decorations, such as silver or gold leaf

8. Polish Glass Baubles ( Late 19th-Early 20th Century)

Polish glass baubles, made in what is now Poland, are highly prized among collectors. These beautiful ornaments feature intricate designs, often with a floral or geometric theme, and are made using a variety of techniques, including etching and engraving.

Characteristics:

• Intricate designs, often featuring floral or geometric patterns
• Made using various techniques, including etching and engraving
• Typically dated between 1850 and 1920
• May feature elaborate decorations, such as gold or silver leaf

9. Russian Ornaments ( Late 19th-Early 20th Century)

Russian ornaments, made from materials such as lacquer, metal, and ceramic, are highly collectible and feature intricate designs, often with a Russian or Eastern European theme.

Characteristics:

• Made from materials such as lacquer, metal, and ceramic
• Intricate designs, often featuring Russian or Eastern European themes
• Typically dated between 1850 and 1950
• May feature elaborate decorations, such as gold or silver leaf

10. Czech Glass Baubles ( Late 19th-Early 20th Century)

Czech glass baubles, made in what is now the Czech Republic, are highly prized among collectors. These beautiful ornaments feature intricate designs, often with a floral or geometric theme, and are made using a variety of techniques, including etching and engraving.

Characteristics:

• Intricate designs, often featuring floral or geometric patterns
• Made using various techniques, including etching and engraving
• Typically dated between 1850 and 1920
• May feature elaborate decorations, such as gold or silver leaf

If you're looking to start or add to your collection of antique Christmas baubles, these 10 ornaments are a great place to start. Remember to do your research, inspect the ornaments carefully, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Happy collecting!