Identifying German Glass Christmas Ornaments: A Collector's Guide
German glass Christmas ornaments are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Their delicate beauty, intricate designs, and rich history make them prized possessions. But identifying genuine vintage German ornaments can be tricky. This guide will help you navigate the world of German glass ornaments, focusing on key makers like Lauscha and Steinbach, as well as common techniques and features to look for.
The Legacy of Lauscha
Lauscha, a town in Thuringia, Germany, is considered the birthplace of modern glass Christmas ornaments. Production began in the mid-19th century, initially as a way for local glassblowers to supplement their income. The industry exploded after the widespread adoption of Christmas trees across Europe and the United States. Lauscha ornaments are known for their versatility, often featuring simple yet elegant designs.
Hallmarks of Lauscha Ornaments:
- Simple Shapes: Look for balls, bells, pinecones, and birds.
- Hand-Painted Details: While machine-made elements exist, true vintage Lauscha ornaments are often characterized by hand-painted accents, like berries, leaves, or facial features on figures.
- Variety of Techniques: Lauscha glassblowers utilized a wide range of techniques including cut glass, applied decorations, and reverse painting.
- Lack of Specific Markings: Many older Lauscha ornaments lack distinct maker's marks, relying instead on the quality of craftsmanship and design.
Steinbach: Elegance and Artistry
The Steinbach workshops, founded in 1898, represent a higher level of artistry within German glass ornament production. Known for their more elaborate designs, Steinbach ornaments often feature complex figural scenes, intricate painted landscapes, and carefully applied glitter and foil.
Hallmarks of Steinbach Ornaments:
- Figural Designs: Steinbach is renowned for its detailed Santa Claus figures, angels, animals, and other characters.
- Intricate Painting: Look for exceptionally detailed painting with realistic shading and highlights.
- Glitter and Foil Application: Many Steinbach ornaments feature applied glitter or foil to enhance their sparkle and reflect light.
- Maker’s Marks: Later Steinbach ornaments, particularly those from the mid-20th century onwards, often bear the Steinbach name or logo, usually in a stamped or painted form. Earlier pieces may not.
Other Notable German Ornament Makers
While Lauscha and Steinbach are the most well-known, other German workshops contributed significantly to the vintage Christmas ornament landscape. These include:
- Goebel: Primarily known for their Hummel figurines, Goebel also produced Christmas ornaments.
- Ulrich: Known for their unique and often whimsical designs.
- Ochs: Produced a wide variety of ornaments, some with distinctive color combinations.
Identifying Techniques and Features
Beyond maker's marks, understanding common production techniques can aid in identification:
- Hand-Blown vs. Machine-Made: Hand-blown ornaments will often exhibit slight imperfections, such as bubbles or uneven shapes. Machine-made ornaments tend to be perfectly symmetrical.
- Reverse Painting: This technique involves painting on the inside of the glass, creating a lasting and vibrant image that doesn't scratch off.
- Silvering/Gilding: The application of a thin layer of silver or gold to the glass, creating a shimmering effect.
- Applied Decorations: Look for tiny pressed flowers, feathers, or fabric scraps applied to the glass.
Conclusion
Collecting vintage German glass Christmas ornaments is a rewarding journey. By understanding the history, hallmarks, and techniques associated with different makers, you can develop an eye for authenticity and appreciate the artistry of these timeless treasures. Careful observation, a bit of research, and a passion for the history of Christmas will serve you well as you build your collection. Happy hunting!
