1930s Gazing Ball/Butler's Ball by Chas F Zeller from the 1934 World's Fair
$115.00
1930s gazing ball made by Chas F Zeller for the Chicago World's Fair in 1934.
Known as both "Butler's Balls" and "Gazing Balls," these ingenious devices were once employed by astute staff members to discreetly observe guests without overtly staring at them. These were most often used in dining rooms to allow the butler to scan the entire room without moving. Properly placed, the Butler's Ball would allow the user to notice an empty glass on the other end of the table. Mercury Glass balls can also be used for scrying.
These gazing balls were designed and made by Chas F Zeller for the 1934 World's Fair in Chicago. The top is a shiny mercury glass ball and it sits on a black (likely bakelite) base with an art deco checkerboard pattern inset. Its a perfect oddities decor item or Halloween decor item for a witchy display.
Marked underneath MFGD. BY CHAS F ZELLER Morgantown W. VA. USA
M E A S U R E M E N T S
It is 5" tall, the base is 2 1/2" across
C O N D I T I O N
Great vintage condition. The mercury glass is a little cloudy with little dots in some areas, which is very common for mercury glass when it gets old, this is very minimal for a piece of 90 years old. You can clearly see your reflection on all sides. There's the occasional scratch but nothing major.
please keep in mind when buying any of our items that vintage means they’ve lived long lives before finding their way to you and are preloved unless otherwise specified. signs of wear, use and age are to be expected and add to the character of the piece.
we do our best to accurately and honestly describe all of our items and will always point out major flaws like cracks, chips, missing pieces, abnormal wear, etc.
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Shipping from United States
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3-5 business days
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