My uncle was an executive for F.W. Woolworth company in New York City during the 1950s and 60s and 70s. He used to bring home ornaments from the store and I'm sure these were brought by him. I do not believe that they are mercury glass. There is considerable wear to the shine, but as you can see from the pictures, they still do have a lovely glow. The Shiny Brite company primarily produced round ornaments, but there are two bells included in this set of four and the bell is the unique, Shiny Brite design.