Mercury glass, a double-walled glass with a silvering solution poured between the layers, was popular for Christmas ornaments in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This technique created a shimmering, mirror-like effect that was highly prized for holiday decorations. German and Bohemian glassmakers were particularly renowned for their intricate and delicate mercury glass ornaments, often depicting animals, fruits, and fantastical creatures.
These swan ornaments, with their free-blown glass bodies and attached tinsel tails, are characteristic of the craftsmanship from that period. The tinsel, often referred to as 'spun glass' or 'angel hair,' was used to create realistic feathering or flowing tails, adding to the ornament's charm and visual appeal. Such ornaments are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and delicate beauty.
Both are missing branch clips , please see picture.