Victorian Wire Wrapped Ornaments

Victorian wire-wraps are some of the earliest blown glass Christmas ornaments, dating from the late 1800's. The glass can either be silvered or unsilvered with the majority being unsilvered (silvering is the mirror-like substance on the inside of ornaments). The glass is wrapped in wire; in many cases the wire adds extra definition to the piece by forming the handles on vases, the strings on musical instruments, the wings on airplanes, etc. The wire was originally bright silver but has tarnished with age; in rare cases the wire will be another color besides silver such as copper, blue, etc.

Wire-wraps are one of the most elaborate of antique Christmas ornaments. In addition to wire, they can be embellished with fabric, paper, scraps, punched metal and foil. Many forms were created with musical instruments, swans and umbrellas being the most available. Sizes ranges from a few inches tall to over 12". With their delicate coloration and delightful embellishments they are a great addition to any antique Christmas collection.