What is a gazing ball used for?

Gazing balls are used for decorating gardens. These orbs are generally placed atop a pedestal or wrought iron base. They were believed to bring good luck and ward off evil, but nowadays, they are used just for decorative purposes. Find a collection of antique, new and vintage building and garden elements today on 1stDibs.

What are antique carpet balls?

Antique carpet balls are stone or ceramic balls decorated in bright colored patterns in specific plaids. They were used as a form of indoor carpet bowling, though now are collected for decorative purposes.

Antique Gazing Ball

Recent Sales

19th Century English Butlers Glass Mercury Gaze Ball

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H 8.5 in W 4 in D 4 in

19th Century English Butlers Glass Mercury Gaze Ball

Located in London, GB

19th century butlers gaze ball We are proud to offer a rare example of a mid-19th century butlers gaze ball.

Category

Antique 1850s British Edwardian Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Glass

19th Century English Butlers Glass Mercury Gaze Ball

Sold

H 5.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in

19th Century English Butlers Glass Mercury Gaze Ball

Located in London, GB

19th century butlers glass mercury gaze ball We are proud to offer a mid – 19th century butlers gaze ball.

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Table Mirrors

Materials

Blown Glass

Massive Antique Blown Mercury Glass Gazing Ball on Pedestal

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H 48 in W 18 in D 18 in

Massive Antique Blown Mercury Glass Gazing Ball on Pedestal

Located in Rochester, NY

Antique blown mercury glass garden sphere with beautifully aged oxidized surface. This is the largest one we have yet to see. The glass sphere measures 25 inches high from bottom ste...

Category

Early 20th Century American Garden Ornaments

Materials

Stone

Antique Victorian Mercury Glass Gazing Ball Orb Globe Mirrored Garden Butlers

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H 6.75 in Dm 6 in

Antique Victorian Mercury Glass Gazing Ball Orb Globe Mirrored Garden Butlers

Located in Dayton, OH

Highly reflective antique mercury glass gazing ball or Christmas ornament.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Glass

Materials

Mercury Glass

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Questions About Antique Gazing Ball

What is a gazing ball used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
Gazing balls are used for decorating gardens. These orbs are generally placed atop a pedestal or wrought iron base. They were believed to bring good luck and ward off evil, but nowadays, they are used just for decorative purposes. Find a collection of antique, new and vintage building and garden elements today on 1stDibs.
What are antique carpet balls?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
Antique carpet balls are stone or ceramic balls decorated in bright colored patterns in specific plaids. They were used as a form of indoor carpet bowling, though now are collected for decorative purposes.