Christmas Tree Light, 1850-1880

01

Artifact Overview

Glass "Christmas lights," hung with wire from Christmas tree branches, were a popular alternative to Christmas candleholders in nineteenth-century America. This mold-blown example features a diamond pattern designed to reflect light from inside, where a wick burned in cork or wood floating atop oil or water.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Christmas light

Date Made

1850-1880

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

88.282.226

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Eleanor Safford Estate.

Material

Glass (Material)
Mold-blown glass
Opal glass

Technique

Blow molding

Color

White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 3.875 in
Diameter: 2.375 in

Christmas Tree Light, 1850-1880