Christmas Candle Light, 1865-1880

01

Artifact Overview

Glass "Christmas lights," hung with wire from Christmas tree branches, were a popular alternative to Christmas candleholders in nineteenth-century America. Patterned glass reflected light from inside, where a wick burned in cork or wood floating atop oil or water. This example features a clever combination of round and diamond facets known as the "thousand eye" pattern.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Christmas light

Date Made

1865-1880

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.4.5499

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)
Pressed glass

Color

Colorless

Dimensions

Height: 4 in
Diameter: 3.125 in

Christmas Candle Light, 1865-1880