ANTIQUE MERCURY GLASS!

BACK TO HOME PAGE!

These glass figures are rare, and value depends on condition. If there is loss to the silvering or major loss to the hand painting, the value is diminished. Both of these figures are in good to excellent condition!

"BAUERNSILBER" or "farmer's silver," for German speaking people, is the common term for silvered glass, or "silberglas." Religious figures, such as the Crucifix on the left, and the figure of Jesus Christ on the right, were used commonly in homes around Germany, Bohemia and Austria from the middle 19th century. With the large population of Catholics in the German, Austria and Bohemian areas, figures were an important part of religious practice, and were often used in shrines created at home. Furthermore, the crucifix form was likely used as part of the sacraments of the sick, known previously as the "Last Rites." The Crucifix was made by the Josef Janke & Co., of Bohemia, as "J. J. & Co." is molded into the back of the piece. Both items were hand-painted.