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December, 2019   The Antique Shoppe  Page 23
        ORNAMENTS                                                                  Antique, mercury glass angel for   for them is difficult. Exposure to air causes the
        Continued from Page 20                                                       hanging on Christmas tree.  mercury solution, the silvered inner surface, to
                               While they may not have been the first inventors                              oxidize, making it flake off inside the ornament.
                             (there is evidence that mercury glass production began                          Many of the earliest mercury glass Christmas
                             in Bohemia, Germany) Edward Varnish and Frederick                               ornaments have flake damage in some capacity.
                             Thomsom, of England, patented a technique for                                          John W. Keefe, curator of the mercury
                             silvering glass in 1849.  Although England led the                              glass collection at the New Orleans Museum
                             Industrial Revolution, Germany was the undisputed                               of Art suggests that the best way to retard
                                  leader in production of toys and Christmas items                           oxidization is to plug a mercury glass
                                    well into the 20th century.                                              ornament’s neck with malleable wax and allow
                                     The older, mercury glass                                                it to harden.  This will keep future air out of
                                     Christmas ornaments,                                                    the ornament, and help arrest
                                     from Bohemia, are                                                       flaking.
                                    also decorated on the                                                           And, as with all
                                    outside with a variety                                                   favored antiques,
                                    of artistic techniques,                                                  mercury glass
                                     including                                                               Christmas ornaments
                                      enameling,                                                             have been reproduced
                                       etching,                                                              and sold as antiques.
                                        painting,                                                            New mercury glass
                                        and surface                                                          normally lacks
                                       engraving.                                                            double walls
                                       Decoration,                                                           and the solid
           Mercury glass bell ornament from   even damaged                        bottoms are visually different from antique
           West Germany, circa 1950s, that   decoration,                          mercury glass items.  Still, ornaments can
                 is valued at $24.
                                      should never be                             easily be “silvered” from the top, making
                                      removed from a                              identification of original or reproduction
        mercury glass ornament.                                                   ornaments difficult or impossible to ascertain,
            Authentic, mercury glass Christmas ornaments                          especially for a novice collector.
        are still commonly available at estate sales, antique   Santa Claus mercury glass            Antique mercury glass “Girl”
        markets, and on the Internet auction sites such as   Christmas ornament from           Christmas ornament with candle clip
                                                                                                          that is valued at $150.
        eBay, so finding them is relatively easy, but caring   Germany that is valued at $125.



                                                                                                NOW 15,000 sq. ft.
                                                                                                 and Featuring 140 DEALERS!



                                                                                                                  Orange Tree



                                                                                                                   anTiques Mall
            95 Geneva Dr., Oviedo, FL 32765                                                                       853 South Orlando Ave.

                 Open 7 Days • Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm
                                                                                                                   Just South of Fairbanks on Hwy. 17-92
                Central Florida’s Friendliest Antique Mall                                                               (1 Mi. East of I-4, Exit 87)

             Over 12,500 Sq.Ft. • 100+ Dealers for your shopping Pleasure                Voted “Florida’s
                                                                                       Best Antiques Mall”         Winter Park, FL 32789
            CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA SALE DEC 6th - 9th                                                      Since 1995    (407) 644-4547

                              Up to 50% Off Storewide
                         Complimentary buffet lunch all 4 days.
                         Free gift with purchase of $30 or more                                                         CHRISTMAS
                                                                                         OPEN 7 DAYS
               Primitives, Antiques & Collectibles of All Types                      Mon-Sat 10:00am - 5:45pm          OPEN HOUSE
                   Highwaymen Paintings are our Specialty.                             Sun 12:00pm - 5:45pm               December 14

             Our newest dealer #Gill showcases an ever changing inventory of classic LP Albums,                        Refreshments
                    vintage & antique toys and a great selection of Man-Cave items.
                      Ask for his booths location...you will not be disappointed.                                        Door Prizes
            www.oviedoantiquemall.com              PH:407-366-3668                                                      Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus
              oviedoantiquemall@gmail.com                        866-824-9336                                                   10:30-1:00
                   Watch batteries installed $5 to $12 each by 40 year veteran watch
                            and clockmaker. Full service clock repairs.
              Make Downtown Oviedo your All Day Antique Destination!                     We are truly Orlando’s “Finest Diamond”
               2 antique shops, (25,000 sq. ft.) & A thrift store within easy walking distance.  COME See Why Customers LOVE Our Mall!
                  We stock Greenwich Bay Shea Butter Soaps & Lotions                            www.OrangeTreeAntiques.com                           5
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