Overview
This is a meticulously crafted European mouth-blown glass figural Christmas ornament depicting a vibrant red squirrel tethered to an acorn dangle.
Identification
Ino Schaller / Inge-Glas Blown Glass Squirrel Christmas Ornament
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Inge-Glas is a historic German glassblowing company with roots dating back to the mid-19th century, renowned for their traditional mouth-blown, hand-painted ornaments crafted in Bavaria and Thuringia. The signature 'Star Crown' cap and associated metal charms are hallmarks of authentic Inge-Glas production from the late 20th century onward, continuing the region's long legacy of glass artistry. The secondary market for contemporary and vintage German blown glass ornaments remains robust, particularly during the Q4 holiday season.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Value in glass ornaments is highly dependent on the intactness of the delicate glass body and the preservation of the hand-painted finish. Assuming standard vintage condition, the primary value factors will be the absence of cracks, the integrity of the hidden glass pike beneath the metal cap, and the retention of the original glitter and lacquered details without significant flaking or silvering loss. The ornament appears in excellent vintage condition with no visible cracks, chips, or silvering loss. The lacquer remains lustrous and the glitter accents are intact.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for contemporary and vintage German blown glass ornaments remains robust, particularly during the Q4 holiday season. Buyers are typically collectors of specific heritage makers (like Inge-Glas) or those seeking traditional European woodland aesthetics. Single ornaments in this tier move steadily on platforms like eBay and Etsy, though they rarely command high premiums unless they are retired, limited edition, or highly unusual forms.
Value Drivers
▲ Signature metal maker's charm and cap confirms authentic German production.
▲ Highly detailed figural form (squirrel with acorn) appeals to woodland and traditional ornament collectors.
▲ Verified retail and secondary sales of identical forms establish a firm $15-$25 floor.
Concerns
▼ Unverified glass integrity under the cap — hidden chips at the pike can discount value significantly.
▼ Potential paint loss or glitter shedding — common in vintage ornaments and reduces collector appeal.
▼ Off-season listing timing typically depresses realized prices and extends time-on-market.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Etsy, pricing competitively around $25. Ensure the listing includes clear, close-up photos of the metal cap and any maker charms to attract brand-specific collectors. If selling out of season (January through September), consider bundling with similar German ornaments to increase the average order value and offset shipping costs.
Upside Potential
If the ornament retains its original retail tags, branded box, or can be identified as a specific retired/limited-edition release, it could push toward the $35-$40 range seen in premium dealer asking prices.