This is an original Victorian crystal ball, made of rock crystal & in it's original fitted case, & dating to around c.1880.

The ball would have been used for scrying / crystal gazing which, along with palmistry, astrology, & other divination methods, were popular in Victorian England during the latter half of the 19th Century.

The ball has been shaped from rock crystal & is perfectly spherical and clear, with no visible inclusions.

The original wooden box is covered in a red & black 'faux leather' textured paper, & has brass hinges & an ornate brass clasp closure.

The box hinges open to reveal the interior lid, which is lined with a padded cream silk, & the fitted base, which is finished in a deep blue velvet.

The ball is a palm sized example, with a diameter of approx 2 1/8" & a circumference of approx 7" (approx 5.5cm & 17.5cm).

The fitted case measures approx 3 1/2" square & 2 5/8" deep (approx 9cm square & 6.5cm).

Condition is extremely good. The ball has two tiny 'nibbles' next to each other (which can be seen in the 3 magnified photographs above), otherwise a very fine & clear specimen.

The box is very good, with just the expected (light) wear to the outer covering. The hinges, clasp & interior are fine.

Overall, a fine example of a 130 year old Victorian crystal ball, and particularly scarce to find one in it's original, fitted case.