Amazing Crystal Glass Standing Elephant on Bubble Ball (1950's)

This Amazing Crystal Glass Standing Elephant on a Bubble Infused Ball belonged to the Meyer Estate in Chicago. We purchased it in the early 1990's and have tried to determine its provenance. We believe it may be an early 20th Century piece, and resembles items we have researched from Steuben, Daum, and several of the West Virginia master glass studios, but cannot find anything quite like it.

It stands about 30 inches tall and is quite heavy — an estimated 4.5 lbs. The manner in which the bubbles are encased in the crystal ball is a process we have never understood — the manner in which this could be done in molten glass escapes us.

We have used this piece as a key Centerpiece for festive occasions in our dining room and in our living room for years. It is whimsical and unlike virtually any other glass elephant figures we have ever seen...