Back in the day, the surest way to get struck by lightning was to stand as close to the town church as possible during an incoming storm. Church steeples were the highest point in most towns, and thus were most susceptible to lightning strikes. With the mass production of lightning rods (thanks Benjamin Franklin!), the risk of damage, death, or fire caused by lightning was thankfully significantly lessened.

This lightning ball, from the early 20th century, would have adorned a lightning rod most likely sold by a traveling salesman to a farm or country home. Manganese Dioxide in the glass turned this ball from clear to a lovely amethyst color over the years due to exposure to the sun. Lightning rod sold separately.

SKU: 21V21318