In the late 1500's in Lauscha, Germany, the Mueller family of glassblowers worked diligently to produce mouth blown glassware of the highest quality for their countrymen and later for others all over the world to enjoy.  Glassblowing was a cottage industry.  Every family had their own specialty.  The Mueller family was renown for their bird ornaments.  inge-glas, as it is known today, has more styles of birds than any other company and remains highly regarded for their artistry in not only their bird ornaments but the hundreds of other ornaments, not only for Christmas, but Easter, Bridal, Baby's 1st Christmas and year round ornaments as well.  These glassblown ornaments were crafted by inge-glas in Lauscha, Germany until 1951.  At this time, the Russian occupation of Lauscha led 13th generation Heinz Mueller-Blech to flee to Neustadt, West Germany where he reestablished what is now known as the modern day inge-glas workshops.  He managed to smuggle several glassblowing molds as he made his journey into West Germany.  His family in East Germany would send packages to him containing only halves of the molds, so the authorities would not confiscate them.  inge-glass, named after Heinz Mueller-Blech's late wife, represents a family operated business that has been handcrafting glass ornaments for generations by their forefathers.  In 1987, the exclusive five pointed Star Crown suspension ring was trademarked and caps these heirloom quality ornaments.  The 5-Point Star Crown is a symbol of authentic inge-glas ornaments created with Old World European quality and true German craftsmanship.  inge-glas has been a family operated business for over 14 generations.  The inge-glas collection includes more than 6,000 antique molds dating back to the 1850's. The expert techniques of the Mueller-Blech family continues today, training the most experienced glassblowers and painters in the art of creating beautiful ornaments.  Yearly, a limited quantity of antique molds are reintroduced with newly created castings.  The history of the inge-glas family & ornaments, is truly an inspiring story.  If you wish to find out even more they have published a book called " A German Christmas Journal" which features not only the history of inge-glas but also the history and making of glass ornaments, as well as the story behind the most popular glass ornaments.  This wonderful page-turning book and large selection of the beautifully detailed inge-glas ornaments, as well as the exclusive collection of mouth blown and hand painted limited quantities of "Birgit's Christmas Collection" are available for purchase in our store.  You may be asking, "What is the Birgit Christmas Collection"....well, that is an element of surprise which you can experience and find out more by visiting inge-glas at ALPINE BOUTIQUE & CHRISTMAS CHALET!