What are the rarest Shiny Brite ornaments?
Transparent bulbs with cardboard caps are considered the Holy Grail for vintage Shiny Brite ornament collectors. All un-silvered ornaments aren’t necessarily war-time. The company continued to produce them well into the 1950s. So look for that paper cap to be sure of the age.
How do you date a Shiny Brite ornament?
Dating of the ornaments is often facilitated by studying the hook. The first Shiny Brite ornaments had the traditional metal cap and loop, with the hook attached to the loop, from which the ornament was hung from the tree.
What are the shiny glass ornaments called?
Shiny Brites
First made in Germany in the late 1930s, Shiny Brites were created by ornament maker Max Eckardt, who had the idea to coat glass ornaments with silver nitrate to make them stay shiny longer than any other ornaments on the market.
How do you identify vintage Christmas ornaments?
One of the most important indicators that an ornament is vintage is patina, or the wear that comes with age. Antique and vintage Christmas ornaments will show some wear, even if they are in excellent condition. You’ll see the mercury glass flaking off a bit or the metal taking on a dull appearance from tarnish.
How do you clean old Shiny Brite ornaments?
To clean Shiny Brites, use a clean cotton cloth or feather duster to gently wipe away dust. Do not use water or chemical-based solutions to clean the ornaments, as they can damage the original paint and designs. These ornaments are delicate, so keep them away from extreme temperatures.
What is Shiny Brite Poloron?
During the Poloron era of the 1970s, glass Shiny-Brite ornaments continued to be produced in many of the same treatments as during the late 1960s, primarily printed decorations embellished with glitter. Poloron also imported a large line of Asian Christmas decorations under the Shiny-Brite brand.
