The pinnacle of holiday decorating is the Christmas tree, bedecked with twinkling lights, glistening tinsel and shiny ornaments. For most, each ornament tells a story about a memorable family event: the birth of a child, a vacation destination, or a family craft completed together. Our Christmas trees display the history of our family, which, so often, includes the history of previous generations through ornaments passed down to us.
Among the myriads of baubles that have graced Christmas trees over the decades, few have maintained their charm and nostalgia like Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments.
As is the case for many others, my Shiny Brite collection didn’t start as a collection. I inherited a few ornaments from a dear relative, these being the random survivors of what started as a complete set many Christmases before I was born.
But each hung, pride of place on my tree, bearing that soft glow that comes with the patina of aged glass ornaments.
Madly in love with the vintage look they added to my tree, it wasn’t long before I started picking up a few more as I encountered them out in the wild. And like any collector will tell you, that’s how it all starts.
These fragile glass treasures not only represent a chapter in many families’ personal history, but also a unique chapter of American history. As a WWII history buff, I was intrigued to see how the Shiny Brite story was interwoven with life on the home front during the war.
With vintage Christmas ornaments becoming trendy, it’s no wonder that Shiny Brite ornaments are experiencing a renaissance as collectors and holiday enthusiasts rediscover their timeless beauty.
The History of Shiny Brite Christmas Ornaments
Shiny Brite began in the early 1930s, during the height of the Great Depression when American entrepreneur Max Eckardt founded the Shiny Brite company. Eckardt had long been in the Christmas ornament business, importing hand-blown glass ornaments from Germany, then the world’s leading producer of Christmas ornaments.
However, with tensions growing in Europe with each passing year, Eckardt knew that if Germany went to war, there could potentially be supply disruptions of the German-made ornaments. So, with incredible foresight, in 1937, Eckardt partnered with Corning Glass Company to create mass-produced glass Christmas ornaments right here in the United States.
Originally designed to produce light bulbs, Corning adapted its machinery to manufacture ornaments in large quantities, avoiding potential wartime shortages and offering affordable Christmas decorations to American consumers.
How cool is that?
The brand skyrocketed during World War II. Metal shortages led to creative designs featuring clear glass with simple pastel-colored stripes or stenciled designs, which are highly collectible today. More importantly to a very patriotic wartime America, Eckardt’s ornaments were made right here in the USA, as opposed to their German-made counterparts.
A Cut Above the Rest
What set Shiny Brite apart from other Christmas ornament manufacturers was their meticulous craftsmanship, which is why so many of them have survived through the years.
These ornaments were hand-painted, featuring brilliant colors and whimsical patterns, capturing the spirit of the season. Many of the earliest Shiny Brite ornaments were silvered on the inside to give them a reflective quality that earned the brand its name – Shiny Brite.
The brand became synonymous with Christmas in post-war America. In the 1940s and 50s, Shiny Brite ornaments were sold in nearly every major department store.
Where Did Shiny Brite Go?
Despite Shiny Brite’s success, the company began to face challenges in the 60s and 70s as a new miracle manufacturing material hit the scene – plastic.
While plastic had been around for a while, new technological advances made plastic easier and cheaper to produce. Suddenly, inexpensive, shatter-proof ornaments flooded the market, and breakable glass ornaments fell out of favor.
By the late 1960s, Shiny Brite was facing financial difficulties, eventually folding in the early 1970s.
Although the closure marked the end of an era, the love for Shiny Brite ornaments never really disappeared. Even though you could no longer buy them, they were still passed from one generation to the next, evoking nostalgic reminders of Christmases past.
The Resurgence in Popularity
In recent years, Shiny Brite ornaments have experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to a growing interest in vintage and mid-century modern decor. (Hello, fellow MCM fans!)
As people seek to recreate the charm and warmth of retro holidays, Shiny Brite ornaments have become a symbol of the mid-century Christmas. With, companies like Christopher Radko manufacturing reproductions of Shiny Brite ornaments, the brand is now getting attention from those previously unaware of its existence. Coupled with the popularity of eBay and Etsy, it’s now easier than ever to find Shiny Brite ornaments.
All of these factors have led to a new generation of collectors.
Popular Shiny Brite Ornaments
1. Single and Double Indented Reflector Balls
Shiny Brite’s indented ornaments, known as reflectors, are among the most sought-after by collectors. These ornaments feature an indented, flower-like design in the center, which catches and reflects light. Some have a single indent on one side, while others feature indents on both sides.
2. Stenciled Ornaments
Another popular design is the stenciled ornament. These ornaments feature festive imagery, such as snowflakes, reindeer, or holiday greetings, carefully stenciled onto the surface. The stencils were often sprinkled with white glitter.
3. Figural Ornaments
Shiny Brite also produced a range of figural ornaments, often in whimsical or festive shapes. These included bells, Santas, snowmen, or other holiday-themed figures.
4. War-Era Clear Ornaments
The World War II era ornaments of clear glass and minimal designs are popular for their historical significance.
Where to Find Shiny Brite Christmas Ornaments
Given their age and popularity, finding Shiny Brite ornaments in good condition can be a challenge. But as we collectors know, it’s all about finding a good score. Here are the best places to find them:
1. Online Marketplaces (eBay, Etsy)
eBay and Etsy are among the most popular platforms for finding vintage Shiny Brite ornaments. Sellers often list individual ornaments, sets, and even original packaging. While these offer the best selection, they will also be the most expensive options once you add in shipping.
When shopping on these platforms, it’s important to examine the listings and photos carefully. Look for any signs of damage, such as chips, cracks, or faded paint. These can affect the value of the ornament. Authentic Shiny Brite ornaments will often have the original metal cap stamped with the Shiny Brite name.
2. Antique Shops and Flea Markets
Like many collectors, you may prefer the thrill of the hunt. In that case, antique shops and flea markets are excellent places to look. Many vintage dealers carry Christmas decorations, especially around the holiday season. At flea markets, you might be able to negotiate a better price, especially if you find a seller who has a large collection.
3. Estate Sales
Estate sales are another great way to find vintage Shiny Brite ornaments, often at more affordable prices. Families selling entire collections may not always be aware of the value of these ornaments. This provides an opportunity for collectors to acquire them at a lower cost. Estate sales often feature older, well-preserved items, including ornaments that have been carefully stored away for decades.
4. Reproductions – Christopher Radko
If you love the look of Shiny Brite ornaments but are concerned about how fragile they are, Christopher Radko’s Shiny Brite reproductions are a perfect option. These ornaments are inspired by classic Shiny Brite designs and capture the same nostalgic charm.
Tips for Storing Your Shiny Brite Collection
- Handle with Care – Shiny Brite ornaments are typically quite fragile, so it’s important to handle them with care. Pick them up by the metal cap rather than gripping the glass body to avoid accidental breakage.
- Use Soft Liners for Display – If you’re displaying your Shiny Brite ornaments in bowls or on shelves, line the surfaces with soft fabric or tissue paper to prevent scratches or chips. Avoid placing them where they could be easily knocked over.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight – Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the paint to fade. Display your ornaments away from sunny windows.
- Clean Gently – Clean them gently using a soft, dry brush, such as a small makeup brush or artist’s brush. Avoid water, chemicals, or cleaning sprays, as moisture can damage the ornaments.
- Store in a Temperature-Controlled Space – Avoid storing them in places that experience fluctuations in temperature, such as attics, basements, or garages. Instead, keep them in a temperature-controlled environment, such as a closet or cupboard within your home.
- Acid-Free Tissue Paper – Wrap each ornament individually in acid-free tissue paper or soft cotton to prevent paint from scratching or flaking off.
- Store in Padded Boxes – The original Shiny Brite boxes are often sought after by collectors, but if you don’t have them, consider using modern ornament storage boxes with dividers to keep each piece protected. Line the compartments with foam or soft fabric.
- Avoid Stacking Heavy Items – Don’t stack heavy items on top of your ornament boxes, as the weight could crush the fragile glass ornaments.
Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments are more than just decorations; they’re cherished pieces of both family and American history. Whether you’re searching for originals or opting for faithful reproductions, we wish you happy collecting!
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