“ WWII wartime shortages restricted the use of certain materials, including metal and also the nitrate used for silvering glass ornaments,” says Martin. Paper Ornament CapsĪmerican ornaments from 1942-1945 had paper caps. A rare German triple-indent mercury glass ornament with a plastered metal cap, circa 1890. “Prior to the spring cap, metal ornament caps and the hanging ring were adhered by hand with plaster, a very time-consuming and tedious process,” says Martin. The spring cap, a common style still today, was invented in the very early 1900s. Pre-1900 Glass Christmas Ornaments from Germany “were finished with a plastered metal cap, before the invention of the popular spring cap,” says Martin. Some vintage Christmas ornaments are an exception to the silver metal cap rule. All of that is good and adds character.” A German-made open umbrella ornament from the 1930s. A vintage metal cap will show oxidation, a darkening of the color, even a bit of rust. “They are often gold but if they are silver, the metal is thinner than the older metal, or perhaps made of aluminum, or even plastic. “Modern ornament caps are often very fancy, frilly, and ornate, some with additional tags attached,” says Martin. These caps are easy to differentiate from modern ornament caps. “Most nicer ones are stamped with West Germany, or Czechoslovakia.”Īn original 1950s box of German mini mercury glass feather tree ball ornaments – all caps are stamped with West Germany. “Older ones are usually dull and not super shiny,” says Stark. With some exceptions, vintage Christmas ornaments will have a simple, silver metal cap. The cap on antique Christmas ornaments can be a great indicator of age and vintage. “They should also have a pontil mark (usually on the bottom) where the glass was broken off the blow pipe.” You can clearly see where this glass ornament was broken off its blow pipe. “If they are mouth blown, they aren’t always perfectly shaped,” she says. “Old ornaments are usually not as perfectly shiny,” says Stark. “You can tell by tapping on it if it is glass or not.” A 1940s Polish-made mercury glass parachute balloon ornament. “Modern ornaments are also often made of a composition material or even hard plastic which tries to mimic the older mercury glass,” says Martin. “I can tell a vintage ornament by its patina and how it feels,” says Stark. An original 1950s box of Poland striped glitter teardrop icicle ornaments.
There are many clues for authenticating vintage Christmas ornaments, even if you aren’t an experienced collector.
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT LETTER G CLIP ART HOW TO
How to Identify Vintage Christmas Ornaments Hand-crafted European vintage Christmas ornaments in the original box. “The Christmas season always held magic and wonder for me as it was a big deal in our home,” says Martin, who attributes this fervent Christmas spirit in part to her German heritage.
Nostalgia is also a motivator for Dee Martin, owner of Just Vintage Christmas. “I think vintage is better because there is nothing like the charm, patina, and craftsmanship they have, and the treasure hunt is part of the fun.” A rare 1940s German double clip ornament. “What I love about vintage Christmas ornaments is their nostalgic look and their rustic beauty,” says Penny Stark, owner of Love Vintage Christmas. Vintage Christmas Ornaments A 1920s large German wire-wrapped balloon Christmas ornament with a paper scrap angel. Whether you are shopping for gifts for other nostalgic Christmas-lovers or decorations for your own home, vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations make beautiful, high-quality heirlooms. The bird has a spun-glass tail and sits on a beaded nest with a chenille basket handle. A 1950s Czech mercury glass bird ornament. Holiday items tend to be something that people accumulate over time and, whatever the reason for the estate sale, these items are likely to be a part of the inventory-sometimes for a great bargain. If you’ve ever been to an estate sale, it’s likely you’ve seen a spread of antique Christmas ornaments and decorations. The Christmas ornaments and decorations from bygone eras can lend a nostalgic, cozy feel to any home. Vintage Christmas is a holiday all its own. Christmas is upon us! This season is a time for all vintage and antique lovers to rejoice.