Traditional hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments never seem to go out of style. There is something special about them: pulling them out year after year and smiling at the memories they bring back. Putting up familiar Christmas ornaments is one of the rituals that make the holidays special. This month we’ll talk about vintage Christmas ornaments.
Hand-blown or machine-made.
A hand-blown glass ornament is one of the indicators that it may be vintage. However, hand-blown ornaments using vintage molds are still being made today. To find out if an ornament is hand-blown, remove the stem from the base of the ornament. Ornaments that are hand-blown will have an uneven base because it is not possible for a glass blower to make an even break. Machine-made ornaments will have a smooth even base. If an ornament is machine-made, it may not be particularly old.
Big or small.
Early ornaments were smaller than modern ornaments. They were usually done in soft colors with hand painted details. You’ll notice that the paint may be faded or distressed in areas on vintage ornaments. Look for round ornaments in a variety of diminutive sizes, reflector ornaments, unusual shapes or ones that represent food. These were the common themes for older ornaments.
Shapes.
Originally ornaments were used to represent the bounty of the year-end harvest with an emphasis on food and natural elements. Bird ornaments represented the biblical messengers that bring God's love and peace to the world. Birds were also symbolic of good luck and good fortune. Fruit and vegetable shapes symbolized the harvest. Pickle shapes signified luck. Fish shapes were an early Christian symbol for Christ. Star shapes represented the Star of Bethlehem. During Victorian times, reflectors ornaments (ornaments with geometric concave indentations), were often called witches eyes and were placed on the Christmas tree to fend off any evil spirits.
Sources for vintage ornaments.
Ebay, antique shops, flea markets, church sales and garage sales are all good hunting grounds for vintage ornaments.
Value.
Prices can vary from $2 to $200 depending on condition and rarity. New or old ornaments made by the German manufacturer Lauscha are highly collectible since the company’s recent demise.
Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com
What do you think about this article? Do you agree or disagree with it? Be the first to comment on this article, and share your thoughts with the world. No registration is required to post comments.
Christmas Craft: Bead and Pipe Cleaner Ornaments Charles and Kim Petty Christmas ornaments made from ordinary pipe cleaners and inexpensive acrylic beads are very pretty and easy to make. They look quite...
History of OrnamentsIn A.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first mentions December 25 as the date of Jesus' birth. This date was likely influenced by the year-end pagan festivals to celebrate the harvest....
Vintage handbag is no doubt a more affordable way to purchase an investment piece, and you can find a range of unique and handpicked vintage Chanel bags from our website ranging from suede and lambskin...
Have some vintage jewelry? There are several ways you can sell collectible or vintage costume jewelry. How much your vintage jewelry is worth depends on several things. First and foremost, you need to...
Vintage engagement rings are a symbol of commitment of two people who promised each other to be together through good and bad times. These are unique and usually sentimental symbols of faith, fidelity, true...
It no easy task to decide what to buy your family and friends for Christmas. In truth, most of us simply run out of ideas and take the easy option by buying books, CDs, DVDs, etc. Why not be totally...
The summer is over, and Christmas is approaching once more. Yuletide is a joyous event presents, personalized Christmas ornaments and family. For a large amount of people it's a really stressed event,
The Annual Swarovski Christmas Ornament is without doubt one of the most sought after Christmas ornaments. The snowflakes are recognized by collectors all over the place. Each year a distinctive crystal is...
How to clean your vintage jewelry? The methods should vary according to the piece. If it consists entirely of metal (such as a gold chain or silver brooch) - then I would highly recommend purchasing an...
The same as in so many different parts of the earth, Christmas is really a special time in the Hawaiian Islands. Some facets of Christmas are the exact same, including families meeting to spend time with...
Are you stumped about what to get the man in your life for Christmas this year? Would you be interested in a few gift ideas-ideas which are always a hit this time of year regardless of how difficult your...
The Christmas cracker is an important part of Christmas celebrations. Christmas Crackers are on one of the most well-liked and anticipated of Christmas decorations. In its basic form, a Christmas cracker...
No one can deny the fact that Christmas is a wonderful occasion to relax, spend time with your family, with friends, dear ones or even colleagues from work. It is a time you get to share with people that...
Order your company's Christmas wreaths as employee and clients gifts right now and spread the look and fragrance of Christmas with beautiful and fresh Christmas wreaths from www.christmasfarms.com.
Holidays are coming up, and this means that it is soon time to put up your Christmas Lights. For many of us, that also means that we have to buy new Christmas Lights, and since this is something you maximum do
This Christmas parents are looking for ways to help their kids to believe in Santa Clause. Right now, many kids are more skeptical of the tradition and will have to be told the story either at an earlier...
If you want to buy a slim Christmas tree, the first factor that you have to remember when decorating it is to never overdo the decoration if you do not want your slim Christmas tree to appear garish.
This Holiday parents want to maintain many of the special traditions that they have maintained for years. However, times are tough and having the big holiday dinner right after just having spent money for...
Have you decided what to get that "special someone" on your Christmas List this year? Are you going to wait till the last minute and get the "same ole' same ole'"? The good news is that there is still...
Enamelware is a trip down memory lane. White jugs with blue trim and laundry tubs with red trim all bring us back to a simpler time. It's a part of the farmhouse country look.What: Vintage items made of...
Antique glassware needs a gentle hand. This month we'll give you some useful tips to help you care for your antique or modern glassware.1. Avoid putting glassware into direct sunlight or near any other heat...
To care for your antique ceramics you need a gentle touch and they'll last you a long time. This month we'll give you some useful tips to help you care for them.1. When you are cleaning delicate ceramics...
Father's Day is just around the corner. Here are some gift ideas sure to put a smile on dad's face.1. Forget the TieVintage cufflinks, studs, watches and tiepins can be found for a fraction of the price of...
1. Knowledge is Power. Whatever the area of collecting - depression glass, blue and white pottery, silver, paperweights, toys or furniture of any period - there is a book to arm any collector for his or her...
During your spring cleaning, don't forget to think about your
antiques. In this month's column, we'll give you seven tips to help
you care for your antique furniture.1. Use paste waxEvery couple of months, wax
If you like clean, simple, oak furnishings, you're likely an Arts & Crafts aficionado. In this month's column, we'll talk about the history, the early champions and the variety of disciplines within the...
The world of antiques can be confusing. What's the difference between an antique and collectible? Aren't collectibles and memorabilia really the same thing? In this month's column, I'll de-mystify these terms,
Ceramics can be delicate and decorative or unrefined and utilitarian. Bone china, porcelain, stoneware and earthenware - this month we'll review them all.
How Ceramics are Made.Different...
Men and women have worn costume jewellery since the Romans developed the ability to cut glass imitations of precious gemstones. Jewellery was worn to enhance appearance, display wealth and affirm love...
Article: A Christmas Tradition - Vintage Ornaments Author: Martin Swinton Publication Date: 2007-07-01 Total Views: 328 Word Count: 404 Category:Home /
Society / Holidays / Christmas
Categories
