Christmas ornaments have a long and storied history, with many different types being used to decorate Christmas trees over the years. Some of the most classic and iconic Christmas ornaments are old glass ornaments. These beautiful, delicate glass balls and other shapes are often passed down through families across generations as cherished heirlooms and holiday decor. But what exactly are these old glass ornaments called?
Antique Glass Ornaments
Old glass Christmas ornaments are commonly referred to as antique glass ornaments. The word “antique” is used to describe objects that are at least 100 years old. So any glass Christmas ornaments that date back to the early 20th century or late 19th century can be considered true antique ornaments.
Antique glass ornaments were originally made in Germany, beginning in the mid-1800s. The first decorated Christmas trees appeared in Germany in the early 1800s and were adorned with fruits, nuts, paper decorations, and eventually glass beads and hand blown glass ornaments. Glass Christmas ornaments were an expensive luxury item and a status symbol at the time, as they were all handcrafted and had to be imported from Germany.
Early German Glass Ornaments
Some of the earliest antique German glass ornaments include:
- Glass beads
- Glass balls – round solid colored ornaments
- Glass spears – long, pointed spears of glass
- Blown glass ornaments – freeform hollow glass ornaments crafted by skilled glass blowers and artisans
These early German glass ornaments were mouth blown and handcrafted by skilled artisans, making each one a unique work of art. The glass was hand blown into molds to create the shapes and designs. Color was added to the molten glass through different metallic oxides and pigments.
Later Vintage German Glass Ornaments
As the tradition of decorating Christmas trees spread throughout Europe and America in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the production of German glass ornaments increased. Some popular types of antique German glass ornaments from this era include:
- Cola bottles – glass ornaments molded into bottle shapes and embossed with brand names
- Dresdens – pressed glass ornaments with perforated, lace-like patterns
- Tinsel ornaments – early glass ornaments wrapped in metal foil or made to look like dangling icicles
- Beaded ornaments – glass balls hand decorated with beads and trims
- Silvered Kugels – special silvered finish on classic round ball ornaments
These more elaborate blown glass ornaments with decals, foil, beading, and other embellishments became highly collectible German exports in the late 1800s and early 1900s, making their way all over the world.
Vintage Glass Ornaments
In addition to antique glass ornaments, another term used for old Christmas ornaments is vintage glass ornaments. The word “vintage” can be used to describe objects that are older and from an earlier era, but not necessarily 100 years old yet. Vintage ornaments are from the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and onward.
Many glass Christmas ornaments still came from Germany in the early and mid 1900s. As demand grew, the United States and other countries also began mass producing glass Christmas ornaments with new technology and machines. Some popular types of vintage glass ornaments include:
- Shiny Brite ornaments – introduced in the 1930s by Corning Glass Works, machine pressed and mass produced glass ornaments.
- Silvered balls – molten glass balls cooled and dipped in real mercury/silver solution.
- Bubble lights – hollow glass tubes with colored liquid that bubbled when lit from below.
- Icicles
- Twist cords
- Beaded garlands
Vintage glass ornaments from the mid-century decades like the 1940s-1960s also showcase fun mid-century modern design trends, atomic and space-age motifs, vivid colors, and Scandinavian influences.
Materials and Characteristics
Antique and vintage glass Christmas ornaments can be identified by the type of glass material used and their production characteristics:
Mouth Blown Glass
Early glass ornaments were hand blown by skilled glass blowers through a pipe and mold. Characteristics include:
- Thick, uneven glass with natural variations, swirls, and air bubbles
- Pooled glass at the top where removed from pipe
- Seam marks or pontil marks on the bottom from being cut off pipe
- Hand painted or added decorations, less uniform
Machine Pressed Glass
Later glass ornaments were mass produced through machines with pressed molds. Characteristics include:
- Thinner, more uniform glass walls
- Molded seam lines or marks from machine
- More uniform decorations, patterns, and colors from machine printing
- Silver nitrate coating on inside to make ornaments shinier
Molded Plastics
Mid-century plastics revolutionized ornament production. Characteristics include:
- Lightweight plastic material instead of glass
- Two piece molds with a molded lip or seam
- Very thin walls
- Vibrant colors and metallic glitters
Popular Shapes and Designs
Old glass Christmas ornaments came in a myriad of shapes, styles, and designs. Some of the most popular antique and vintage ornament shapes and motifs include:
Classic Shapes
- Round balls
- Teardrops
- Icicles
- Spears
- Pine cones
- Acorns
- Globes
- Spiders
Novelty Designs
- Santa Claus
- Snowmen
- Angles
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Toys
- Candy
- Cola bottles
- Space rockets
- Atomic motifs
Nature Motifs
- Pine cones
- Icicles
- Birds
- Santas
- Stars
- Moons
- Flowers
Historical Significance
Glass Christmas ornaments hold a special significance in holiday decorating history and tradition:
- Represent evolution of Christmas traditions since the early 1800s
- Reflect the handcrafted artistry of early German glass blowers and family workshops
- Signify the spread of Christmas trees and decorating customs from Germany to other parts of Europe and America
- Chronicle advancements in glass making and manufacturing technology from mouth blown to machine pressed production
- Embody the nostalgia, colors, motifs, and materials of different historical eras and decades
- Pass down family histories and holiday memories when handed down across generations
Collectability
Due to their rich history and handcrafted origins, antique German glass Christmas ornaments are highly prized by collectors:
- Early German glass ornaments from 1800s to 1920s are most rare and valuable for collectors
- Ornaments Increase in value with age, condition, craftsmanship, and uniqueness of design
- Iconic designs like beaded ornaments, Dresdens, silvered kugels, and coloured balls are especially desirable
- Rarity makes certain old European manufacturers and glass studios highly collectible
- Historical significance and aesthetic appeal still cherished today
Care and Repair
Antique and vintage glass ornaments require special care and handling to preserve them:
- Use care when unpacking, hanging, and removing old ornaments – they are fragile!
- Avoid hanging on trees outdoors or in high traffic areas
- When possible, hang old ornaments on stronger branches towards interior of tree
- Store antique ornaments carefully wrapped in tissue paper inside protective hard cases
- Clean gently with mild soap, water, and soft cloths
- Have repairs done by a professional ornament repair specialist
- Never use harsh chemicals, abrasives, or cleaning tools
- Research techniques for reversing corrosion or clouding
Common Damage and Repairs
Damage | Repair Solutions |
---|---|
Chips | Specialty glue adhesive dots |
Cracks | Ornament repair glue seams |
Broken hooks, caps, or hangers | Replacement antique ornament hooks |
Cloudiness | Gently polish with soft cloths and mineral oils or chemicals to remove oxidation |
Missing embellishments | Replacement antique beads, trims etc. |
Buying Antique and Vintage Ornaments
There are several places to buy legitimate antique and vintage glass Christmas ornaments:
- Reputable antiques stores, antique malls, flea markets
- Specialized antique Christmas stores
- Auctions houses or estate sales
- Online shops and marketplaces like Ebay or Etsy
- Collector shows, conventions, and swap meets
When shopping, beware of potential fakes or reproductions. Look for true signs of age, wear, marks, and other indicators of genuinely old glass ornaments. Seek reputable sellers with expertise in antiques and vintage ornaments.
Factors Affecting Price
Prices for antique and vintage glass ornaments vary enormously based on factors like:
- Age
- Origin and manufacturer
- Uniqueness of design
- Craftsmanship
- Size
- Color
- Condition
- Rarity
- Provenance
- Historical significance
One of a kind early German mouth blown glass ornaments in excellent condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. More common vintage ornaments from the 1940s-1960s tend to cost $5-$50. Damaged ornaments have decorative value but less monetary value.
Conclusion
Antique and vintage glass Christmas ornaments are iconic decorative symbols of holiday nostalgia. Their history spans over a century of Christmas celebrations, family traditions, and advances in glass making technology. When properly preserved and displayed, these delicate yet dazzling ornaments become cherished heirlooms to adorn generations of Christmas trees to come.