Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Did You Know Tuesday - Shiny-Brite Ornaments


Shiny-Brite ornaments are a perfect example of Mid-Century Christmas decorations.  The great ad, above, is from 1966.  

These ornaments date back a little earlier, though.  The first Shiny-Brite ornaments were made in 1937 by Max Eckhardt.  He worked with the Corning Glass Company to produce them.  These ornaments were originally sold at Woolworth dime stores.

Shiny-Brites were popular during the 1940's - World War II vintage - because they were American made.  The 1940's box top featured Santa Claus shaking hands with Uncle Sam.


The ornaments were originally manufactured in New Jersey.  They were sprayed inside with silver nitrate and then they were lacquered so they truly had a shiny and bright appearance!

Not all vintage glass ornaments are Shiny-Brites.  You will recognize them by the Shiny Brite name on the metal ornament capper.  During World War II this capper was made of cardboard because of war time manufacturing restrictions.

Here is a glimpse of a 1950's box of Shiny-Brites:


This 1956 Sears catalog page features Shiny-Brites galore.  The variety of designs was fabulous -- balls, tear drop shapes, bell shapes, indents, birds, and more!


The company stopped production in the 1970's.  However, in recent years Christopher Radko has started producing Shiny-Brite ornaments, and his selection is always lovely.

Do you remember Shiny-Brite ornaments?  Were there any of these beauties on your childhood Christmas tree?  I would love to hear from you in the comments, below.

21 comments:

Hannah Scarlett said...

I have actually never seen these before! Mostly because my mom preferred the homemade and primitive styles for Christmas. But I don't think I've ever seen Shiny Brites in my grandparents' homes, either...

Greta Hollar said...

I don't remember Shiny-Brite ornaments, I might be too young, but I enjoyed learning about them!

Aletha Oglesby, M.D. said...

Yes, I think my mother had some of these for our tree. But I never knew there was anything special about them. How interesting that things we assume are just ordinary become part of history. Thanks for sharing this interesting story.

dollycas aka Lori said...

What a wonderful memory. My mother had all Shiny Brites for our tree growing up.

Unknown said...

How beautiful these ornaments were! I have to admit though, with a little one I'm very thankful for today's pretty, shatter proof ornaments. These would make a lovely old fashioned tree.

Unknown said...

I love vintage EVERYTHING!! These are so pretty!

Emily Anne
http://alittlesparrowsblog.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Thank you! I still have some of my mother's Shiny Brite ornaments and I decorate with them every year. They have a whimsical quality that I've always adored. I remember them on our family's large natural tree and it makes me feel like a kid for a few seconds. :)

Unknown said...

I recently mentioned the Shiny Brite ornaments in a blog post. I still have some hanging on my tree that belonged to my Grandma. Sweet memories.

JLynnCorter said...

They are such pretty ornaments! I really like them!

Godly Homemaker (Andrea) said...

i actually remember these ornaments (does this means that i'm gettin old? :D )

Lisa said...

I love mercury glass ornaments. I have lots on my tree and a decorate with them other places in my home as well. Did you know they still make ornaments? They are awesome. :)

Helen Jayne Kerr said...

Ooh, they're so pretty, but I've never heard of them before! I love the look of them!

Birdhouse Books said...

Thanks for visiting! I loved reading your comments, and enjoyed your Shiny-Brite memories.

Trish

The DSRS of our lives said...

I have some Shiny Brites on my tree and I've sold quite a few over the last 10 years. thanks for a great "walk down memory lane"

Birdhouse Books said...

Beth, I have seen some spectacular Shiny-Brites in your shop. I love them too ... they remind me so much of ornaments I grew up with. - Trish

Jane Proulx said...

I have over 300+ on my tree every year. I continue to buy them at antique stores,yard sales and flea markets.

Birdhouse Books said...

Jane, that sounds beautiful! I have shopped for Shiny Brites and vintage ornaments at estate sales and yard sales too.

Corrine said...

Yes, my mom and grandma had shiny brite ornaments. I have a few and enjoy using them. It brings back memories. I also have some lead tinsel. I haven't used ot with the grandkids around.

Birdhouse Books said...

Corrine, that is wonderful - family ornaments are the best! And how neat, too, about the old lead tinsel.

Shelly said...

I have the 1950’s version with original box. My grandmother had them. She handed them down to her daughter, my mother and my mother gave them to me over 20 years ago. I have two daughters and I’m torn on who gets them. One of the ornaments is actually from the 1940’s set. I cherish them.

Birdhouse Books said...

Shelly, that is lovely - a real family heirloom! Your set in the original box is a real treasure. - Trish