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Shiny Brite Ornaments: A Christmas Classic  by Virginia Butters
The invention of Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments was a result of World War II. Christmas trees adorned with sparkling glass balls were popular with Americans. Germany and Japan were the major importer of glass ornaments in the 1930′s.
American businessman Max Eckart had been importing Christmas tree ornaments into the U.S. from Germany since 1907. World War I took a major toll on his operations, and although he was able to recover, the dawning of World War II made him realize his business would soon be in trouble again. His plan to handle the hardship was brilliant.
Glassblowers from many European countries famed for making high-quality ornaments were in the employ of Corning Glass. Corning held the patent for a type of glassblowing machine used in the manufacture of light bulbs. The "ribbon" glassblowing machine could easily produce an astounding 2,000 bulbs in one minute. With a few alterations, this contraption would could produce glass Christmas tree ornaments instead of lightbulbs. Eckardt saw it's potential at once.
In a year, the company began tests using Christmas ornament forms in various shapes and sizes. Soon after, the U.S.'s main purveyor of ornaments from abroad, Woolworth's, asked that Corning produce over 230,000 glass holiday items for sale in their stores. Woolworth's was also aware that war was inevitable and would have an impact on the availablity of glass ornaments, and so were looking for a source within the U.S. In 1939, they began selling the new, American-made ornaments.
By 1940, Corning Glass was producing nearly 300,000 decorations daily, and shipping them to retail stores nationwide. Of all their buyers, Corning sold the most to Max Eckhardt's Shiny Brite.
He made Shiny Brite Christmas balls and decorations throughout the war. Shiny Brite had innovative solutions to problems brought on by rationing. When metal paints and varnish were unavailable, he began banding balls with slim lines in light shades. Glimmering tops made from various metals were replaced by folded hangers made from cardboard and glued in place.
Shiny Brite was the leading maker of glass Christmas decorations by the end of the war. They began making ornaments decorated with vibrant hues, which reflected the vivacity of the post-war era. The traditional metal tops were once again used, this time bearing a proud stamp declaring that Shiny Brite ornaments were U.S.-made. The boxes they were packed in, too, were marked "American Made."
In 1962, Shiny Brite stopped producing Christmas ornaments. The ornaments continue to be a popular collector's item.
Thanks to Christopher Radko, these classic Retro Christmas ornaments are once again available. He purchased the right to use the name Shiny Brite, and in 2001 started making authentic replications of the ornaments. The ornaments are exquisitely detailed, and even their boxes bear a strong resemblance to the originals. The sentimental beauty of these gleaming glass ornaments is once again ours to enjoy.
About the Author
Check out my other holiday articles on retro Christmas decor and vintage Christmas decorations.
Christopher Radko Christmas ornament show (Part 1 of 4)
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