Christmas Decor - Vintage Ornaments

Vintage are often hiding in lots of everyday ornaments.

Oct 01, 2023

What constitutes actual vintage in this category may be a bit fuzzy. There was quite a bit on eBay listed as vintage that seemed not so vintage. This post breaks down some popular types not generally manufactured today.

It can be a great category as so few people pay a lot of attention to the details. It’s much like going through lots of costume jewelry, there are gems in there if you know what to look for. When you garage selling or thrift shopping, look especially for vintage ornaments like those listed below.

Most of the sales are in the lower end, but there is money to be made in bigger dollar items. “The gold is in the old.”

When it comes to vintage Christmas decor, there are several common elements that can be found across different brands.

Let's explore some of these common elements:

Craftsmanship: Vintage Christmas decor is known for its exceptional craftsmanship. Whether it's hand-blown glass ornaments, intricately painted designs, or delicate metalwork, vintage brands prioritize the artistry and attention to detail provided by individual artisans.
Vibrant Colors: From bold reds and greens to shimmering golds and silvers, holiday colors evoke the festive spirit of the season. The use of vibrant colors in vintage decor adds a cheerful and enchanting touch to Christmas trees and festive displays.
Unique Shapes: From whimsical characters like Santas and snowmen to intricate designs inspired by nature, vintage decor offers a wide variety of shapes and styles. These unique shapes make each ornament or decoration add personality and character to holiday displays not seen in today’s mass-market goods.
Shiny Finishes: Whether it's the glossy surface of glass ornaments or the metallic sheen of metalwork, shiny finishes add a touch of glamour and elegance. Mercury glass is one of the best examples.
Intricate Details: Vintage brands pay close attention to intricate details in their designs. Whether it's delicate hand-painted patterns on glass ornaments or intricate metalwork on figurines, these intricate details add depth and richness to vintage decor.
Timeless Appeal: One of the most significant elements of vintage Christmas decor is its timeless appeal. The classic designs and enduring beauty of vintage decor transcend trends and fads.

In summary, the common elements found in different brands of vintage Christmas decor include exceptional craftsmanship, vibrant colors, unique shapes, shiny finishes, nostalgic motifs, intricate details, and timeless appeal. These elements work together to create a sense of nostalgia and beauty that make them collectible, and therefore excellent items for resale.

Some brands to look out for:

Shiny Brite: Is a vintage Christmas ornament brand that was popular in the mid-20th century. Note the style of the box, it’s a dead giveaway.

Poland Glass Ornaments: Also known as Polish glass ornaments. They are hand-blown and hand-painted, often featuring delicate details and rich colors.
Note mercury glass, is also becoming rare. It has a distinctive look.

Eisenberg Originals: Is a vintage brand known for its stunning costume jewelry. Their ornaments look a bit like costume jewelry.

West Germany Ornaments: These were popular in the mid-20th century and are known for their high-quality craftsmanship. Shiny Brite was also a West German brand.