The Magical History Behind Vintage Christmas Ornaments

A Twinkle in Time

Think of star and snowflake ornaments as jewelry for your tree. Spiky versions in paper or clear plastic add graphic punch, while shimmery specimens made of mercury glass, tin, or tinsel reflect light and impart shine. "Early trees were, of course, lit with candles," says Karch. "The effect of flickering light on a beveled metal ornament would have been quite beautiful."

Dresden Ornaments

Highly coveted Dresden ornaments, constructed of silver- or gold-faced embossed cardboard, were made in Germany, mostly between the late 19th century and World War I.

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12-Point Star Ornament

This is the oldest ornament in our collection—a pressed-lead 12-point star that dates to 1870s Germany.

Homes for the Holiday

The German-American custom of the putz—the miniature Christmas village under the tree, typically including a manger scene—gave rise to the tradition of trimming the tree itself with tiny replicas of cottages, churches, and shops made from handblown glass, plastic, and paper. "When it comes to cardboard cottages, the ones with little trees still attached are most sought after," says Karch. "They're the first things to break off."

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Foil-Covered Ornaments

In the States, World War II metal shortages inspired homemade foil-covered ornaments.

House Ornament

The cutout windows of this 1930s celluloid house allow tree lights to shine through.

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Now Dash Away All

It's not all about Rudolph. The famous red-nosed charmer—the creation of a copywriter for Montgomery Ward & Co.—didn't prance onto the holiday scene until 1939. The earliest reference to Santa's singular mode of travel actually dates to 1821, when an anonymous New York illustrator depicted "Old Santeclaus" riding in a sleigh, pulled by a single reindeer.

Rudolph Ornament

Though somewhat faded, the red nose on this rubberized-plastic piece from the late '60s or early '70s distinguishes the figure as dear old Rudolph.

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Silver Reindeer Ornament

Silver nitrate poured inside clear handblown glass gives this 19th-century reindeer its silver shimmer.

Reindeer Figures

Larger figures, such as this thermoplastic version, often came in teams along with a sleigh, and were meant to go on a mantel or under a tree.

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Joyful Noise

"Instruments are classic emblems of Christmas festivities," says Karch. "Think of church bells, handbells, and general merrymaking." German glass artisans flaunted their craftsmanship with dainty versions that rang and tiny horns that could be blown. Later styles, made from a range of materials including glass and plastic, were more ornamental than functional—and included the occasional saxophone.

Horn Ornament

Made from a single rod of handblown glass, this horn has a working kazoo inside.

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Bell Ornament

A clapper makes this hand-painted glass bell notable.

A Feast for the Eyes

The very earliest Christmas ornaments? Fresh fruit. The practice dates back to the 14th century, when apples were hung on evergreen trees to serve as props for the miracle plays presented in churches on December 24. "For many early Americans, hanging citrus on a Christmas tree would have been an extra-special treat," says Karch. The cornucopia of faux produce created for the holidays eventually grew to include colorful berries, beets, and mushrooms made of cotton batting, glass, and plastic.

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Pear Ornament

Pressed-cotton ornaments like this pear, made by gluing layers of cotton batting on a wire frame, were a more durable alternative to glass.