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How can you tell if a Christmas tree is antique ceramic?
Take a close look at the bulbs on the tree you are considering. Older trees will have glass bulbs, while the newer ones will have plastic. Dates on the bottom of the tree can be misleading. A tree may be marked 1972, the date the mold was first issued, when it was actually manufactured in 2005.
How do you clean an old ceramic Christmas tree?
When cleaning a ceramic Christmas tree, you can use a small feather duster. Alternatively, you can use a soft cloth and warm water to keep the surface clean and free of any dust or dirt. Avoid excess water and don’t submerge the base that has the light fixtures in water.
How much is a white ceramic Christmas tree worth?
Around the holidays, vintage ceramic trees could fetch a few hundred dollars, depending on the type and condition. Last year, Richter recalls selling multiple vintage ceramic trees for between $100 and $200 each. Musical trees tend to be more valuable, he says, as well as very large very small ones.
How are ceramic Christmas trees made?
Making a ceramic tree starts with liquid clay commonly referred to as slip. First, make sure that the slip is mixed well and then pour it into a plaster molded in the form of a Christmas trunk. Sometimes it might be required to let the slip stay in the final section of the plaster mold a little while longer.
What can I store my ceramic Christmas tree in?
Storage: Store your trees on a shelf with a plastic bag or cloth over it to keep dust off. Or wrap each glazed piece individually with bubble wrap or kraft paper and gently place in a box. Be mindful of extreme temperature changes if storing in an attic.
How old are ceramic Christmas trees?
Ceramic Christmas Trees became very popular back in the 1970s, however some date back to as early as the 60s!Nov 3, 2019.
Did people make ceramic Christmas trees?
Back in the 1970s, tabletop ceramic Christmas trees became all the rage. These tiny decorations typically came in green or white, along with colorful lights poking out through the branches, and were likely handmade by the lady of the house in a nearby ceramics class.
Where is Mr Christmas from?
Benjamin Bradley grew up in Boonville, Indiana. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, he headed to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York for his associates degree. A few years later, he made the Big Apple his permanent home.
How much is a Christmas tree worth?
The National Christmas Tree Association said the average cost of a Christmas tree is now up to $75 dollars.
How tall are ceramic Christmas trees?
They dominated the legendary Christmas decor scene of the ’60s and ’70s with their multi-color lights. Some of the ceramic decorations even played Christmas music. You will typically find 10-15 inch trees, which make them perfect for tabletop placement.
How do you store fragile ornaments?
Wrap them in a layer of tissue paper, followed by a layer of bubble wrap to ensure that fragile ornaments won’t break in storage. The layers around the ornament will not only protect it, but they’ll make it easier to store by creating a rounder shape.
How should I store my Christmas tree?
It’s best to fold up your tree’s branches after removing the Christmas ornaments, lights and other decorations. That’s often enough, especially if you store the tree inside. However, if you want to go the extra mile, Hayneedle recommends wrapping the tree in plastic wrap as a second layer of moisture protection.
How do you store Christmas tree ornaments?
Pack ornaments in egg cartons or plastic cups lined with tissue paper or paper towels. The circular shape of each holder make them ideal for protecting small ornaments from harm. The same goes for plastic apple containers, but for your larger ornaments.
When was the first ceramic Christmas tree made?
These are the ceramic trees made in the late 1940s by private craftsmen and the first commercially designed trees issued in 1958 by Atlantic Molds.
What is an Atlantic mold ceramic Christmas tree?
They consist of a molded ceramic tree that fits over a single lightbulb inserted into the base. The “lights” on the tree are hollow plastic pegs that fit into holes in the tree, and light up when turned on. It wasn’t until 1958 that Atlantic Molds copyrighted one of the first ceramic Christmas tree designs.
Is Atlantic mold still in business?
Further complicating the issue of age, when Atlantic Molds retired in 1999, like many other mold companies when they retire, Atlantic sold their mold designs (and copyrights) on the secondary market. Which means all of these retired ceramic molds from yesterday are still available today.
Who invented Mr. Christmas?
Merril Hermanson, the original Mr. Christmas, was an avid inventor who held numerous patents. During the 60 years of service before his death in 2000, he hired a legion of designers, craftsman, engineers, and musicians to develop original works of art that could be enjoyed all year around.
Where is Benjamin Bradley from?
Annapolis, MD.
Who Founded Mr. Christmas?
Merril Hermanson founded Mr. Christmas all the way back in 1933. The company has grown to become a multi-generational family owned business that has been creating holiday magic for over 85 years.
How do you clean ceramic knick knacks?
Many people use baking soda either as a paste or make a paste with white vinegar or Hydrogen Peroxide and gently rub this paste all over item; using a soft toothbrush to get the tiny crevices. Just be very careful and if you see even a speck of color coming off that is the time to stop and rethink everything.
