Most Valuable Vintage Christmas Trees and Tree Toppers
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Collecting Christmas items from years past has become a cottage industry. Many people go to estate sales and flea markets looking for just the right bulb or ornament to get their holiday nostalgia fix.
However, those aren't the only items people look for. Aluminum and ceramic Christmas trees are hot collectibles, as are unusual tree toppers that have stood the test of time.
Scooby Doo Tree Topper
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Sale price: $249
Bottom line: This cute Scooby Doo tree topper (for some strange reason, holding a slice of pizza) is a Warner Brothers store exclusive made in 1997.
It came with its original box and packing, making it all the more valuable to the collector.
Christopher Radko 'Holly on High' Tree Topper
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Sale price: $276.99
Bottom line: Mid-century modern Christmas decor is currently all the rage and, therefore, can be a bit pricey. This four ball tree topper is a decent price, since it is probably from the 1980s or 90s, but has a definitive MCM vibe.
Designer Christopher Radko is known as the "Czar of the Christmas Present" and the "Ornament King." It is because of him Christmas decorations have become so collectible.
Merry Glow Rotating Tree Topper
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Sale price: $529
Bottom line: You can always tell when an item is from the late 1950s or early 1960s — atomic and space age designs were everywhere, and this tree topper reflects just that.
The topper lights up and rotates. It comes in its original box, which describes the effects as being "very much like little star bursts."
Bradford Celestial Motion Light Christmas Tree Star
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Sale price: $700
Bottom line: The round MCM topper gives off colorful reflections as its spin, powered by the heat from its bulb.
It is made of plastic, but as it dates back to the 1950s and 60s, if you get your hands on one, you may want to have it rewired for use.
Victorian Era Angel Tree Topper
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Sale price: Approx. $895
Bottom line: We don't know the maker of this delicate tree topper, but she's well-loved and well-made. She dates back to the Victorian era.
Her face, arms, and hands are wax. Her silk gold dress even has an underskirt and comes complete with a sash that reads "Merry Christmas" on its front.
Mirro Aluminum Christmas Tree
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Sale price: $900
Bottom line: An MCM Christmas decoration that's a holy grail item for collectors. This little tree from the 1950s looks festive on any tabletop.
It also lights up and comes with its own packaging. Even when the packaging isn't intact, this tree is often over $500.
1970s Ceramic Christmas Tree with Angels
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Sale price: $1,044
Bottom line: Ceramic trees of yesteryear are highly sought-after today. They are typically green with multicolored lights, but when you see one this unusual, with gold flecks and singing angels, the price gets even higher.
The angels are separate pieces and can be moved around the tree to your liking.
Bottle Brush Table Top Christmas Tree
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Sale price: $1,135
Bottom line: Bottle brush trees sound exactly like what they are — trees made from brushes for cleaning bottles. Even if you couldn't afford a pre-fab tree, you could make one of your own (and you still can today).
This pretty pink tree was made in the 1950s and features pastel mercury glass balls and a snow effect on its "branches."
Tall Ceramic Tree with Bird Lights
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Sale price: Approx. $1,500
Bottom line: As you already know, ceramic trees are a valuable collectible. They were a common Christmas item from the 1950s to the 1970s.
They typically fetch about $200, but if you find one that's unusual in any way — this one, for example, is 32 inches high with little glowing bird bulbs — it will likely sell for top dollar.
Evergleam Aluminum Christmas Tree
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Sale price: $5,000
Bottom line: The Evergleam company was one of several manufacturers of the aluminum tree in the 1960s. The trees typically were silver, but there are rarer trees (like the one above) that were a variety of colors to match your decor.
Of course, colored aluminum has a higher price point today. This six-foot tree comes with its original box, poles, sleeves, stand, and 93 intact branches.