Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a delightful pair of original mid-century miniature Christmas ornament sets, complete in their original cardboard packaging with cotton batting. One box features 'Extra Fancy' hand-blown figural shapes including pinecones, acorns, and indented reflectors, while the other contains tiny metallic glass spheres designed for tabletop feather trees.
Story
In 1898, Shackman began importing these delicate novelties to New York. By the 1950s, these tiny hand-blown Japanese glass ornaments brought affordable, shimmering holiday magic to post-war American homes.
Maker / Origin
B. Shackman & Company was a legendary New York City importer and toy merchant renowned for high-quality, nostalgic novelties, holiday decorations, and paper goods. They specialized in sourcing delicate, hand-crafted items from Germany and Japan, bridging international folk art traditions with the American consumer market.
Condition & Value
The ornaments appear largely intact with some expected age-related oxidation and minor paint loss to the delicate lacquer. The original cardboard boxes show light wear, toning, and minor structural softening, but retain their original cotton batting and clear, charming graphics.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.