What are Reflectors?

Good Question!

I had to wonder when I first saw the Christopher Radko versions of Shiny Brite ornaments that he called “reflectors”.  He was describing what collectors call “glass indents”. 

And I’m used to the term being used to describe a light string accessory.  Soon after electric lights were first being used on trees, folks were trying to make those lights sparkle and brighter than they really were.  Some brilliant inventor realized that if you place a reflective surface between the light bulb and socket, you increase the light and sparkle of each bulb.  So we began to see what were called “reflectors” manufactured from foil and  punched tin. 

Foil Reflectors, 2 Layer

Punched Tin Reflectors

The foil reflectors came in many varieties with multiple layers of colored shiny foil made by both German and American manufacturers.  These became very popular in the 40s and 50s.  I often find old light strings with these little treasures still tucked between each light bulb and the socket.

So is Christopher Radko mistaken???  Well…I guess he’s rich enough to do whatever he wants.   But for me, when I hear the term “reflector”, I still think of the shiny foil and tin light string accessories.