Kit & Evelyn, I read with interest and relish your brief descriptions of your experiences with bits of nostalgia related to Christmas, or just items that some people threw away, just ash canned, or in one way or another got rid of; even as a result of conflicts among the family members, sometimes. These, of course, are unfortunate. But, despite those events, the memories of those items stir the curiosity and the memories of times past, perhaps beyond our own lifespans! I don't recall the painted candles holder that were designed for the Christmas tree - I would think that those would have more value than the ones we had which as I recall were just plain metal, unpainted and either a gold color or silver colored metal like the metals used in tin cans used in those days for soups, etc. I do recall beside these plain clips which had a cup shape to them for seating the candles, there was another design which had a spiral of spring that was designed for holding the candles. The former were the more predominant clips that we had. In those days, (for me) 20s/30s, nearly all the ornaments of whatever design, including paper ornaments with Krist Kringle, or Santa Clause - all were made in Germany. Even the electric lights and there were all sorts of shapes such as Santa, and other Christmas motif shapes that would light. These, of course, were more expensive and we had very few, if any of them. Look among your Christmas items from that era with a magnifying glass, and I think you will find the Made in Germany stamped or printed on them. None were from the Orient, and Germany seemed more prevalent than the US, except I do recall Mazda Christmas Tree lamps which were GE. However, when my late Mother, in Puyallup, was moving out of the old farmhouse dating from the 1800s (tho, she was born in 1900); I was able to salvage many of those fine old Christmas motif shaped Christmas tree lights, and still have a collection of them - most of which can light. Yes, and the old cards, letters, old calendars, etc. but not old Christmas cards - those were really great, but we had none of them, though I remember them well. Our Snohomish County Antique Study Club members have, from time to time, brought old Christmas ornaments, trees lights, etc. Some collect those items whenever they can find them. Carroll in Snohomish. & & & & Joyeaux Noel & & & ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]