COLOR WHEELS

 


Where would your aluminum tree be without its faithful companion, the Color Wheel? Shown here are many examples of the rotating beacons that made the aluminum trees really shine...

 

All of the wheels shown on this page are from the 1960 to 1968 time period, except for a few which are noted. The market was flooded with all manner of the color projecting devices during this time period, and the more creative examples command a high price in today's hot collectibles market. All of the aluminum tree manufacturers instructed the use of "off tree" lighting for safety reasons, due to the high conductibility of the aluminum branches.

Here is a circa 1955 "color projector" from Snapit. The projector predates the aluminum trees by about four years, but was a popular decorating item of the mid 50s due to its ability to make curtains and walls change colors during parties and dances. It began to sell really well once the aluminum trees hit the market.
Produced by Colortone, this light was sold under several other brand names as well.
This wheel by Domain Products has a gold tone metal motor and gear housing, and was a particularly quiet running unit.
Here is a deluxe model by Penetray, the largest maker of color wheels. The base and motor housing are particularly stylish.
Offered by Gem, this unit has an unusual red colored base and motor housing.
Here is the "workhorse" of the Penetray line. The color wheel came unassembled, and the user would put the four sections together with supplied metal clips. This model is the most often found color wheel of all.
Here is the Orbit model from Harmony House. The styling of the unit is particularly indicative of the times.
     
     
     

MORE COMING SOON!

END OF SECTION

 

 


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