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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. |
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| Produced by Colortone, this
light was sold under several other brand names as well. |
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| This wheel by Domain
Products has a gold tone metal motor and gear housing, and was a
particularly quiet running unit. |
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| Here is a deluxe model by
Penetray, the largest maker of color wheels. The base and motor housing
are particularly stylish. |
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| Offered by Gem, this unit
has an unusual red colored base and motor housing. |
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| 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. |
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| Here is the Orbit model from
Harmony House. The styling of the unit is particularly indicative of
the times. |
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MORE COMING SOON!
END OF SECTION
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