caption: Figure 2: During World War II the popular ``silvered'' ornaments, which were coated on the inside with silver nitrate to reflect light from candles and electric bulbs, were phased out as chemical plants were converted to support the war effort. American manufacturers adapted to this situation by producing translucent glass balls in various colors. A spray of tinsel was sometimes inserted into the ornament to make it sparkle. As metal shortages increased the tinsel was eliminated, and the metal caps on ornaments were replaced with cardboard tops. On loan from the National Christmas Center and Museum.
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