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The 1950s Atomic Shadow Box

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If you love mid century America like I do, then you will know that one of the hot collectable must have’s is  the 1950s Atomic Shadow Box.

Shadow boxes are in most people’s imagination,  a wall box with mini shelves and maybe a mirror, often small and not that exciting.

That is why the Atomic shadow box is usually quite exciting, in various made star shapes shooting out the sides,  some with lights, some with mirrors, plant boxes, wire, and various decoration pieces.

Some companies that made them like mine, was made by the Illinois Moulding company, which was one of many American companies that supplied homewares and Artworks for American families. They mass-produced these items. Interestingly enough this company of fine Americana goods, was created by a Hungarian Immigrant, Herman Molner in 1896, the company lasted until 1970.

Back to the Atomic shadow box, it is what is says, the Atomic age, a crazy time in which people were excited – for a while  at least, about the creation of the Atom bomb. Homeware companies pumped out anything with an atomic feel, ashtrays, clothes, furniture, even houses, and of course shadow boxes, anything really that was hip and would sell.

The Atomic age was from 1940 to 1963. Design were atomic particle shaped, starburst, galaxy motifs, shapes and some that resembled the cloudy explosion and futurist, patterns often repeated.

You will not find these outside of North America, unless it has been imported and if your a lucky thrifter, you may come across someone who has thrown one out on the sidewalk on trash pickup day, yes this does happen, not everyone thinks they are cool or worth anything .

You can still buy them from antique, or mid century shops or places like facebook and instagram are a great place to find them. Do not wait though, they are very much wanted, and will sell unless the price is crazy of course. I have not seen many on Ebay as much as I have seen social media to be honest.

Good luck hunting 🙂

Pic by rockabilly mama

pic by Kitschy Living

Pic by Atomic Junkies