Hallmark "Thunderbird 50th Anniversary" Christmas Ornaments, 2005

Summary

Already known for greeting cards, Hallmark introduced a line of Christmas ornaments in 1973. The company's annual release of an increasing array of ornaments revolutionized Christmas decorating, appealing to customers' interest in marking memories and milestones as well as expressing one's personality and unique tastes.

Already known for greeting cards, Hallmark introduced a line of Christmas ornaments in 1973. The company's annual release of an increasing array of ornaments revolutionized Christmas decorating, appealing to customers' interest in marking memories and milestones as well as expressing one's personality and unique tastes.

Artifact

Christmas tree ornament

Date Made

2005

Creators

Hallmark Cards, Inc. 

Palmiter, Don 

Place of Creation

United States, Missouri, Kansas City 

China 

Creator Notes

Designed by Don Palmiter of Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Made in China.

Object ID

2019.65.4506

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plastic
Metal
Cardboard

Color

Multicolored

Inscriptions

ornaments, underside: (C) Ford Thunderbird used under license / from the Ford Motor Company / [TM] / Hallmark Cards, Inc. packaging, front: [TM] / Hallmark / KEEPSAKE / ORNAMENT / [Thunderbird logo] / Thunderbird / 50th Anniversary / SINCE 1955 / [Ford logo] / 1955 CLASSIC and 2005 50TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION / SET OF 2 ORNAMENTS / ENSEMBLE DE 2 DECORATIONS packaging, interior: [Thunderbird logo] / Thunderbird...the very name commands respect and echoes / with promise. The new Ford nameplate was rewarded with / enthusiastic headlines after its very first appearance. October / 22, 1954, at the Detroit Auto show. And that was just the / beginning. The sporty 1955 model two-door roadster quickly / won the hearts of Americans who yearned for the styling of / European sports cars, but also wanted the comfort and / convenience of a "personal luxury car." Over the years, / innovations in styling and technology have created a rich history / and built a loyal following. The new 2005 model celebrates half a / century of Thunderbird cool, incorporating a host of luxury / features and a '50s-inspired interior. An exclusive "50th / Anniversary" chevron on the fender makes it clear that this / Thunderbird is like no other. / [Ford logo] Thunderbird packaging, back: [Thunderbird logo] / What's your favorite Thunderbird era? Could it be the landmark / years of 1955-57? Those two-seater "Little Birds" introduced a / different look each year, including the '56 with its Continental Kit / and a hardtop with the now famous porthole. Perhaps your favorite / era is that of the "Square Birds" (1958-60) with room for four...or / the jet-inspired "Bullet Birds" (1961-63)...or the "Sculpture Birds" / (1964-66) with deeply sculpted sides and wide taillights. Each new era built / on the legend. 1972 introduced the new generation of luxury, the / Turbo Coupe arrived in 1983, and another new styling in 1988. The / 2002 Thunderbird, with updated elements from the "Little Birds" / and "Square Birds," earned Motor Trend's Car of the Year award. / And now - the 50th Anniversary Thunderbird! It's just possible that / your favorite era could be...all of them. / Don Palmiter / Hallmark Keepsake Artist / [Ford logo] / OFFICIAL / LICENSED / PRODUCT / Ford Oval and Thunderbird are registered trademarks / owned and licensed by Ford Motor Company. / For decorative use only. Not for children under 8. / Concu a des fins decoratives seulement. / Ne convient pas aux enfants de moins de 8 ans. / Mfd. for Hallmark Cards, Inc. Kansas City, MO 64141 / Made in China QXI6172 / DIE-CAST METAL AND HANDCRAFTED - DATED 2005

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