Vintage Halloween Collectibles Research (1900-1979)

Sane Halloween Observer Spooked by German diecut availability through the 1970's, (pushing experts' guide dates beyond the 1920s-1940s)? As mentioned in the blog introduction - ( see addition of point #6 ) - content is offered here from historical print (re: vintage discoveries), so I welcome counterpoint (likewise  from historical print , that is) that does indeed seclude German diecuts to a time before the mid-century. In fact, I would be most grateful if anyone would provide an actual account of German diecut manufacturers which, to my knowledge, does not exist? This leads us to yet another expansion for the availability of certain German diecuts (previously glimpsed in the entry Halloween in Germany: 1955 ).  In a similar pirate theme, we now have this  Narrenfibel 1960 catalog (shown here scanned from the vintage item) that offered its German audience the chance to buy these embossed cardboard items - a Hellcat, Skeleton, and Port Lantern....

Sane Halloween Observer Do you have any concerns about the assessed rarity and value of German-made diecuts in your collection? It may be of interest to view a series of earlier entries here that show a number of diecuts (formerly dated 1920s-40s) instead appeared to have been on the market in the 1950s ( Halloween in Germany:1955 ) through the 1960s ( Seven Spooks in Narrenfibel ) reaching all the way to the mid-1970s  ( Dead Skeletons ). As a possible reflection on what may be newer perspectives, or just post-holiday doldrums, here are some interesting auction results from January 2016... that are well below typical values suggested by various guides. Sold for $125 ($25 each) plus auction fees . Sold for $80 ($27 each) plus auction fees . Sold for $90 ($30 each) plus auction fees . Sold for $0 - auction passed Sold for $125 ($31 each) plus auction fees . Sold for $125 ($31 each) plus auction fees . Sold for $200 ($40 each)...

Sane Halloween Observer Offering some night photos of this spooky triangle shade that appeared in vendor supply catalogs of the 1930's. The shade collapses flat, folding on a deliberate line through the middle of the owl. (It's a peculiar design decision that over time has usually reduced the quality of that particular pane). Original method for maintaining the expanded shape of the lantern is currently unknown by this blogger - (and information is welcome).  Note that the item (shown below in excerpt from an original 1937 catalog) is advertised as a die cut which is the industrial "cookie-cutter" process that made so many vintage holiday items, (and not just 2-D flat decor). See earlier blog entry from December 2014:  Halloween Diecut Quiz .

Sane Halloween Observer Another of those vintage decorations that gets happily ignored by valuation mania --- this is a wonderful set for those who enjoy the old glow-in-the-dark effects on printed ephemera! These heavy card-stock decorations (approx. 3"x4") identified by the ghostly "logo" as being produced by  American Novelty Corporation of Omaha  were likely created sometime between 1943-1950. One of my favorite for the nostalgia --- (I really LOVED these type of dimly glowing paper novelties when I was a kid hiding under the covers imagining that the glowing form was eerily moving before my eyes). The following photos (at right) were taken in the dark with a time-lapse of 800 ISO for 30 seconds with 5.6 aperture. PS - If you like glow-in-the-dark novelties, check out this blog : SPOOKY THINGS THINGS THAT GLOW IN THE DARK, VINTAGE TOYS OF A SPOOKY NATURE AND OLD-FASHIONED CHILLS...

Sane Halloween Observer Crumpled honeycomb doesn't have to be the end of a vintage decoration. And here's a tip that in no way alters the original piece, and offers a way to buy within an affordable range a vintage piece that others might ignore. With patience and a low-heat iron, this vintage cat dancer found new life . I received the cat shown here as a crumpled, flattened mess stuffed into a bubble wrap mailer. On a whim, and since the item was extremely inexpensive, I tried gently ironing the honeycomb, and was surprised how well the tissue paper could spring back to life. I wonder which of 9 lives this cat is now on? This cat design (7" by varying lengths) is by Beistle (1938-1946) and is great fun to pose (shown above) in more than just the typical hanging position. Below are some before and after shots of this decoration:     Part of the trick is knowing which vintage piece is beyond recovery such as major or too numerous tears in the tissue, etc.,...

Sane Halloween Observer Has this scarecrow figure, like Hawthorne's Feathertop , been animated from the spell of some distant witch, to drop by your home for an innocent house call? How would you like to see this arriving at your gate on Halloween night for trick or treat?  Early century Hallmark doesn't get much attention in the vintage Halloween category, but here's one invitation card that oozes elements of sweet and sinister rivaling some of the best in weirdness from Beistle, Gibson, or Dennison. First we've got branch-like arms, gnarled and twisted (with one hand reaching for the gate) on a body topped with the classic pumpkin-head. In the other hand is a black cat Halloween lantern (like an incense burner) that leers as pink smoke drifts upward into a purple sky. (And it's those weird color choices that help make this so alarmingly distinct in the usual vintage Halloween oeuvre of orange and black).    This invitation has an early Hallmark ins...