This result illustrates the impact condition has on value. This black cat roly-poly table decoration was produced by Beistle from 1930-1931 only. It is one of a complete set of four they produced in this size. Each of the set is desirable. SGV ranges from $275-375. This compromised example only fetched $42. Always buy the best you can afford!
Blog
Mark B. Ledenbach's vintage Halloween collectibles blog.
Set of 10 vintage Halloween die cuts.
This is an interesting assemblage of diecuts. Although the condition of each is poor, the star of the lot is the hobo clown made by Hallmark. These were made as mirror images, so one may face right while another faces left. The effect on value is nil. The four others going clockwise from the clown were also produced by Hallmark. The cat face was not made by Dennison, but was almost surely an unauthorized item made in Japan. (The colors are wrong, the eyes differ and there is no "Dennison" craftily woven into the design at one ear.)
08/15 Update: This lot sold for $78.77, about what I would have guessed.
Vintage Halloween Party Hat made In Germany Orange Pumpkins
I've noticed a sustained uptick in the prices of these thin-tissue paper hats produced by the Germans in the 1920s in a wide variety of designs. Just ~18 months ago these typically wouldn't bring more than $10-15. Now they seem to be settling in around the $25-30 mark. This example is actually one of the milder designs.
WHY EBAY EXISTS...VINTAGE 1940/50's ERA PUMPKIN with CLOWNS Halloween decoration
The once mighty marketplace of eBay has been so boring lately with virtually nothing worth mentioning when, like manna from above, this thing gets listed by a seller who states that it is for pieces like this one that eBay exists! (I kid you not...) If I was into abbreviated communications I would type LMAO, OMG and ROFL, but since I am not a teenager, and don't even try to pass myself off as one, I will simply say that I found the entirety of this listing amusing. The seller goes on to grandly state that he/she sells "...the rarest/coolest Halloween items ever made." If this garish trinket is an example of such items, his/her additional statement that "...it doesn't get any better than this," (emphasis thankfully removed) makes me marvel at the wonders of hyperbole. If you like decor that Marie Antoinette would have had stuffed into Le Petit Trianon, pick this priceless gem up for the asking price of $3,500.
08/31 Update: This has been relisted with a new, reduced price of $1,900.
ANTIQUE VINTAGE HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN GARLAND DECORATION MADE IN US AM
This is a very rare banner, made by Beistle during the early 1920s. I've actually seen it only once - and that's when I bought it many years ago. It is a basic design with no mark, indicating it is early. It is complete with its full complement of 13 JOLs and two hanging ends. SGV is $300.
08/11 Update: This fab banner scored a very high price of $412.99. Congrats to the buyer!
09/01 Update: Another one sold from the same seller today for $474.99.
WONDERFUL 1938 HALLOWEEN PARTY INVITE CARD SELDOM SEEN - UNUSED & NEAR MINT
I haven't seen this unusual invitation before. I meant to place a bid for it but got distracted with other things. The seller, a wonderful person, states that it is from 1938, and it may very well be. The art seems to be transitional, toggling between the extremes of solemnity and fun. (Look at the listless lantern, the scared cat and the harmless JOL behind the blindfolded boy.) I feel it is more likely from the late 1940s. Who knows? What I do know is that whomever bought it swept it up for a good price.
Vintage Antique Beistle Witch 1950's White Mice Halloween Die Cut Embossed 18"
This large diecut, made by Beistle from the 1950s into the 1960s, has never gotten the collector love that it deserves. The artwork is excellent and the colors work. Given its size, most of these have substantial wear. This example, not coincidentally priced at SGV of $65, seems to be in exemplary collectible condition.
08/01 Update: I was happy to see that this finished at $91.99.
Vintage 2 Sided Die Cut Cardboard & Tissue Halloween Lantern - Witch & Black Cat
This pretty lantern was produced by Beistle during the mid-1930s. I note on page 38 that this lantern is nearly always missing its oval bottom piece, as is the case with this listing. SGV in mint condition is $135.
RARE 1933 HALLOWEEN PAPER CUP w handle BEACH & ARTHUR SCARECROW PUMPKINS
Beach & Arthur of Indianapolis, Indiana made some of the most coveted party plates. Collectors love them due to their imaginative art and density of imagery. (To see some nice examples, please refer to pages 298-299.) Less known but just as exquisite are their other paper products like handled party cups. This listing is a good example of their output.
vintage old Halloween SKULL die cut cardboard decoration. 5" tall
This is merely a remnant from a German skeleton diecut and as such, doesn't justify the price paid.
2 EARLY ANTIQUE BLACK CAT PAPER HALLOWEEN DECORATION Post Card w/ Witch
Here's an example of a seller selling something via BIN who would have done better by offering these items via auction. The Luhrs' cat is forgettable but the witch postcard is one of a fiendishly difficult set to piece together. Although it has two spots on it that detract from perfection, it alone in this condition would have brought $35-40+. The key learning - as I've pointed out again and again - if you don't know the worth of something, NEVER offer it via BIN.
RARE HANGING COLLAPSIBLE HALLOWEEN CANDLE LANTERN EARLY-RARE AND NEAR MINT
The seller's excited and nearly breathless prose can't shake the fact that this is one of the most common German expandable lanterns out there. A substantial quantity of these was discovered years ago and the market is still absorbing them. These typically trade for around $150.
Antique German Jack O' Lantern Halloween Humpty Dumpty
I've seen this imaginatively designed lantern several times in 30 years and it always makes me smile. Except for the blemish on a cheek, it is in better condition that the others I've seen. The shoes are typically trashed and the inserts are singed or gone. The inserts look right to me, although it is impossible to be sure short of a personal examination. This lantern was made in Germany, probably during the very early 1920s. You can't go wrong with this knowledgeable and nice seller.
07/22 Update: I was happy to see this great item brought a strong $710.
ca 1920s Halloween Invitation Card Shocked Witch Flying in Moon unused
This is an excellent bargain from a wonderful seller. This is a rare invitation with excellent graphics that should find a good home in any collection. There is no marking to indicate which firm produced it. I feel it was made by a regional firm with somewhat limited distribution. It is priced at an eminently reasonable $46 as a BIN. (If I didn't have one already, it would be already gone!) Someone needs to scoop this up pronto!
07/18 Update: I'm glad to note that someone followed my advice and bought this fine invitation a scant 19 minutes after my post.
Halloween Placecard Unused, near mint, Witch Flies over Pumpkin House
The smaller companies like Henderson Line really had to try harder to break into the small paper market during its 1920s heyday. Dominated by the industry heavyweights like Dennison, Gibson and Beistle, these Davids had to be nimble to have even a modicum of success against the Goliaths. I think that Henderson Line's angle was to have many design styles in the marketplace at the same time. Look at this awesome place card offered by a fine seller that I've been happy to call a friend for many years. It is complicated in its imagery and given the many irregular borders it's a wonder it has survived intact. Contrast this great place card with two others produced by the same company around the same time shown on page 287. The one at the top has much finer detailing while the other is forgettably plain. This all-over-the-map design ethos didn't work for them as Henderson Line was a short-lived entity.
