Hello Readers,
This sure has been a memorable year with Covid warping the “normal” process of acquiring vintage Halloween goods. Shows and flea markets were largely cancelled, and many antiques malls and smaller shops were closed for months, but collectors marooned at home itched to acquire something - anything. Consequently, it seems that dollars that would have been spent on air fare, lodging and other travel-related expenditures were shunted to on-line auctions. We saw unsustainably high prices paid for most everything much to the delight of many sellers. These high prices flushed out many great items from collections. I suspect we’ll see a small avalanche of candy containers, figurals and lanterns brought to market as the first generation of collectors either sell before the Grim Reaper visits or as a result of such a visit. For the medium-term I suspect that such market segments will soften, as the market can only absorb so much at any time. So, keep this in mind as such collections present themselves.
I’ve been saying for some time that the paper market segments are the ones that will deliver scorching returns if you are into that sort of collecting calculation. (Although that shouldn’t be THE primary consideration, it should be a consideration.) The first generation of collectors largely shunned these segments so there is a true shortage of paper items in collectible condition. (What I specifically mean are tallies, invitations, place cards, Dennison and Gibson boxed sets prior to 1932, anything Beistle produced prior to 1932, 1912-1917 Bogie Books, and Dennison and Gibson diecuts. I might have missed a few things but you should get the general idea.) In my view, it is these segments that will remain white hot for years as there simply is so little of it out there.
Interestingly, post cards don’t make my list as there are simply too many of them floating around. Ones from Tuck or ones featuring art by Clapsaddle, Winsch and the like have been frosty lately. The ones bringing solid dollars are from the lesser printers like Rose. That said, Halloween postcards in near-mint or better condition are worth a look as there are few meeting that condition threshold.
It’ll be fun and instructive to see what this next season brings.
Thanks for being such faithful readers. My site analytics have never seen the kind of traffic that has been recorded these last 6-9 months. My 2020 book sales have significantly outpaced the sales from 2018 and 2019, even with a stiff price hike. For those wanting copies either for the first time or to replace copies worn out from use, now is the time to order. The overall number of copies I have available is low and I will not be reprinting. Nor will I invest the time to produce another edition. Another stiff price hike is coming soon, so again, now is the time to order a copy.
Happy Halloween!
MBL