There was a stretch during this year on eBay when items I’d consider B and A-level weren’t bringing strong dollars. Given a few results in the last two weeks, that stretch MAY be at an end or considered an anomaly. This twelve-panel lantern is a good way to illustrate the point. I’d consider this item to be C-level, a good display item that is very common, even given its age. For many years this design in perfect condition would trade in a narrow range around $150. (Similarly, the hard plastic Rosen witch-on-motorcycle would trade in a narrow range around $300.) Lately, though, even lantern examples in rougher condition like this one are bringing prices well in excess of the “historical” norm. As of this typing, this lantern has been bid up to $185 with over three days to go. What accounts for this? The ready answer is that the interest in common yet eye-catching designs is prompting bids from an influx of new collectors who may feel intimidated by some of the more stratospheric prices being bid and paid for vintage Halloween items. As the continuation of any hobby depends on new hobbyists, this may be considered a “green shoot” to purloin a phrase used by a former Fed Chair, Ben Bernanke. We’ll see…
05/09 Update: This sold for $278.89.
