1930s? VERY RARE Vintage Halloween CAT FACE *Beistle??* CANDY CONTAINER Diecut

This is a candy box that I’ve not seen before. (This wonderful seller, who has been offering some great paper items, is one that I recommend.) It is sizable and surely would make a statement in any display. A new collector who I’ve come to respect has relayed to me that he feels it was made by Ann-Dee Specialties of Bayside, NY. (Look on page 56 for a JOL candy box produced by them.) Although that may very well be the case, I feel it more probable that it was produced by Merri-Lei, a firm known for their many creations using the striated glossy paper stock found with this listing. Whichever firm produced it doesn’t change the fact that this is something rare.

04/12 Update: This sold for an astonishing $454!

Vintage Halloween Skeleton Paper and Wood Noisemaker Merri Lei NY Rare

These well-designed noisemakers once surfaced with some regularity. Seeing this listing caused me to realize that I hadn’t seen one for awhile. They used to trade for ~$35. A new level of ~$85 was established around 2017. Is this result an aberration or the establishment of a new level?

Vintage 1950s Merri Lei Cardboard 10.5” Witch Halloween Die Cut Wall Hanger

I was surprised to see that this sold for what it did. This non-embossed diecut produced by Merri-Lei is common. It is part of a packaged set that typically includes a black cat, a JOL and a skull. None have the design aesthetic that elicits a “wow!” (That is a polite way of saying they are uninteresting.) This particular example has water-staining and some speckling, yet it brought nearly $50. They generally trade in the $18-25 range, so the buyer paid a premium.

Vintage Halloween American Merri-Lei Witch Diecut Decoration USA Circa 1940s-50s

I enjoyed learning more about the company that manufactured this fierce diecut. Look at the verbiage about halfway through. I wish listins would more regularly include such educational tidbits.