This diecut was a big seller for Dennison during the late 1920s. First appearing in 1927, Dennison produced three sizes - all otherwise identical. This is the middle size. The smallest measures ~5.5” high. The largest measures ~17” high. It is the largest version that is seen the least.
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Mark B. Ledenbach's vintage Halloween collectibles blog.
ANTIQUE HALLOWEEN GERMAN DIECUT BLACK CAT VINTAGE
The Germans made three designs of this cat face diecut. This one looks down, one looks to its left and one looks right at the viewer. There are other differences as well, namely teeth shape and hat design. This design is the hardest one to find. Contrary to the seller’s description, this is actually in pretty decent shape!
Vintage Halloween Diecut Small Black Cat face with hat, Germany
I was surprised to see this diecut garner so many bids and dollars. Both ears should have sharp points. The ear on the left as you look at the diecut seems blunted. In any event, the Germans produced at least three versions of this diecut. The hats on each differ. One looks at you (this one…), one looks down and one looks to one side. The one looking down is exceedingly rare. I’ve only seen it once - when I purchased it.
Vintage Halloween Embossed Cardboard Black Cat Face German Germany 1920's 1930's
I’m impressed with the condition of the highlights on this cat head diecut. The green, red and white highlights were applied by hand. These highlights are often degraded over time with use and light exposure, so it is a treat to see one with near-perfect highlights. Rolled-ear aside, I hope it brings strong dollars.
06/07 Update: This brought $129.02.
Vintage HALLOWEEN Black Cat Face German Die Cut w Transparency! 30's.
I have long said that selling vintage Halloween on eBay in October is risky. Most collectors have spent their budget by the time they begin decorating in early October and so wonderful items sell for much less than they might have at other times. There are notable exceptions, but this is largely true. This diecut is a great example. Two similar ones sold within the last ~15 months for $2,000+. Even though the inserts are faded on this example, I feel the seller would have done better if they had offered it sometime from March to May.
Rare Vintage Dennison Halloween Screaming Cat Face Lantern - Shade. 1930's
Dennison's output from the late 1920s through the early 1930s is sought after. Like so many other industrial concerns in the very early 1930s, their output was curtailed by the onset of what became known as the Great Depression. This simple shade was produced at that time. It is hard to find period, much less in the condition this fine seller is offering. Don't let this one get away!
09/11 Update: This went for an unsustainable price of $355.
Vintage Halloween Beistle Pirate Black Cat Hat die cut Tissue paper honeycomb
Beistle produced this continental hat design with plumes from 1925-1931. There were two designs total. (The other one features a JOL and can be seen on page 238.) This brought a strong price, perhaps due to the overall condition and the brightness of the colors. The SGV is $195.
Vintage Halloween Packaged Beistle Diecuts... 6 Cat & JOL Faces
This is a package of JOLs and cat faces produced by Beistle no earlier than the 1960s. Older ones have more subtle features and are typically marked with their H.E. Luhrs' moniker. Values for these "newer" versions continue to significantly lag the more vintage market.
Antique Vintage Germany Halloween Black Cat Head Lantern
Whenever you come across a lantern or candy container with the mark, Container Made in Germany, know that the item was made after WWII. In this case, this pleasing lantern was manufactured during the early 1950s. Prices for post-war lanterns are a good deal less than for those made prior to the war.
Vintage Halloween Black cat Seals Stickers In pack Dennison's ?,no 908
These cat face seals were not made by Dennison. Looking at the envelope with the K logo, I wonder if the manufacturer was Kirby, a producer of some 1960s diecuts that have become somewhat more desirable as the years have elapsed?
Vintage Halloween Black Cat Drum Decoration
I believe this item is something handmade, not commercially produced. (It is for this reason I place this post here rather than in the "Fakes, Etc." section.) Although the photos show an item that looks like it has some age to it, I can't be certain. What I do know is that this has zero collectible value.
01/31 Update: Someone liked this well enough to have paid $34.99.
GERMAN TIN LITHO 1930s HALLOWEEN BLACK CAT SIREN NOISEMAKER PLUNGER WINDUP WORKS
I like the simplicity of the graphics on this sparkler made in Germany during the early 1930s. Its RSIN is 3, so it surfaces now and then. Typically, the flints on these sparklers are long gone. You used to be able to get replacements at old-time drugstores, but I haven't been able to find any for several years. If you know of where they can be purchased, drop me an email. The seller has it priced identically to guide value. The condition seems quite good. If you don't have this one yet, this would be a good time to add it to your collection.
Vintage Halloween Early German Paper Mache Cat Lantern Pre-20s, Original Insert
I've had the occasion to examine lots of German lanterns over the last year and this strikes me as a stand-out. I love the sheen, the fact that it has its original insert and that the oft-missing ears are present and firmly attached. The fact that the bottom has been replaced is a non-issue. It'll be fun to see what this great item brings in a true auction format!
1940s Halloween Paper Mache Half Owl Half Black Cat Lantern (RARE!)
I sure don't get this result for what is a ratty looking, uninteresting lantern. As with so many of these head-shaking results, the bidding was driven by two bidders. The bidding was at an already generous $500, when the two escalated the price 10x. The seller must be wearing Depends after seeing the ending price.
2 VTG GERMAN HALLOWEEN DIE CUT CARDBOARD SQUEAKERS - 2 SIDED DEVIL & CAT FACES
There is some controversy over just how old these designs really are. Blumchen's imported these in the 1990s along with similar but smaller squeakers on painted sticks. Although I do feel these are somewhat earlier, they don't date any older than sometimes in the 1960s, so bid accordingly.
07/14 Update: These items brought $104.49, a strong price considering the controversy over just how old they really are.
