The version shown on page 213 has a decorated rim whereas this one has a plain rim. I’m surprised there would be two versions of such an economically made design. I would love to know for sure which firm produced this tambourine. Several collectors have mentioned that they’ve found this tambourine design as part of a Collegeville “gypsy” costume from the 1930s, but I’ve never been able to independently verify that Collegeville included such items with their costumes.
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Mark B. Ledenbach's vintage Halloween collectibles blog.
Witch flying Goose tin Tambourine noisemaker Halloween decoration J. Chein 1930'
Chein produced this tin litho tambourine during the 1920s over many seasons. Toward the end of the production run, the dies were worn enough that the goose's eye is either quite small or missing altogether. Given the prominent eye and the crispness of the imagery overall, I know this noisemaker was made quite early in the run. Is there a value premium with this early-run item? Yes, in that those with less crisp graphics suffer a 20-25% decrease from SGV of $225.
Vintage Halloween Tambourine - U.S. Toy Co. - Jack-O'-Lantern with Witch
Too bad there is so much rust on this rare tambourine, one of the better designs out there. This Art Deco inspired noisemaker was manufactured by T. Cohn of Brooklyn, New York, sometime during the 1930s. It has an RSIN of 2, so you know it doesn't surface often. Guide value in near-perfect condition is $375, but I doubt this well-loved piece will approach that figure.
VINTAGE 1920'S J. CHEIN HALLOWEEN BLACK CAT TIN TAMBOURINE
This tin tam, made by Chein in the early 1930s, appears to be in remarkable condition. I question, though, whether the condition warrants a ~120% premium to SGV. As with virtually all such endings, the price was driven by two bidders.
Antique 1920s J Chein & Company Cat Head Tambourine Hard To Find
This tambourine is in pretty rough shape, so I am surprised someone was willing to pay $225 for it. Sustainable guide value for one in near-mint condition is $250, and this one is in fair to good condition only. Especially when buying tin items, condition matters. These were made in great quantities during the 1920s, and even though that was a long time ago, many are still around that would display better than this one. If you are going to pay top dollar, insist on top quality.
Vintage Halloween Tamborine, J. Chein & Co, USA, 1940's, Noisemaker
This actually looks to be in stellar condition. Naturally, these tin litho tambourines were designed to be banged around, so it is difficult to find one in near-perfect condition. The photos convey that this still possesses bright colors and has a minimum of wear. Even the BIN is reasonable. Although one of the jangles is missing, this isn't a big deal as virtually all Chein jangles are interchangeable. This was made in the 1930s.
Vintage (1950s) tin tambourine Kirchoff "Life of the party", cats on pumpkin
I don't know that I've ever seen this tambourine with a decorated rim. It is wonderful! I just checked both versions of this tambourine in the collection (both shown on page 214) and neither has this very pleasing decorated rim. Kirchhof used their Life of the Party moniker in the 1950s on most of their tin party products. (This is a quick and certain way to date Kirchhof items.) Although not always true, most of their output in the 1950s and beyond cut corners here and there to save money. Some designer didn't get the memo with this item.
