A tableau of our long-established personal vintage Halloween collection representing items I consider to be truly top-shelf within the larger collection. The captioning is more extensive than the captioning found in other sections, conveying information I hope you will find both insightful and interesting.
We periodically add photographs as we maintain our archive.
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- Broomed Witch Silhouette Garland, USA, Beistle, (no mark), 1961. This formidable banner, issued for merely one season in 1961, consists of six connected, one-sided, broomed witch silhouettes constructed of non-embossed heavy card stock in alternating orange and black solid colors. Silhouettes measure 10” h x 14” w. Banner measures 84” long.
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- This astonishingly rare and remarkably undiminished mechanical decoration, issued for merely one season in 1957, has an unusual feature: when the black cat die cut bob is pushed its weight creates a momentum causing the pendulum to oscillate back and forth making the eyes roll. A grommet attaches the lightly embossed skull and crossbones design to a separate piece of heavy weight cardboard on which “the eyes” are printed allowing it to pivot creating a clockwork action. Beistle recycled and slightly modified the art used in their 1940s skull and crossbones diecut with red printed transparency. The pendulum’s spindly construction, made from a strip of thin flat orange paper stock, having a centered score line, did not lend itself well to survival over the decades. The pendulum rod is flimsy and inordinately prone to damage. A collector book cites the dimensions as 19” h x 9” w. I believe this to be incorrect. The example(s) residing in our collection measure 15.5” h x 8.25” w.
Black Cat Hot Air Balloon carrying Mechanical Witch, Germany, 1920s. Cat is made of composition. Witch has a composition hat and a wonderful looking composition face with cloth over wood body. Body contains a wind-up mechanism that when activated moves the witch’s arms up and down signaling ascension. This is quite an intricate item, standing 9.5” h. Mechanism is unimpaired.
Hallowe’en Tango Witch, USA, Beistle, (printed name), 1930-1931. This highly coveted item has a patent number of 1,593,637 granted in 1926. The construction of this figure didn’t lend itself well to survival over the decades. Opening and closing the honeycomb stresses the main body and degrades the honeycomb. The points along the border typically are creased and bumped. Because she cannot stand and must be hung, there are invariably creases or repairs at the feet. The severity of these nearly always present condition issues has a direct correlation to value. This extraordinary example is invaluable in her condition. Measures 16” h x 8” diameter.
1910-1914 German Halloween Suitcase Candy Container. Made from litho paper, it contains a thicker cardboard slide box to hold confections. The suitcase has a number of luggage labels such as Appletown, Melonhill, Black Cat Hotel, Oct 31st and Pumpkin Hotel. Verso: Great Witch Railway and Halloween Express, to name a few. Measures 1″ h x 2.50″ w x 0.75″ l.
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- Witch table decoration, USA, Beistle, (no mark), 1930-1931, 14” h. This item has an easel back with arms jointed at the shoulders and elbows. The honeycomb skirt came in the following colors: orange, black; green, yellow; orange and green, and yellow and black. This illustrates how Beistle adapted earlier artwork to new forms. The witch is identical to their Horrible Witch, issued in the mid-1920s. While all variations are exceedingly rare, this yellow and black honeycomb iteration is least often seen and has never been published in previous works profiling vintage Halloween memorabilia. An ultra-rare, high quality top-shelf example.
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- Hallowe’en Spangles, USA, Beistle, 1928, JOLs: 7”- 3.50” h x 6.75”- 3.50” w, non embossed. This complete set of eight, identically-sided, JOL cut-outs, each attached to a 13 inch decorative fabric ribbon secured by an orange crepe paper seal is astonishingly rare. Each design has been recycled and slightly modified from the art Beistle used in a multitude of designs. Spangles were designed to be used as embellishments for Hallowe’en costume ornamentation.
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- Precursor to the conventional Johnny Pumpkin Head: Johnny Pumpkin Head, USA, Beistle, (printed name), 1918-1919, 16.25″ h x 7.75″ w, non-embossed, easel back. The Johnny Pumpkin Head family of decorations was made by Beistle during a brief window of 1919-1922. Beistle issued the family in these formerly designated sizes, all non-embossed on flat stock, medium weight cardboard: five inch, eight inch, eleven inch, sixteen inch and twenty inch, although there are variations to size with nearly all of them. This indubitable first production run variant has the most divergent artwork of the myriad brethren. The pronounced, large-nostriled, nose conceivably pre-dates the established asymmetrical triangular nose. It is probable this early design, perhaps even inaugural representation, was likely tabled while reimagining its present modification. I suspect this decidedly rare ephemeral rendering was made for only a single season in 1918 before being discontinued altogether. A plausible explanation as to why this conspicuous, large-nostriled, nose iteration is so scarce.
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- This elaborate lithographed iconic scene depicting a children’s costumed Halloween party further corroborates a date of origin. A large-nostriled Johnny Pumpkin Head appears in the forefront with Miss Polka Dot in artwork illustrated on the reverse side of Beistle’s 8 Giant Silhouettes for Hallowe’en Decorations, 1918-1920, and repurposed on oodles of early Beistle enveloped sets. The festive illustration incorporated many of Beistle’s party hats, decorations, die cuts, silhouettes, banners, garland, candy boxes and favors of the period.
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- Owl table decoration with flip-out base, USA, Beistle, (diamond mark), 1930-1931, non-embossed. Beistle issued this table decoration in 1930 -1931, effectively recycling earlier artwork used in their Mechanical Jointed Hallowe’en Hoot Owl diecut. They issued a handful of table decorations with these flip-out bases during this two year window, this one being least often seen. Emblazoned with Beistle’s diamond mark, this possess a patent number of 1,616,568, identical to the JOL and Skull table decorations. This non-embossed item measures 10” h x 10” w.
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- Hallowe’en Pennant Banner, USA, Beistle, (no mark), 1918-1920, non-embossed. This banner incorporates eleven pennants, 11.5″ h x 5” w, having differing iconic Beistle imagery, flanked by two broomstick pennants measuring 11.5” h x 2.5” w. Thirteen pennants comprise a complete banner. The condition of this example is the apex of high quality.
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- Beistle Jointed Devil Die Cut. This rather grim and forbidding jointed devil was made in the mid-1920s. Although not marked it was made by Beistle. This non-embossed mechanical decoration measures 17.5″ h x 17.5″ w the arms fully extended. Beistle made a variant without a tail. This variant surfaces a bit more often and is less valued. This example retains its original cotton hang string.
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- The Germans made a wide variety of superbly rendered lanterns and this devil head is one of the very finest of the smaller form factor lanterns they produced. Made from composition, it retains its original inserts and red crêpe paper collar. Measures 3.75 inches high. Provenance: Mark B. Ledenbach Collection. (Ledenbach, Mark B., 3rd Edition Vintage Halloween Collectibles, 2014, p. 28. Ledenbach, Mark B., 2nd Edition Vintage Halloween Collectibles – An Identification & Price Guide, 2007, Krause Publications, p 28. Ledenbach, Mark B., Vintage Halloween Collectibles – An Identification & Price Guide, 2004, Krause Publications, p ).
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- Devil Bat Diecut, Germany, 1935. This is among the strangest, yet most fascinating diecut the Germans made. This pinnacle of design oddity was reached in the mid-1930s just as German artisans’ efforts were refocusing on domestic priorities as the German Reich prepared for war. By this time German holiday exports had slowed to a crawl and, relative to diecuts, they were almost exclusively shipped to eastern Canada. Made for a single season, this disturbingly heavily embossed devil bat diecut, complete with faithful trident, is seemingly shape-shifting into a winged devil-bat creature as one foot has a cloven hoof while the other does not. Measures 12” h x 14” w. Considered ultra-rare, this high quality top-shelf example is in remarkable condition.
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- Devil Bat Diecut, Germany, 1935
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- Cat and JOL Boys & Girls Hand in Hand against Fence, Germany, 1935. This exceedingly rare item is surely one of the diecut designs sold only to Canada in 1935. These diecuts tend to have more unusual imagery and are typically coveted. The irregular border, exacerbated by its imposing size, makes finding a complete example, like this one, near impossible. Consequently, I’ve only seen a handful of remnants surface in my 18-year tenure collecting vintage Halloween memorabilia. I suspect the structural integrity of this artistic achievement was problematic and therefore unsuccessful. Measuring an astonishing 7” h x 28” w, this is, by far, the longest German diecut made. This unique design has some prolific nuances. For example, at a glance, the boy cat’s pant leg is checkered while the other is a diamond or harlequin pattern. Look closer, or rather from afar, and the shorts have a solid diamond or checkered pattern, depending upon how the viewer perceives them. I’ve never seen this design ingenuity incorporated into any other German diecut. It is difficult to ascertain whether this was intentional or simply happenstance. Even more unusual is the comedic undertone of the JOL boy’s lifelike cat-head appliqué resembling that of a domesticated house cat; a stark contrast from his hand clenched cat faced friends.
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- Large Diecut Lantern. This rare, collapsable, heavily embossed eight-panel lantern was made in Germany in the 1920s. It has recurrent images of an owl surrounded by bats, as well as a broomed witch on the upper panels. The lower panels have recurrent images of a JOL with a crow, and an arched-back black cat. Measuring 16” h x 8.25” w, this is an imposing lantern due to its sheer size and detailing. This high-quality top-shelf example is in astonishingly pristine condition.
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- Black Face JOL Boy with Saxophone, Germany, 1935. This is among a relative handful of German diecuts made in 1935 and shipped exclusively to eastern Canada before the outflow of holiday goods from Germany was shut down for good until 1946. The four designs comprising a complete set are elusive. The condition of this example is below my normal acquisition threshold. However, given any of the four diecuts are extraordinarily rare, its present state is of little consequence. A remarkably intact example (no creases, tears or holes) exhibiting moderate surface wear and staining consistent with slightly adverse storage conditions. 15.5” h x 6.5” w, heavily embossed.
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- Boxed set of twelve heavily embossed Hallowe’en Diadems (tiaras), Germany, 1920s. Box: 7” h x 1.5” w x 10.5” l. Box illustration depicts each design enclosed. A stock number, 928, is printed at lower left. All twelve tiaras are original to this set, complete with thin elastic strings intact. This uber-rare, high-quality example is in immaculate condition. These twelve German diadems, or tiaras, are diverting examples opposed to the wall-hanging nature of most diecuts. Constructed to wrap around the front of the wearer’s head, and held in place by a thin, black elastic string, these imaginatively designed items were beautiful to look at but ultimately impractical, as they bent and continually slipped off. These tiaras were made for only a few seasons. Because of their intended use, it isn’t easy to find them today in high-quality condition.
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- Hollowe’en Decorative Outfit No.77, USA, NOMA Electric Corporation, made for only two seasons; 1930 – 1932, seven celluloid JOLs: six measuring 4” in diameter and one (center) measuring 6” in diameter. The large original decorative box with lift-off lid measures 6.25” h x 13.25” square. This uber-rare all original set is complete with its seven orange, exterior painted, General Electric, MAZDA trademarked, intermediate base lamps, original black and orange cloth-covered lighting strand having seven bakelite sockets and plug, seven celluloid JOLs with shiny black noses, eyes and mouths, having ultra-white gleaming teeth. The vividly colored decorative box retains its original NOMA identification label and is loaded with untorn, original and authentic, full-sized tissue paper packaging material. This set’s high-quality condition reflects the fact that it had been stored away for decades, having only recently been liberated; in all probability an unused set. A top-shelf example in remarkable condition. A handful of Noma JOL lighting strands have surfaced at prominent auction houses and online venues, although most were either mis-matched (proportionally inaccurate) or damaged, while none included its original box.
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- Hollowe’en Decorative Outfit No.77, USA, NOMA Electric Corporation, made for two seasons only, 1930-1931, seven celluloid JOLs: six measuring 4” in diameter and one (center) measuring 6” in diameter. The large original decorative box with lift-off lid measures 6.25” h x 13.25” square. This uber-rare all original set is complete with its seven orange, exterior painted, General Electric, MAZDA trademarked, intermediate base lamps, original black and orange cloth-covered lighting strand having seven bakelite sockets and plug, seven celluloid JOLs with shiny black noses, eyes and mouths, having ultra-white gleaming teeth. The vividly colored decorative box retains its original NOMA identification label and is chock full of untorn, original and authentic, full-sized tissue paper packaging material. This set’s high-quality condition reflects the fact that it had been stored away for decades, having only recently been liberated; in all probability an unused set. A top-shelf example in remarkable condition. A handful of NOMA JOL lighting strands have surfaced at prominent auction houses and online venues, although most were either mis-matched (proportionally inaccurate) or damaged, while none included its original box.
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- Composition veggie man astride pumpkin candy container (bottom plug), Germany, 1920s, 8.5“ h.
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- Complete Set of Mechanical Nut Cups, USA, Beistle, 1938. This astonishingly rare and remarkably pristine set of mechanical nut cups, issued for merely one season in 1938, is comprised of four designs. Each design has been recycled and slightly modified from the art Beistle used in their 1930 -1931 roly-poly set and 1933 rattles set. All have a mechanical action and are printed on thin flat orange paper stock. These are sizable, measuring 7” – 7.25” h x 5” w unfolded, 4.50” – 4.75” h x 3.25” l x 2.25” w, assembled, this set having never been assembled.
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- Hallowe’en Clock envelope, USA, Beistle, 1923. This elaborately decorated paper envelope was specifically designed for Beistle’s Hallowe’en Clock die cut. The envelope measures 15” h x 9.75” w. Early Beistle packaging is quite desirable as the company took great pains to make their packaging compelling and attractive. Hallowe’en Clock, USA, Beistle, (no mark), 14” h x 9.25” w. This clock diecut is certainly among the best of all of Beistle’s efforts and certainly is one of the more elusive. Made for a single season, 1923, during Beistle’s fairy mania phase, this non-embossed die cut has movable clock hands attached with a rivet. The wholly irregular border is prone to damage. Finding one with undamaged clock hands, vibrant color and a wholly intact border is difficult. This high-quality top-shelf example is in impeccable condition.
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- Hallowe’en Elf. This richly detailed mechanical decoration was issued by Beistle between 1923 and 1932. The elf was designed to be part of a male and female couple. The male iteration (shown) is denoted by the presence of an additional layer of foliage beneath his abdomen. The female iteration (not shown) is denoted by the presence of only one layer of foliage beneath her abdomen as well as being smaller in size than her male counterpart. Measures 21″ h x 18.25″ w with arms fully extended. This high-quality top-shelf example is in immaculate condition.
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- E. Rosen Company of Providence Rhode Island, USA, mid-1930s, cardboard easel-backed countertop sucker display card, 4.5″ h x 3.75″ w. Hallowe’en Tom is the rarest and least often seen of two brethren: Hallowe’en Hattie and Hallowe’en Harry.
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- 05/2019 Update: I was fortunate to come across this superfine upgrade. It entered the collection October 2018. This acquisition subsequently lead to the deaccession of my former ‘POPS’ box on May 10, 2019 which I procured October 28, 2015 E. Rosen Company Pumpkin Pops Mechanical Countertop Display, mid-1930s. This Pumpkin Pops mechanical point-of-sale sucker holder is amongst the rarest of all items in the collection. I have seen only one other intact example in another collection. Each sucker had a net weight of “not less than 1¾ ozs.” When the cat tab at the top is moved back and forth the eyes roll, the tongue wags and the broomed witch floats across the nose. This is only the second time I’ve seen this complete item offered for purchase, other than when I acquired the first (now former) Pumpkin Pops, inclusive of the Witch Pops and Magic Pot. The Witch Pops and Magic Pot resided in our collection for many years prior to their deaccession in 2007. Subsequently, they are depicted in previous works profiling vintage Halloween collectible memorabilia. Most notably the ‘3rd Edition, Vintage Halloween Collectibles (2014), Mark B. Ledenbach, p. 117, The Inner Sanctum’. The Pumpkin Pops mechanical countertop display measures 9″ h x 1.5” w x 7” l.
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- This superfine upgrade (left) entered the collection October 2018. This new acquisition subsequently lead to the deaccession of the former (right) on May 10, 2019 which I procured October 28, 2015.
