#Halloween #Collectibles #Time
Dubbed “The Dean of Halloween,” Mark B. Lendenbach has collected and studied vintage Halloween memorabilia since the 1980s. His groundbreaking book, Vintage Halloween Collectibles, is considered the definitive guide on the subject.
The focus of his extensive Halloween collecting efforts has been to find superb examples of games, lanterns shades, candy containers, figurals, nodders, table decorations, party ephemera, noisemakers and diecuts. Ledenbach strives to buy only items in superior condition, taking care to ensure that he preserves them for future collectors.
In the spirit of the season, Ledenbach offers ten favorites from his collection of thousands of Halloween treasures.
1. German Fence Diecut, 1935, 7-3/4″ h x 27″ l. Energetic and fun, this rare diecut was among the last designs produced before WWII. It took 30 years to find one good enough to enter the collection. Value: $4,500
2. Spear’s Hallowe’en Ring Toss Game, ca. 1910, 14″ h x 1-1/2″ w x 9-1/4″ l. Produced in England for export, very few complete games exist today. Value: $5,000
Spear’s Hallowe’en Ring Toss Game, ca. 1910.
Image courtesy of Mark B. Ledenbach
3. German Pumpkin Blossom Lantern, ca. 1920, 4-3/4” h x 3-1/2” diameter at bottom. Only three are known to exist, two in mint condition like this one. Value: $6,000
German Pumpkin Blossom Lantern, ca. 1920.
Image courtesy of Mark B. Ledenbach
4. German Porcelain Candle Holder, 1908-1932, 3-1/2″ h x 3″ w. The Germans produced a dizzying array of Halloween porcelain. This is one of the most desirable and charming. Value: $3,500
German Porcelain Candle Holder, 1908-1932.
Image courtesy of Mark B. Ledenbach
5. U.S. Tin Litho Clanger, 1920s, 4-1/2″ inch diameter. Unknown manufacturer. The graphics are quirky, fun and memorable, especially the running skeleton. Value: $350
U.S. Tin Litho Clanger, 1920s.
Image courtesy Mark B. Ledenbach
6. Spook Pops Mechanical Sucker Holder, mid-1930s, 8-1/2″ h x 1-1/2″ w x 7″ l. Made by Rosen of Rhode Island, when you move the haunted house back and forth, ghosts along the path pop up. Value: $1,800
Spook Pops Mechanical Sucker Holder, mid-1930s.
Image courtesy Mark B. Ledenbach
7. Beistle Grandfather Clock Mechanical Invitation, 1932, 7-3/4″ h x 3″ w. The back piece moves to show a skeleton on one side and a cat and jack-o’-lantern on the other. Recalled due to a production flaw; very few exist today. Value: $2,500
Beistle Grandfather Clock Mechanical Invitation, 1932.
Image courtesy Mark B. Ledenbach
8. Beistle Complete Party Outfit, 1922, 12″ h x 10″ l. Consisting of 35 pieces in a sturdy envelope, these are almost never found in this condition. Value: $2,500
Beistle Complete Party Outfit, 1922.
Image courtesy Mark B. Ledenbach
9. Dennison Bogie Book, 1909, 8″ h x 6-1/4″ l. This was the first of many near-annual issues. It is the sole copy known to exist. Are others out there? Value: $4,500
Dennison Bogie Book, 1909.
Image courtesy of Mark B. Ledenbach
10. Beistle Skeleton in Graveyard Diecut, ca. 1932, 18-1/2″ h x 11-3/4″ l. This desirable, very large embossed item was advertised for several years but seems to have been produced for one. I love the scary trees! Value: $4,500
Beistle Skeleton in Graveyard Diecut, ca. 1932.
Image courtesy Mark B. Ledenbach
For more information on Mark B. Ledenbach and vintage Halloween collectibles, go to his website, HalloweenCollector.com
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