An Old Collection Rides Again for Halloween

Ratchet,
US Metal Toy Mfg Co., 1960s, 5.25" h x 5.5" w

Ratchet
Us Metal Toy Mfg Co., 1960s, 4.75" h x 4.25" w

In 1989, I acquired my first two Halloween noisemakers from an astonishing boutique called Mood Indigo at 181 Prince Street in New York – a time when a shop specializing in vintage goods could still afford the rent in Soho. I spent around $50 for two tin noisemakers that originally cost 10¢ each. I had to have them -- this is what witches looked like during my formative years as a lover of Halloween. 

Two weeks ago, the above witch-on-a-broom noisemaker was listed on eBay for $429 -- which is nothing compared to the $2,050 an ardent collector just paid for the holy grail of all noisemakers, these rare 1920s tin cymbals. (Note to self: start saving.)

In 1989, the market for vintage Christmas collectibles was established, but vintage Halloween collectibles were just taking off. Today, Halloween items are equally prized by vintage enthusiasts. 

Ratchet
US Metal Toy Mfg Co.
1950s, 4.5" h x 2.5" w

In the US, adult Halloween parties were popular beginning in the late 1910s and early 1920s. By the '20s, party decorations and other fun things were widely manufactured to further enliven these gatherings.* Many were produced in Germany.

 

Rattle
T Cohn, 1950s, 3.5" dia.

Today's Halloween collectors, like most collectors, are obsessed. Just check out the website of the "Dean of Halloween," the main authority on these collectibles. 

Tin owl lanterns
Mfr. & date unknown

Noisemakers are my niche, but they are only a sliver of the vast world of Halloween collectibles. The owl lanterns at right represent one of my few forays outside this niche. Tin items are far more durable than many others. Other categories include games, lanterns, fireplace screens, candy containers, and diecuts.

My noisemaker collection languished in a metal trunk in the basement for about 14 years. On October 12 of this year, a Facebook memory popped up and reminded me of my collection’s existence. A number of Facebook friends urged me to get it out once again. 

I can't thank them enough for their encouragement. These frivolous things, some over 100 years old, still delight me as much as when I first encountered those two fateful witches 34 years ago this month.

I hope you will feast on this eye candy before you get into the Halloween candy.

Tin clickers
various mfrs., 1928-1950s, 1.75" - 4.25"

Witches are my favorite Halloween icons. 
left, second from left: tin shaker, Kirchhof, 1950s, 3.5"
middle: tin pan clanger, T. Cohn, 1930s, 8.25" h x 4" dia.
second from right, right: ratchet, US Metal Toy Mfg. Co., late 1940s, 4.25" h x 1"

Just acquired: tin bell

Mfr. unknown, late 1920s, 5.75" h x 3" w

*Mark B. Ledenbach, Vintage Halloween Collectibles, 3rd edition, 2014.