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Mark B. Ledenbach's vintage Halloween collectibles blog.

1930’s Vintage Halloween Gibson 3-D Flying Owl Die Cut Rare 7” Version

This clever Gibson owl decoration was so popular that two sizes were produced. The other is much larger, measuring ~11” long. Both would have an equal RSIN, 3. This hanging decoration is tough to find in very fine or better condition. The example on offer is significantly better than most that I’ve seen.

RARE Antique Vintage Halloween 1912 Johnstown Celebration Metal Lapel Pin!

I learned from my last auction (March 2025) that there is an avid collecting base for vintage pinbacks with a Halloween connection. Few survived, so when examples surface, competition is fierce. This pinback’s graphics are exceptional - and it is quite early. I am eager to see what it fetches.

10/17 Update: This brought an astounding $438.23!

Tim Ramzyk Spectacular New Mummy Lantern!

Tim Ramzyk, the master sculptor/artist behind the aptly named Pulp Novelties, has created yet another unsettling and masterfully made lantern for the 2025 season. He calls it “The 13th Mummy.”
I opened the box just a few minutes ago and let out an involuntary “Wow!” when I peeled away the wrapping. (Tim packages quite well, too.) Tim’s mastery of his craft is genuine and self-evident. How does a mere mortal imbue a sculpture with such easy menace? It looks so desiccated that I checked for dust and desert sand in the shipping container! Tim shared some information on availability that I will pass along:

We will begin initially listing them in batches, the first on September 28th at 4pm (central time) in our Etsy shop (https://www.etsy.com/shop/PulpNovelties) and replenishing them on Sunday October 5th, 12th, and 19th at 4 p.m. Central time. The price will be $264 which includes FREE priority mail shipping.
I will have a waiting list for those who would want to directly purchase one via PayPal after October 19th - once we're finished listing them on Etsy. To get on the list I'm asking that people send me a message through Etsy or email me at pulpnovelties@aol.com (NOT Faceboook messenger or in a Facebook post). We will do our best to fulfill all orders before Halloween but I can't guarantee we can meet the demand depending on the number of requests. Nevertheless, if you want one, we'll make sure you get one.
Thank you and Happy Halloween!

Understandably, Tim’s lanterns sell out very quickly. He makes them in limited quantities, they are of the highest sculptural artistry, the colors are inspired and the price is eminently reasonable. I don’t buy many newly produced items as space is limited, but I happily and routinely make an exception for Tim’s wares. You should, too! Happy Halloween!

Vintage Halloween Place Card Palms Read Man’s Hand

Whitney produced this item during the early 1920s. They were sold in a box of twelve - six male and six female hands. The box referred to the contents as “Twelve Place Cards Fortune Palms Suitable for Men and Women.” Even single palms rarely surface and have brought hundreds of dollars each.

10/07 Update: This sold for $213.40.

VINTAGE ORIGINAL HALLOWEEN COLORLFUL CARDBOARD LITHOGRAPHED CANDY CONTAINER

I have seen several sizes of these candy boxes. The one shown on page 55 measures 2.75” high. The one on offer measures 4”. The one in the collection measures 3” and, different from all the others I’ve seen, has an orange, rather than a yellow, ribbon. This paper litho design typically brings strong dollars.

10/07 Update: This great item sold for $317.60.

RARE Vintage Halloween Tin Litho Ghost Train Toy Technofix Germany 1948 WORKS!!

What an amazing set. Even amongst the destruction wrought by WWII, some German artisans were able to craft a fantastic toy. I’ve seen these trains several times before but don’t recall seeing the complete track, the tunnel and the original box art. If this is an appealing market segment to you, don’t let it escape your grasp. You almost certainly won’t see a better example.

10/07 Update: This brought a strong $767.97.

Nearly 200 Listings By stnick22!

The eBay seller, stnick22, began nearly 200 listings yesterday that will run for 10 days, ending October 6th. There are a number of their lots that I will keep an eye on, so take a look at a few of what I consider their most intriguing listing.

Antique/Vintage Halloween Unused Crepe Paper Apron With CA Reed Co. Label

I missed this listing, so am grateful to fellow collector, Darin, for flagging it for me. I’ve long wondered about the many commercially-produced vintage aprons seemingly made using Dennison crepe paper. Dennison, in all their many publications, doesn’t mention or show aprons actually made by the company. There are suggestions as to how to use their crepe paper, sure, but nothing to indicate that Dennison itself made aprons. Then this listing comes along with an intriguing clue. On the reverse of this apron, there is a small tag indicating the item was produced by C.A. Reed of Williamsport, PA. Was the tag present at the time of the original sale? If so, assuming the crepe with the JOL and two cats was actually produced by Dennison (I think it was, but crepe has never been a market segment at the top of my playlist.), then does the tag indicate some formal arrangement between Reed and Dennison? I love this hobby. Even after having been in it for decades, there is so much still to know.

09/27 Update: Another collector has shared that she, too, has seen a Dennison crepe apron with a Reed tag. Thanks, AR!

Vintage Halloween cardboard/crepe paper fold out decorations -Beistle

The buyer received a true bargain here. This roly-poly was produced by Beistle in 1930-31. Beistle produced four designs of nearly the same size and four designs that were about two inches taller. (Turn to pages 226-227 to see some examples.) Of the smaller designs, the witch is arguably the best one - although I am more partial to the welcoming scarecrow. (The owl is forgettable.) These trade WELL above the BIN price of $20 the seller placed on his lot of two items. This was a true score. Congratulations to Matt and Sabrina.

Vintage Halloween Noise Maker

This is one noisemaker that you don’t see that often. The Japanese tin noisemaker output was typically minimally decorated. This follows that trend with a devil, a true crone witch and an odd crow. The seller is a newish member of our fun community who has a shrewd collecting instinct married with a sunny disposition. It is always fun hearing from her! I wish her great success with this listing.