It’s great to see some surprising results in the tin litho segment. US Metal Toy recycled this graphic from several smaller form factor noisemakers they had produced. They s t r e t c h e d the graphic to “fit” the larger form factor called for with a tambourine, resulting in an item that isn’t too interesting. The stretching resulted in a 6” tambourine without a fixed appearance. (To see what I mean, check out page 216.) I think this was a short-lived product, produced in the early 1960s, accounting for its rarity today.
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Mark B. Ledenbach's vintage Halloween collectibles blog.
VINTAGE US METAL TOY TIN HALLOWEEN TAMBOURINE Winking Jack-O-Lantern & dancers
This is the most common Halloween tin tambourine out there. Made during the 1960s when cuteness reigned supreme, these don’t bring much especially when not in near-mint+ condition. Hence, this was a strong result for the seller.
Vintage US Metal Toy Tin Litho Rattle Noisemaker Halloween Skeleton
This was priced incorrectly by the seller with a BIN of $35. The listing lasted less than 20 minutes. Using an auction format, it surely would have broken the $200 mark. Unless you know what you are doing, avoid placing a BIN on items.
Vtg 40s TIN TRICK OR TREAT PUMPKIN US Metal Toy Halloween Jack Lantern NOS MINT
The seller doesn't provide measurements, but this appears to be the smallest of the three sizes U.S. Metal Toy produced during the 1950s, measuring 4" high by 5" in diameter. The seller describes this as mint NOS. I feel it is far from mint. These don't get the collector love they should. SGV is $40.
Rare - Vintage - Halloween Skeleton Noisemaker / Rattle - Metal Toy 1960's
I don't understand a lot of the auction results I'm seeing. This noisemaker, a very cool 1960s design by US Metal Toy, is not particularly rare, as it surfaces with regularity. It typically changes hands for $225. As is so often the case here, there were only two determined bidders driving up the price to this wholly unsustainable level. Unless the prevailing bidder offers it to the underbidder, I am certain this price will never again be obtained for this item. Collectors: have patience unless money is no concern.
