Well, Tim Ramzyk, the master sculptor/artist behind the aptly named Pulp Novelties has scored another direct hit with his new lantern for the 2024 season. He calls it Night Owl. I just received it today and I think it is magnificent. I wish that I had some artistic ability. How does someone imbue a sculpture with sagacity AND a touch of menace?
Tim shared some information on availability that I will pass along: He will begin listing Night Owl in batches on Etsy beginning October 1st (etsy.com/shop/PulpNovelties), with plans to replenish on the 6th, 13th and 20th at 4:00 PM Central.
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!
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Mark B. Ledenbach's vintage Halloween collectibles blog.
Auction Listings - stnick22
Most years stnick22 treats us all to an impressive number of lots they place on eBay. This year is one during which they have listed nearly 200 listings, truly spanning the spectrum from lots that should be affordable to the newest cadre of collectors all the way to those hard-bitten souls who are close to having seen it all. I have received a fair amount of inquiries as to whether these listings are legit. (I’m glad that collectors are tuned in to the dangers present from scamsters in the vintage Halloween world.) The sellers, a long-married couple, have been active in the higher-end of holiday collectibles for decades. Yes, they are legit. I love a line in the listings that I could have written: We understand that many folks … are visual learners and explorers, and frankly, do not enjoy long winded … descriptions. Sellers, keep your descriptions crisp and succinct. Take excellent photos and minimize the verbiage.
10/03 Update: The prices realized spanned the gamut to “somewhat below what I would have expected” to “someone has way too much money.” The market seems strong for German lanterns, figurals and candy containers..
Vintage Beistle Halloween Witch On Broom W/Cat Die Cut/Cutout Decoration
This is a remnant of a desirable Beistle diecut. If you want to see a complete example and others from the trio, please refer to page 159.
Vintage 1920's Dennison Jack O Lantern Acorn Halloween Seals - Full box of 20
It’s fun watching how the different segments comprising the entire vintage or secondary Halloween market change over time. A few seasons ago boxed Dennison items evoked some yawns. This has certainly not been the case over the last twelve months. I’ve been tracking boxed Dennison prices and to say they have strengthened would be spot on. And they should be strengthening. These boxed sets are largely ~100 years old. To find full boxes is truly something if you think about it. Seals have a tendency to clump and curl, so to find a full box of seals able to be displayed like the ones in this listing should achieve a strong result. Dennison items be they boxed, meant to be hung or meant to be displayed atop a table have long been one of my favorite segments. This particular set is compelling. The acorn faces are weirdly spooky and hard to find. They were offered for perhaps one or two seasons in the mid-1920s.
VERY RARE Antique German Halloween SKULL HEAD LANTERN
I review some results and wonder what possesses bidders. This is a good example. This German skull or ghost head lantern surfaces reasonably often. (Its RSIN is 3.) The baseline price has hovered between $800-1200 for many years, so someone actually bidding and paying $3,049.99 beggars the imagination. When you look at the bidding history, it’s apparent the action was driven by two dogged bidders once the reasonable threshold price of $651 was reached. The coup de grace was delivered by a bidder who sniped the prevailing bid. I wonder if buyer’s remorse has set in yet. The lantern does augment a display but the buyer will not see that price again for many moons.
Vintage Halloween 1913 Dennison’s Bogie Book - ULTRA RARE - NOT A REPRODUCTION
This is the only Bogie Book edition not part of the collection. I considered bidding on it, but its condition was too problematic. Others may have felt the same way as the listing should have brought significantly more dollars. It also just may be the time of the year. Many sellers make the mistake of listing vintage Halloween goods now. I find that from now through the end of the year is a great time to buy. The number of listings skyrocket while at the same time the average collector has finished their shopping for the year. Prices typically drop, sometimes precipitously. Bargains typically abound right now. Relative to this particular listing, it is nice to see such a quality item amongst all the dreck!
09/24 Update: I was surprised this Bogie didn’t fetch a higher price. It sold for only $676.
Very Rare Vintage Original Halloween Owl Fortune Telling Game Large 13 by 14 in.
This large and incredible game was produced by Gibson during the late 1920s or into the early 1930s. Even though several of the feather fortunes are missing, the seller is offering a true bargain here. It shouldn’t last long.
09/24 Update: This great game sold moments after my post for $369.99.
Vintage Halloween Lithograph Tin Toy Bell Noise Maker Pumpkin Black Cat Witch
These bells surface with some regularity and typically have brought ~$300-325. However, there have been three sales in the last 30 days wherein the bells have brought comfortably in the $400s. Is this an indicator of a resurgence in interest for Halloween tin litho items or is it specific to this bell for some reason? The tin litho market segment has remained tepid for many years now except for most tambourines and the seldom-seen noisemakers. I hope this market segment is springing back to life.
