#Middlebury
Halloweeniana is now one of the major holiday collecting categories, second only to Christmas. Jack-o’-lanterns, figural candy containers of papier-mache, and crepe paper black cats and skeletons are the oldest. Scarecrows, witches, bats, spiders, spider webs, trick-or-treat bags and zombies are more recent and easier to find. An old orange paper dress with black cats and political symbols from a 1980s presidential election year is one of the more unusual collectibles. Another is a 15-year-old dangling rhinestone skeleton pin to wear to parties.
Black cats are symbols of Halloween, and this cat even holds a jack-o’-lantern. The rare vintage nodding cat sold for over $4,500.
A rare vintage Halloween clockwork figure sold for $4,575 at a 2016 Morphy auction. The 16-inch-high black cat made of cloth-covered papier-mache is holding a jack-o’-lantern. Its head nods and its eyes move from side to side.
Look for bargain Halloween decorations at house sales and flea markets, and vintage rarities at auctions and shops. Save some of this year’s unusual items.
Q: I have a vintage toilet tissue roll, Waldorf brand, in its original wrapping paper, in excellent condition. It was put in storage along with the whole household in 1943 when the family moved out of state. I purchased the estate many years ago. I gave one to our local historical society to be displayed in the museum. Does it have much value?
A: Toilet tissue was first made in China for the Emperor’s use in the 1391. It was first made in the United States in 1857 and sold in packs of single sheets. The first toilet paper rolls were made by Scott Paper Co. in 1890. Waldorf toilet tissue was made in 1902 for the Waldorf Hotel. It was the world’s best-selling brand in the early 1900s. Scott continued to produce Waldorf toilet paper for several years. We found it pictured in a 1930s ad. Scott Paper Co. was bought by Kimberly-Clark in 1995. The value of a vintage roll of Waldorf toilet tissue is about $35-$40.
Current Prices
Mop wringer, janitorial tool, iron and wood, Reliance junior model, Lee Chair company, handle, 1906, 25 x 10 inches, $65.
Candy container, Jack-o’-lantern, clear glass pumpkin with orange metal lid, c. 1905, 4 x 4 inches, $205.
Platter, Wedgwood, Peace pattern with dove and olive branch, flaming torch and quiver of feathers, garland border, c. 1880, 17 x 14 inches, $495.
Popcorn cornsheller, cast-iron tool, Right Speedy, flywheel with heart cutouts, crank, wood handle, Curtis Goddard, 1877, 9 inches, $995.
TIP: Bidders must carefully read the description in an auction catalog, and check the size of the item and other details. There may be extra unexpected value features, like a picture by a famous artist, which will add to the price. The size of the piece usually is not obvious in a catalog picture. A grandfather clock or an antique bed with a large headboard that is too tall to fit in an average room, or a teapot that holds only two cups of breakfast coffee and is not a full-sized 6- to 8-cup pot can be a disappointment you can avoid.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com
© 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.