So, while out shopping in one of my usual secondhand stores, I came across these cute vintage Halloween decorations. In fact, they were displayed on a small black Halloween tree with a sign stating they are vintage. I looked them over and selected five from the grouping to purchase. There were additional ornaments, but these are very detailed looking. All pieces are about one to three inches tall and made of bumpy Chenille pipe cleaners with an odd-looking pumpkin head.
Vintage Spider and Trick or Treat Pail, Halloween Decorations
The tarantula like spider has eight legs made of black pipe cleaners and has a pumpkin for a head. The eyes of the spider stick out slightly.
On the right, the bucket is made of wood (?) and has an attached wooden and wire handle. It is marked Trick or Treat. The bucket is filled with a pumpkin, yellow “leaves” and other things relating to fall. Not sure if early trick or treaters used a bucket for their goodies.
Note: One time I saw a live tarantula in the “wild”, i.e., around a home in Southern California and this size looks about correct.
I like the wooden top handle on this tiny Halloween trick or treat pail.
Pumpkin Head Figure and Scarecrow
I really like the next two Halloween figures. The pumpkin man is made of orange pipe cleaners and is topped with an orange pumpkin head. The sides of the figure look like they at one time had some glitter down the sides. Only a few bits of the glitter remain on the item.
I absolutely love this scarecrow with a paper jack o’ lantern head. The scarecrow’s body is made from yellow pipe cleaners. The feet and hands are tied with a bit of raffia, (?). This piece is very detailed.
All these vintage Halloween pieces contain a string to display them with.
Black Cat Pipe Cleaner with Pumpkin Head
Dating Vintage Halloween Decorations
OK, I’ll be the first person to say I’m not an expert on dating anything vintage, but I’ve not been able to date any of the items on this blog page.
I looked through the internet and also on eBay and have found nothing similar. Therefore, I am unable to give my Readers a realist age of items.
Concluding Remarks on Vintage Halloween Decorations
All in all, I know some of the figures have a bit of glitter on them. Glitter was invented in 1934 by Henry Rushmann, an American. He developed a machine that cut plastic sheets into small glitter pieces. Therefore, we can probably say these pieces are made after 1934.
Also, the wire hooks on some of the items look very old and also a little rough feeling.
The hanging string looks new, but I noted other online pieces with the same string.
My best guess is the pieces came from the 1940’s to 1950’s or later. But, again, this is only a guess. Strangely, I could not tell what the pumpkin heads are made out of. I’m thinking plastic wrapped with ribbon. (?) Then a face was painted on the pumpkins. If they are made of plastic, then I’m thinking more 1950’s ish as pipe cleaner holiday decorations seemed to be popular during that era. I saw a number of them online.
I’ve also had a person note that perhaps some crafter handmade them. So, this is also a possibility or perhaps they were made in another country. (?) When that happens, I’m always stumped.
Wow, here we go again. What do my readers think of these “vintage” pieces. Or are they new made to look old. Or a lasting relic to someone’s Halloween celebration?
Happy Early Halloween Mystery? BOO!!! (Yes, you probably only get this on Farmhouse Magic Blog.com!)
Resource Sites – eBay, internet online – Items made in Japan, Vintage Halloween Decorations, Vintage Halloween Decorations from 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s, & 1950’s and designerplants.com.