Downsizing? Determined to get rid of stuff you no longer need? Cleaning out a home or an estate? Stop! Know Before You Throw.
It’s already October, and as we move toward the end of the year, we approach some of the most popular holidays celebrated. Most of these holidays include expression through decorations and accessories. However, Halloween is unique since it also includes costumes.
In past articles, I’ve talked about ephemera, those items never meant to last longer than the event itself, e.g. (vintage) travel advertising material. Halloween decorations and costumes usually fall under the ephemera category, since they aren’t made very well (as manufacturers would rather sell us new ones each year).
Consequently, many of the older Halloween decorations, accessories and costumes that survived in good condition have value to collectors. When I say older, I mean pre-1960s for the most part, and especially items from the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s.
While these items may not command the high prices of some items of ephemera, such as a 1932 The Mummy movie poster, which sold for $435,500, many of these items will sell for $20 to more than $100 each, with some items nearing $500. Not bad if you happen to have an old box full of these items from an estate. Some of the manufacturer names to look for are Dennison, Luhrs, Beistle, Halco and Bainbridge.
The relative affordability of this holiday’s memorabilia makes this field of collecting fun and easily accessible. There are a number of price guides now available to help with valuations, and you can find many items online through vintage resale sites or on auction websites.
If you feel uncertain about the value of items, consider the advice of a professional. If I can be of assistance, call me today.
Jon Englund has more than 25 years of experience in appraising and liquidating personal property, jewelry, art, collectibles, antiques, furniture, printed items and more. A Midwest transplant, Jon trained at New York University in appraisal studies.
For more information, call (480) 699-1567. You also can send an email to Jon@KnowBeforeYouThrow.INFO.