What's Hot and What's Not?
I can't believe some of the prices of items being sold right now, especially those hard plastic
containers. I don't own a single piece (and won't!),
and I don't understand why they are so expensive. They're just not that rare to bring
the high prices that they get on eBay auctions. But it's Beistle that is probably the hottest item out
there right now. The Beistle pieces from the 20's and 30's are well-executed and the
level of output was relatively low, so few of those early Beistle items survived in mint condition.
They are beautiful and compelling!
Beistle party sets and table top decorations have gone up tremendously, and they were high to begin with. Dennison items are not too far behind, they are more plentiful -- but they are still getting increased prices.
The more unusual German Diecuts are selling for higher prices, but the common German diecuts are pretty stagnant. The German composition candy containers were pretty slow for a couple of years but they are also picking up and prices have solidified. Earlier the knowledge wasn't there about these items, but the dealers that sell those kind of things are becoming well known and people seek them out.
Tin is cooling down -- except for the tin tambourines and the tin parade lanterns made in Toledo Ohio in 1900 - 1905. Those lanterns have really become hot, but I don't know why.
Staying in touch
I get the auction catalogs and its fun to see what's being offered and what it sells for.
I am just glad I started collecting Halloween when I did. I could buy Beistle and other things
for $7 to $15 a piece and I just liked it. Those same things go for around $50 or so now.
I get emails everyday and love hearing from people. Most ask questions or want to know about an item on eBay or that they have. I like to share what I know and make sure people don't get ripped off. Many items are reproduced and sellers will say something is old, when it's not. Many times I will contact the seller and tell them it's a reproduction or a fantasy piece. Most sellers are okay with hearing that, they thought it was old and listed it as such. Many times they will write back and say thanks. But there are a few special sellers that deserve a mention, sellers who know they what they are selling, but still misrepresent-represent the pieces. At times I will mention them in a talk I give or even put their names in the FAQ section of my web site. I also remind buyers they need to look at the feedback and see if there is a problem with the sellers before bidding.
Halloween is like a big detective story, sometimes you have to figure it out by looking at the artwork and comparing it to other artwork done by the same company. Unlike Christmas items, which is documented pretty well as to when items are made, Halloween is not.
