Author Archives: admin

For the Love of Christmas Pixies!

It is now December, which means it is time to break out the decorations and make it look like Christmas threw up in our house!  We at the Collector Gene all love Christmas, and want to take some time this … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, 1960's, 2010's, Amy, Christmas, Dolls, Hand Made, Holiday, Humor, Road Trip, Toys | 19 Comments

Rock Lords – The Gnarliest of Narlies, Snarlie Narlie!

I’ve mentioned Rock Lords in passing in my Kojak article, but I’ll elaborate a little further. While Transformers and Go-Bots were the most popular of the transforming toys of the 1980s, there were several other smaller lines that were popular … Continue reading

Posted in 1980's, Action Figures, Toys, Weird | 6 Comments

Truman Political Cartoon – It’s Toon Time at the L.A. Times

Since we last gave attention to Dwight Eisenhower, a Republican, it seems only fair that while the election season is still only a few weeks behind us, we pay some attention to his Democratic predecessor – Harry S. Truman. It … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, Americana, Historical, Jim, Political, Road Trip | 2 Comments

Smile! Sixty Years Ago, We Liked Ike

In 1952, like today, America went to the polls.  By the time the votes counted, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the clear winner.  The popular World War II hero and five star general was approached by both parties as a possible … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, Americana, Historical, Jim, Political | Leave a comment

Smile! A Traditional Jack O’Lantern Wishes You a Happy Halloween!

This jack o’lantern may be smiling, but there’s something slightly menacing about it.  Of course, that’s part of his appeal to collectors.  Over seven inches in height, he’s made of a paper pulp product that was shaped by pressing into … Continue reading

Posted in 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, Americana, Carol, Halloween, Holiday, Uncategorized, Weird | Leave a comment

Smile! A Cross-Eyed Pumpkin-Headed Guy Just for You

Once you start collecting vintage Halloween items, you notice how frequently fruit and vegetable-headed figures show up.  Here’s a good example of a small, incidental bisque figurine that was probably produced in the 1930’s and sold for a nickel or … Continue reading

Posted in 1930's, Carol, Halloween, Holiday, Humor, Toys, Weird | Leave a comment

Smile! Something Bewitching for You

This adorable old hag is proof positive that they don’t make paper Halloween decorations like they used to.  With rivets at the shoulders to allow for arm movement and a generous supply of crepe paper to create a winged cape … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Smile – You Devil, You!

This little devil with a devilish grin is only about two and a half inches tall.  He’s made of a composition material in a hollow mold.  Obviously, his feet need a little restoration, but devil figures, especially cute ones like … Continue reading

Posted in 1920's, 1930's, Carol, Halloween, Holiday, Monsters, Weird | Leave a comment

Smile! Happy Halloween!

With less than one week to go until Halloween, we’ve decided to send good wishes your way by posting a happy Halloween face every day until October 31.  First up is this little wooden skeleton/ghoul with his happy, toothy smile.  … Continue reading

Posted in 1940's, Carol, Halloween, Holiday, Toys, Weird | Leave a comment

Meet the Oh Lantern Family!

As much as I’d like to say that I was a pretty decent artist as a kid, I was never able to master the art of pumpkin carving. From drawing the outline on the uneven surface of the pumpkin to … Continue reading

Posted in 1980's, Amy, Ben, Halloween, Holiday, Humor, Monsters, Toys, Weird | 18 Comments