Category Archives: 1960’s

One of the Worst Toys I Have Ever Seen: Toe-kins

Posted on June 1, 2013 by

Every now and again you find a toy that is so stupid that you wonder why any toy company would think it would ever have selling potential to children. This is especially true when the toy has little or no … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960's, 1970's, Amy, Dolls, Humor, Miniatures, Monsters, Toys, Weird | 4 Comments

A Good Day at the Flea Market

Posted on May 20, 2013 by

Ah the flea market! Is there a better place to be early in the morning? All the treasures of popular culture seem to find their way there sooner or later. Armed with a few bucks in your wallet, a little … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, Americana, Comic Characters, Humor, Jim, Toys, Weird | 3 Comments

The Le Macabre Skull

Posted on February 27, 2013 by

It seems like ages since I have written an article for The Collector Gene, so I wanted to come back with one of my favorite pieces from my collection.  I have been waiting to write about this one for a … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, Advertising, Amy, English, Foreign, Halloween, Historical, Humor, Monsters, Signs, Weird | 11 Comments

When Your Holidays Need a Little Less Cheer and a Little More Fear, Bring in the Krampus.

Posted on December 20, 2012 by

For many years very few Americans seemed to be aware of some of the stranger characters associated with Christmas in other countries around the world.  Every country has their own traditions, and ours are rather tame compared to most.  All … Continue reading →

Posted in 1800's, 1900's, 1910's, 1920's, 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, Amy, Art, Christmas, Dolls, Foreign, Hand Made, Holiday, Humor, Miniatures, Monsters, Toys, Weird | 1 Comment

For the Love of Christmas Pixies!

Posted on December 1, 2012 by

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

Pick of the Week: Lightolier Lytegem Mid-Century Lamp

Posted on August 26, 2012 by

This week’s “Pick of the Week” comes straight from my local Goodwill.  For the longest time I had written the local Goodwill off.  Ever since they moved from their old location that they had been in for decades to a … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960's, Amy, Art, Lighting, Modern Furniture | 1 Comment

Smile: Playboy Bunny

Posted on August 16, 2012 by

Is that face familiar?  It may be if you are over 50 years old… and more likely male.  Who is this cute happy guy?  Why, the original Playboy Bunny, of course. This bunny, which stands nearly two feet tall, is … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950's, 1960's, Advertising, Carol, Dolls, Humor, Toys, Weird | 5 Comments

Smile: Lebanon Bologna from Lebanon, PA

Posted on July 31, 2012 by

What could this happy guy with his jaunty bow-tie be smiling about?  His love of Lebanon bologna, of course! He might be a little bit biased, though.  After all, he IS a giant Lebanon bologna himself holding a smaller Lebanon … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960's, Advertising, Carol, Dolls, Humor, Monsters, Toys, Weird | Leave a comment

Pick Of The Week: Factory-Built Aurora Monsters

Posted on July 25, 2012 by

Besides Carol’s “Smile” photo project, we would also like to introduce “Pick of the Week”!  Each week (or as we go out looking for new old stuff) we will pick our favorite find of the week!  Pretty simple, right? To … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960's, Amy, Jim, Monsters, Toys, Weird | Leave a comment

Feature Matches: These Matches Should Be Featured in Anyone’s Collection

Posted on July 12, 2012 by

I’m not a matchbook collector, per se, but if I were a phillumenist, I’d definitely collect Feature Matches.  When it comes to little scraps of advertising ephemera, these clever and colorful matchbooks with pictures on the actual matches are matchless! … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, Advertising, Americana, Carol, Ephemera, Historical, Political | 6 Comments