Category Archives: Holiday

Halloween Cats

It seems fitting that cats are associated with Halloween. We especially think of witches and their black cats. Often thought to be “familiars” to witches or malevolent assistants who could assist in the witch’s magic spells, being a black cat … Continue reading

Posted in 1920's, 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, Americana, Ephemera, Halloween, Holiday, Humor, Jim, Monsters, Toys, Weird | Leave a comment

Happy Fourth of July from Collectorgene! A Black Humor Postcard With a Timely Message

Warnings about the dangers of fireworks – especially when children are involved – abound today. Apparently, things were no different in 1908, which is when this particular card was mailed. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Posted in 1900's, Americana, Carol, Ephemera, Holiday, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Happy 204th Birthday, Abe! Let’s Celebrate With a Lincoln Candy Container

The more time passes, the more people seem to appreciate the leadership and genius of Abraham Lincoln.  Four years ago, much was made of the bicentennial of his birth.  Right now, much is being made of an outstanding movie that … Continue reading

Posted in 1800's, 1920's, Americana, Carol, Holiday, Political, Toys, Weird | Leave a comment

Happy Holidays from Collectorgene!

Earlier this year, we posted pictures of this fantastic miniature house that Jim found at a local flea market.  Here it is all dressed up in its Christmas finery.  We considered it a fabulous find when Jim first brought it … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, Americana, Carol, Christmas, Hand Made, Holiday, Miniatures | Leave a comment

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

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

Pick of the Week: Sad Santa Story Told in Six 1906 Keystone Stereo Cards – Or a Real Nightmare Before Christmas!

We haven’t featured a “Pick of the Week” in a while, but we wanted to share last weekend’s holiday-themed find with you.  It’s a set of six stereo cards published by the Keystone View Company in 1906 that Jim and … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, Americana, Carol, Christmas, Ephemera, Holiday, Humor, Weird | Leave a comment

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

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 – 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