Category Archives: Humor

FIND OF THE WEEK: Naughty Bisque Turtle Girl With Her Bear Bottom Showing

One lesson Jim and I have learned over the years is that “finds” pop up all the time, so you have to be constantly vigilant. Obviously, the closer you are to the original source, the more likely you are to … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, Americana, Carol, Humor, Weird | 10 Comments

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

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

Pick of the Week: Animation Cel from “The Simpsons”

This past weekend, I set up at the Punk Rock Flea Market in Philadelphia to unload some of my vintage toy collection. Of course, part of the fun of being a dealer is being able to look around and buy … Continue reading

Posted in 1990's, Ben, Comic Characters, Humor, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Good Day at the Flea Market

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

In Living Color Homey D. Clown Plush Doll

Homey don’t play dat…but apparently, you can play with Homey! In the early 1990s, the sketch comedy show In Living Color was enormously popular. It was the first truly well-received sketch show alternative to “Saturday Night Live” in a long … Continue reading

Posted in 1990's, Ben, Dolls, Humor, Toys, Uncategorized, Weird | 1 Comment

Mattel’s Food Fighters Variations – Now in Four Exciting New Flavors!

Were you ever scolded as a kid for playing with your food? Well, I was lucky enough to grow up in an era where there was one time that it was absolutely okay to get your hands all over donuts … Continue reading

Posted in 1980's, Action Figures, Ben, Food, Humor, Monsters, Toys, Weird | 2 Comments

The Le Macabre Skull

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.

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