Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Pumpkin Man Postcard

This jolly pumpkin man and I wish you a Happy Halloween!

Printed in Germany, 1908.

Monday, October 26, 2015

John Winsch Halloween Postcard, 1914

Photos don't really do this antique Halloween postcard justice: it's one of the best in my collection, and my very favorite. Published by John Winsch of New York in 1914, it features fantastic, tiny illustrations of a witch and ghost in a hot air balloon, fending off veggie people clinging to the anchor rope, while a bemused gnome watches the excitement from his airborne bat.



Some close-ups reveal the detail of these imaginative illustrations.



Saturday, October 24, 2015

Witch and Owl Postcard

This antique postcard features a witch and a rather unusual owl taking a break from their Halloween festivities while resting on a sliver of moon. The caption reads, "When the owl & witch together are seen, there's mischief brewing on Hallowe'en." Dated 1911.


Thursday, October 22, 2015

Pumpkin Man Postcard

The dapper pumpkin man on this antique Halloween postcard bears a bouquet of smiling veggies with the caption, "Hearty Hallowe'en Greetings." Printed in Saxony, early 1900s.


Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Ellen Clapsaddle Halloween Postcards, 1909

These are two antique Halloween postcards by iconic illustrator Ellen Clapsaddle. They were copyrighted and mailed in 1909, and have a delightful, whimsical charm.




Monday, October 19, 2015

Antique Halloween Postcards Coming

This October I'll highlight some favorites from my antique Halloween postcard collection.

Not too long ago, Halloween postcards commanded high prices that were truly scary (heh!) But their prices, like those of many other collectibles, have fallen considerably in recent years, particularly for less than mint examples. If you thought antique Halloween postcards were beyond your reach, you might be pleasantly surprised if you browse again. Happy hunting (and haunting!)


Circa 1908