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Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide T to Z

2020-12-02T21:39:00.002-05:00

Powder Compact Manufacturers T to Z

Tangee Co - see George W Luft, established in 1920 known for lipstick and rouge in the tangerine shade.

Tattoo - USA manufacturers of tiny companion compacts and tiny lipstick cases. Small enough to fit into the little beaded evening purses of the time.

Tattoo Rouge Compact

Tattoo Tiki Hawaiian Themed Rouge Compact

Hilda Terry - A well-known cartoonist and artist who created the character "Teena", the quintessential teenage girl of the 1940s to 60s. Her cartoon strip was syndicated in newspapers from 1941 through 1966 in the USA. Several of her cartoon scenes appeared in popular magazines and on Rex compacts during this period.

T.L.M - an English trademark

Tiffany - Established in 1837 as Tiffany and Young at 259 Broadway in New York City. In 1851 Tiffany became the first American company to adopt the 925/1000 silver standard that became the standard for sterling. By 1853 the business was known as Tiffany & Co.

Thomae Co - Attleboro, MA. They made top quality sterling guilloche enamel compacts in the 1920s.

Ton-Ton Fifth Avenue - Emerged in the early 40s with vintage plastic compacts and after WWII started to market metal compacts.

Signed Puff Ton Ton Fifth Avenue

Ton Ton Fifth Avenue Compact

Tokalon - a French trademark, noted especially for its Petalia line of powder and cosmetics featuring a black capped smiling Pierrot face that is rumoured to have been designd by Rene Lalique

Tradition - see S & F (Saks Fifth Avenue)

Tre-Jur - The House of Tre-Jur, United Toilet Goods Co NY NY. The House of Tre-Jur was very popular between 1923 to 1942. The girl logo had a full skirt until 1926 when they were forced to revise it due to copyright infringement when it became just the top half of the lady. Compressed powder was their mainstay, originally scented with Joli Memoire.

Tre-Jur Compact with pressed powder, puff, card

Tre-Jur Powder Compact post 1926 with half girl Logo

Tre-Jur with Full Skirt Logo Compact pre 1926

Tre-Jur signed on bottom of compact

Van Cleef and Arpels - A jewelry business created by Charles, Julien and Louis Arpels in partnership with their brother-in-law Alfred Van Cleef in Paris in 1906. They opened their first US store in NY in 1942 and have become famous, along with Cartier, Boucheron and Tiffany as one of the world's foremost jewelers. In the 1930s VCA patented the minaudiere, an accessory meant to replace the handbag, that was the antecedent of the later carryalls manufactured by Volupte and Evans. In the 1950s VCA designed a series of compacts for Revlon.

Vashe - A maker of small fashionable compacts in the 1930s and 40s. Established in Louisville KY as a manufacturer of pipe organs by the Pilcher family. Son, John Vashe Pilcher, left the company and began his own company in 1885 making buttons and novelties. His cousin John Babbitt joined his company in 1924 and came up with designs for vanity cases branded La Chic and made for 3rd parties. In 1931 they began making powder and rouge repousse painted enamel oblong cases which became their trademark under the Vashe name. Vashe died in 1933 and the Vashe trademark name was abandoned in 1944, and they began using the Pilcher name till the company was sold in 1953 and the production of compacts ended.

Vashe Repousse Song Birds Powder Compact

Versatelle - 1920s to 30s Cigarette/Compact cases.

Vogue Vanities / Vogue Vanitie / La Vogue / Vovan - Brand names used by Blackmore, Howard and Metherell, operating in Birmingham England from the 1930s into the 1950s. Manufacturers of vanity cases, powder boxes, cigarette cases, lipstick cases and perfumery bottle caps in metal. Eventually bought by Stratton in the mid 1950s.

Vogue Vanities Powder Compact

Vogue signed on inner lid

Vovan Powder Compact

Volupte Inc - Fifth Avenue, NY. Along with Evans, this company dominated the carryall market in the 1940s and 1950s. Started as The Superior Novelty Manufacturing Co, Elizabeth NJ. Also made figural compacts such as The Hand compact series. Richard Gaige was Head Designer c1939 to 1958. Bought by Shields in 1957.

Volupte Compact

Volupte Compact signed Puff and Inner Lid

W.B - A trademark found in some Whiting and Davis fine mesh bags.

W.L. / Walter Lampl Inc - Fifth Avenue NY, a jeweler founded in 1921, known for charms and charm bracelets but also designed compacts and vanity items. Ceased business in 1959

Wadsworth - The Wadsworth Watch Case Co, Dayton KY was established in 1890 as a maker of gold filled watch cases. In the 1940s and 1950s they also manufactured fine compacts. Parker Pen Co Canada were given the official distribution rights of Wadsworth compacts in Canada including affixing their name to the advertisements after WWII well into the 1950s. Henriette was a separate company within Wadsworth, created in 1937, a trade name for the NY division of the Wadsworth Case Co of KY. Famous for their novelty compacts such as the 8-ball compact and the Vanity Table. Bought by Elgin National Watch Co (not to be confused with EAM Co) in Dec 1950. The Wadsworth brand disappeared in the late 1950s.

Wadsworth famous Vanity Table Powder Compact

Wadsworth Canada Compact

Wadsworth signed Made in Canada

Whiting and Davis - Plainville, MA was originally Wade Davis Co founded in 1876. Manufacturer of fine mesh bags and accessories since 1896. The mesh was made by hand until 1912 when Whiting and Davis became the first company to use automatic mesh-making machinery invented by A.C. Pratt.

Wilardy Originals - A division of Handbag Specialties Inc, Dallas, NY, a maker of acrylic purses in the 1950s that often included built-in compacts.

C.B. Woodworth and Son - Founded in 1855 by Dr Mitchel and Ezra Taylor in Rochester NY, acquired by Chauncey B Woodworth in association with Reuben A Bunnel in 1856. Woodworth used the Scovill Manufacturing Co of Waterbury CT, a relationship that endured for 15 years. Woodworth was merged with the French and American Bourjois companies (Evening in Paris) and created a new company called The International Perfume Company Inc in 1929. Fiancee was part of the Woodworth line prior to 1930 (launched 1912), but after 1930 International Perfume Inc of NY decided to market all its products under the Bourjois label.
Their second major line was Karess launched in 1922.

CB Woodworth Rouge Compact 1920s Fiancee Line

CB Woodworth Rouge Compact

Yardley - London England. Yardley complexion cream was introduced in 1929, pots designed by artist Reco Capey (Art Director at Yardley 1928 to 1959), with bakelite lids. Lids a beautiful example of Beatl Moulding, the UK version of bakelite, originally called Beetle Ware and changed to the contraction of "Beat All" or Beatl Ware. Known for the iconic Flower Seller image.

Yardley Compact

Yardley signed above inner lid of compact

Yves St. Laurent - YSL trademark. Designed for Christian Dior in 1953, and had his first solo collection in 1962. Known for his fine jeweled compacts.

Zell - Fifth Avenue. One of the "fifth avenues" along with Rex, Columbia and Dorset. David Zell manufactured compacts as early as the 1920s. Strong in the CarryAll market.

Zell CarryAll with lipstick keeper on the side

Zell CarryAll opened on the Powder Pan side

Zell Vanity Case which hold Lipstick, Compact, and Comb

Zell Flapjack Powder Compact

Zenette - England. Owned by C.H. Collins and Sns Ltd of Hockley Hill, known for art deco designs.

Zenette Powder Compact

signed Zenette on inner lid of compact

Ziegfeld Girl / Creation - Made first appearance in the early 1940s, using plastic. Designed by Walton B Crane, Allied Plastics. Lines included Glorified Girl, Petticoat Girl, Zodiac Girl, Show Girl. Gone by 1947.

Ziegfeld Petticoat Girl Compact with Box, Sleeve and Puff

Ziegfeld Glorified Girl Lucite Compact

Ziegfeld compact with puff

Here we come to the end of the alphabet for my guides to powder compact manufacturers.
Visit mandicrafts.ca to shop for vintage compacts.

Bear hugs

Mandy
Mandicrafts

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide P to S

2020-11-09T12:04:00.001-05:00

Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide P to S

Parisian Novelty Company - An early Chicago based manufacturer of cookie compacts.

Parker Pen-Wadsworth - The Canadian distributor of Wadsworth USA compacts. See Wadsworth

Cigarette Case by Parker Pen Canada (Wadsworth)

Signed Parker Pen Wadsworth Canada

Pilcher - See Vashe. The maker of quality compacts often featuring colourful faux gems between 1944 to 1953.

Pilcher Compact and Sleeve

Pilcher Signed Puff

Pinaud - Ed Pinaud Perfumerie. Born in 1810 in the North of France, he decided at an early age to make perfumes his profession. At the age of 13 he left his family to apprentice in the perfume trade. He arrived in Paris and became the owner of A La Corbeille Feurie at the mere age of 20 years. He officially appeared in the 1841 Commercial Court register in Paris as a Superior Perfumeries Maker. He formed an association with his friend Emile Meyer in 1850 and began down the retail path. Ed died in 1868 and Emile Meyer carried on the Pinaud House company which later passed onto further descendants. After the crash of 1929, the then owners, the Klotz family, closed the Ed Pinaud business due to the huge financial demise.

Ed Pinaud Compact Lipstick Rouge Vanity Case

Signed Pinaud

Lipstick rouge lid and patented metal sifter Ed Pinaud

Plate - House of Plate, Detroit MI. Makers of the Trioette vanity in the 1940s

Pompeian - An American cosmetics firm. Introduced the new cosmetics line, Nymfaun, in the early 1920s and the compacts became refillable in 1923 due to consumer demand. The oblong compact vanity model was called Debutante but was short-lived. Colgate bought Pompeian in 1927 and sold it again in 1930. Pompeian's last vanity case was produced in 1935. Company was sold again in 1937 and the name disappeared.

Pompeian Rouge Compact

Pompeian signed on base

Princess Marcella Borghese - A cosmetics line begun by the Princess, from one of Rome's most famous noble families. The princess was an Italian socialite and the wife of Prince Paolo Borghese, the Duke of Bomarzo. In 1958 the Princess began her cosmetics enterprise with her own recipes as a subsidiary of Revlon.

Princess Pat - A brand by Gordon, Gordon Inc, established in 1907 by Fannie and Martin Gordon. Also created as a separate company called Princess Pat Ltd Chicago IL in 1925. The Gordon's partnership lasted for the next 50 years. Maker of the Vaniteen and small rouge and powder compacts. Princess Pat and another line named English Tint were claimed as being used from July 1919 but their first really successful line was called Mem'ry. Early cases were produced by Scovill Manufacturing Co of Waterbury CT, simple lacquered brass. Other successful lines were a rice powder called De Vora, and another line called La Joie. None were ever formally trademarked. The Princess Pat compact had an unusual stamped design that comprised a series of circles arranged in a design like a Celtic Cross. The popularity of Princess Patricia of Connaught, one of Queen Victoria's grandchildren, daughter of Canada's Governor-General, rocketed Princess Pat's popularity. The Gordon's rouge products sustained them through the 1930s. Princess Pat rouge was rated as the fifth most popular brand behind Luxor, Max Factor, Lady Esther and Richard Hudnut. It was also the 8th most popular lipstick. In 1939 the branding design was changed for Princess Pat, to a more conventional octagon design with a central emblem. Once the Gordon's passed away in 1956 and 1960, the new owners attempted to rejuvenate the company in 1966 but it did not last long.

Princess Pat Rouge Compact

Princess Pat signed Puff

Pupa - Trademark of the Micys Co of Milan Italy, and Italian maker of makeup sets in innovative designs in the forms of animals, human figure, foods etc.

Pygmalion - An English company noted for their novelty compacts such as the Sonata piano and the globe.

Pygmalion Sonata Piano Compact

R&G Co - see Ripley and Gowan Co

Raquel USA - A small perfume/cosmetics firm in the USA who had exclusive use of a leather bound book compact design by David Zell in the late 1920s into the 1930s.

Raquel Leather Book Design Compact

Raquel Leather Compact

W.T. Rawleigh Co - Perfumers, Freeport IL. Cosmetics in the 1920s. Acquired by Harry Hersey and merged into Golden Pride International in 1989

WT Rawleigh Rouge Compact

Reich-Ash Company - A firm based in NY and Paris that made or distributed cosmetic items with the Deere Trademark.

Reincke-Ellis Co - An advertising firm based in Chicago and NY in the early 20th Century, successor to Reincke-Ellis-Youngreen & Finn, known for their cosmetic advertising. Reincke-Ellis manufactured early cookie advertising compacts.

Regent of London - Brand used by David Strasburger Inc. They mostly manufactured vanity sets with petit-point inserts and brass filigree handles, often with an Oriental theme. They had a few compact patents. In business 1934 to 1985.

Revlon - Charles Revlon began as a cosmetic salesman in 1931 and soon developed his own nail polish business. By 1937 his strategy to give his products seductive names like Kissing Pink and to link the introduction of new colours to seasonal changes in fashion made him a success. He called his company Revlon and stressed not only quality products, but advertising and alluring packaging as well. To give his products panache, he worked with the noted jewelers Van Cleef and Arpels to design a line of compacts in the 1950s. Revlon eventually acquired both Helena Rubinstein in 1984 and Max Factor 1986.

Revlon Pressed Powder Compacts

Revlon Pressed Powder Compact

Rex Fifth Avenue - aka Rex Products Corp 302 Fifth Ave NY. A maker of compacts in the 1950s. This company later joined another, Dorset, to become Dorset-Rex in 1951. Zell, Rex, Dorset and Columbia all had Fifth Avenue appended to their names and are often called The Fifth Avenues. They all made moderately priced compacts. Most early Rex designs were not signed, simply having the patent number and made in USA. Large clasps were a Rex feature. Under Rex Products Corp they made plastic novelties and turned to making compacts from Catalin and other early plastics. They became Rex Fifth Avenue in 1945. Rex purchased Shields Inc, a compact manufacturer, in 1939 and continued with the Shields compact brand until 1942 when production under the Shields brand changed to men's jewelry and accessories into the 1960s.

Rex Fifth Avenue RAF Military Compact with Sleeve

Rex Fifth Avenue signed puff

Rho-Jan - Name based on the first names of their eldest daughters; the Bogoff's RHOda and the Michal's JANet. The Rho-Jan brand was created in the 1940s. The first compacts were plastic and were introduced to market in early 1945. They were large, described as ultra-sized (5 inches in diameter) and competed with other plastic compacts such as Ziegfeld Girl, Mavco, Morris, Mann and Reilly's Iva Mae and Hampden, among others. Included in Rho-Jan's early offerings was a very large compact shaped like a seashell. A more commonly seen case, often made from red plastic with a tufted chesterfield or waffle effect was also marketed in 1945. This decorative effect was based on another Bogoff design patent he applied for in October 1944. The Michals' designed case was also offered in a hand painted version. Once the war had been won and the embargo on brass lifted, Rho-Jan, like many other case manufacturers, abandoned the large plastic cases in favour of the more durable and smaller metal containers. Unknown if Rho-Jan produced their own brass cases. Their advertising peak was reached in 1948, and although Rho-Jan cases could still be purchased as late as 1952, it seems as if the co-partnership had dissolved a few years earlier than that.

Richard Hudnut - A cosmetic firm of NY famous for it's DuBarry, Deauville and Debut decor lines of compacts. Richard Hudnut, the son of Alexander Hudnut, owner of a NY area drug store, began his cosmetic career in 1903. His company became one of the foremost cosmetic companies in the USA.

Richard Hudnut Compact Canada

Richard Hudnut compact Canada

Rigaud - A Parisian cosmetic company at 16 Rue de la Paix, noted for its association with Mary Garden, the opera singer, and her line of cosmetics produced in the 1920s.

Ripley & Gowan Co - An Attleboro MA company established in 1874 and incorporated in 1921. They marketed compacts and jewelry in the names of R&G, R&G Co, LaMode and the R&C letters with a padlock. Their earliest compacts date form the late 1920s. They made top quality guilloche enamel compacts. In 1968 they were acquired by Barrow Industries and then in 1981, by JED Ind.

Robin Handbags - A USA purse trademark of the 1950s.

Roger and Gallet - A French perfume and cosmetics firm. In 1695, Jean-Paul Feminis traveled from Italy to Coogne with a secret formula for water with healing properties. Cologne's medical school patented the formula 30 years later. In 1806 the heir to Jean-Paul's secret formula opened Maison Farina, a perfumery on the rue Saint-Honore in Paris. By the end of the century, the next generation of heirs, Armand Roger and Charles Gallet, continued the family owned compay's innovations, including face powder and lipstick. They also introduced the unique round shape and pretty pleated paper that distinguishes Roger & Gallet soaps.

Rowell - E.N. Rowell Co Inc, Batavia NY. Powder and rouge boxes.

Helena Rubinstein - A cosmetics executive and founder of Helena Rubinstein Cosmetics. Born in Poland and trained in medicine in Krakow. After immigrating to Australia, she opened her first beauty salon there in 1902 featuring her own face cream formulation. She returned to Europe for further study and opened salons in London in 1908 and Paris in 1912. By the beginning of World War 1 she was in business in the USA. Purchased by Revlon in 1984, her name still thrives today, though she died in 1965.

Helena Rubinstein Tulip embossed Compact

Helena Rubinstein Full of Pressed Powder and Signed Puff

Scoville - Scoville Manufacturing co, Waterbury CT was a manufacturer of compact cases in the 1930s. Art Deco inspired geometric themes used as a design on Princess Pat cases.

Schuco - A Germany toy company that manufactured teddy bears and other plush toys. They made several collectible compacts in the forms of animals, most notably a bear and a monkey.

Schuco Germany Mohair Monkey Powder Compact 1920s

Schuco Germany Mohair Monkey Manicure Compact 1920s

Seventeen - Trademark of the House of Jeurelle, maker of perfumes and cosmetics in the 1920s. These items are also sometimes marked Colgate.

S.F Co - Saks Fifth Avenue (Paul Flato) under the Tradition name.

Saks Fifth Avenue Compact Tradition Line

Saks Fifth Avenue Compact with Cultured Pearl Label Signed Puff

S.G.D.G. - Trademark on the French Houpette Pli

Shields Inc - Originally Fillkwik who began manufacturing compacts in the late 1920s for other companies such as Avon and other cosmetic houses. Andrew Shields. Company name was changed to Shields In in 1936 and sold to Rex in 1939 who kept the Shields brand for compacts until 1942, after which, only men's jewelry was under the Shields brand. Shields bought Volupte in 1957.

Shields Compact 1930s

Compact signed Shields on pan lid

Souvenir Compacts - Often unsigned, popular in the 1920s to 50s featuring scenes and sites and purchased as souvenirs of a holiday. A sub-genre for collectors.

Spotlight Corp - Located on 155 W 72nd St NY, maker of the Venus Ray compact in the 1940s.

St Denis - A small French cosmetics house with a branch at 452 Fifth Avenue NY. St Denis was better known for bath salts and powders, but did retail some compacts in their line.

St Denis NY small Compact

St Denis Enamel Compact

Stratton - A company founded in 1860 in Birmingham England, a manufacturer of fine British compacts. Today it is a division of Firmin and Sons of Birmingham. Stratton Convertibles could be used with pressed or loose powder. Stratton previously went by the same of Stratnoid, which was founded in 1860 as a knitting needle company. The company changed its name to Stratton and began producing compacts in 1923, importing all the required components from America. By 1930, Stratton produced all of its own compacts in its factory in Birmingham. At that time, they held 50% share of the UK's cosmetics industry. In 1940 the war caused four of its five Birmingham based factories to be destroyed, halting compact production. In 1946 the company resumed its full operations however rationing and shortages of metal during this time caused production to slow. Business picked up in the following years and Stratton became a worldwide brand, producing compacts across the world. During the 1980s, compacts were slowly going out of fashion and demand declined. Stratton had acquired some of the other major compact companies including Kigu and Mascot. Stratton itself was sold numerous times, until it was eventually closed down in 1997. The company was revived a few years later and is still in operation in Birmingham today although on a much smaller scale. The parts are made abroad and assembled in the UK. If your compact has a self opening inner lid patented by Stratton in 1948, then it was made after 1948. If the compact is convertible or takes cream powder, then it dates from the 1950s. If the compact has the Compact-In-Hand logo on the inner lid, then it was made between 1950 and 1970. Compact-In-Hand refers to the patented self opening inner lid.

Stratton Compact with Sleeve

Stratton Convertible Compact full of pressed powder

Stratton Compact-In-Hand Logo

Stratton Compact Lily Pads

Many compacts can be viewed at mandicrafts.ca

I will issue a future blog to continue the alphabet!

Mandy Kennett
Mandicrafts

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide L to O

2020-09-17T12:14:00.000-04:00

Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide L to O

LaBara - see American Products

Lady Esther - American cosmetic house. Probably began mass producing affordable compacts in the 1940s. Founded in 1913. Canadian production in 1922. As of 1984, German production.

Lady Esther Rouge Compact made in Canada

Lady Val - Montreal Quebec cosmetic company

Lady Val Montreal Lipstick Tube

Lady Vanity - A trademark found in a series of zippered compacts with figural lids, some designed by Annette Honeywell, a noted artist and designer in the mid 20th century. Her images included a bullfighter, oriental dancer and a child on a merry-go-round.

La May Inc - Trademark of Herbert Roystone of NY NY. Maker of the tin vanity featuring images of Pierrot and Columbine. In business till 1928.

La May Face Powder Tin

Challenge to find a better powder by La May

LaMode - A trademark often found on compacts and Tango compacts made by the Ripley and Gowan Co of Attleboro MA. Manufacturing compacts as early as the 1930s.

Langlois - United Drug/Rexall. Cara Nome, Duska and Shari were three of its manufactured compact lines.

Langlois Cara Nome Compact

Lazelle - An American perfume company located in Newburgh-on-the-Hudson NY. Produced compacts from the 1920s. Their most notable design was a dancing femme con brio on their products called As-The-Petals.

LeRage - An English trademark. LeRage compacts are known for their original design and for the figural scenes done by transfer that cover the lids with small colourful figures. A division of the Evans Components Co in Britain who manufactured the compacts only during the 1950s.

Levi & Salaman / L&S - Phineas Harris Levi and Joseph Wolfe Salaman, Birmingham. Founded in 1870. In 1921 the firm was amalgamated into Barker Bros (Silversmiths) Ltd

Lilly Dache - A designer commissioned by different cosmetic houses to design compact cases.

Lin-Bren Products Corp - Factory in Mamaroneck NY and a showroom on Fifth Avenue NY. Makers of handbags and fashion accessories c1950s.

Leather Compact and Vanity Wallet by Lin-Bren

Lin-Bren Carry-All Leather Wallet with Leather Compact

Linda Lee - A trademark of J.M. Pitkin Co. Pitkin worked at C.H. Stuart & Co. A direct sales company like Avon. C.H. Stuart established Sarah Coventry Jewelry in 1949.

Linda Lee Powder and Rouge Compact

Lucien LeLong - Paris cosmetics house

Lucretia Vanderbilt - a trademark of McKesson & Robbins Pharma Company. Art Moderne butterfly logo began in 1928 with blue background. The cream coloured background began in 1936 but did not stay in production very long. Trademark name of the line was sold in 1947. Scovill Manufacturing made the cases for Lucretia Vanderbilt compacts.

Lucretia Vanderbilt Compact

Luft - George W Luft Co NY. Trademark Tangee Co. Established 1920. Lipstick and rouge.

George Luft Tangee Rouge Compact

MC & Co - A maker of fine British enameled scenic silver compacts

M.M.R / Morris-Mann & Riley - Wells St, Chicago IL

M. St. Petit Point - A European compact trademark

Marlowe - A trademark found on the Parisienne compact bracelet

Madelin Beth - contemporary compacts

Majestic Metal Specialty Varick St NY - Manufactured compacts for several companies as well as issuing compacts under their own name. The two principals of the company, Nathan Kasdan and Daniel Pollack, were responsible for patenting some of the most innovative compact designs during the 1920s and 30s.

Majestic CarryAll Compact Perfume Lipstick

Marathon - Makers of nice quality deco compacts in the 1930s from Attleboro MA

Margaret Rose - England. Perhaps named for Princess Margaret Rose, sister of Queen Elizabeth II.

Margaret Rose Powder Compact

Engraved Margaret Rose England on base

Marhill - One of the leading manufacturers of mother of pearl compacts in the 1950s on Fifth Avenue NY.

Marhill Mother of Pearl Compact

Marhill original label

Marie Earle - A cosmetic house. Had their cases manufactured by another company

MarKing / Mary King - Brand sold by J.R. Watkins of Minn in the rural areas in 1930s. See J.R. Watkins

Mascot - see A.S. Brown

Mavco - Trademark, a truncation of Malcolm A Vending Co. A plastics manufacturing co in England, with the tooling to make and assemble plastic containers and so was well placed to fill the gap left by the brass case makers during and after WWII when they were unable to produce. The first Mavco case was oblong marketed as Jewel Cut Vanity and appeared in 1943. Made from lucite. Once the regular brass producers were back in business, Mavco sales suffered and the brand disappeared after only 6 years in the business.

Mavco Military Lucite Compact

Mavco signed Puff

Mayfair - see Evans

Max Factor - The king of Hollywood make up. Born Max Faktor in Lodz Poland c1872, died 1938. Fled to the USA in 1904, founded Max Factor Cosmetics Company in 1909.

Max Factor Pressed Powder Compact

Max Factor original label on base

Mealy Manufacturing Co - The maker of the infantryman's cap compact.

Melissa - England. Made by Searchlight Products (Melissa) Ltd London. Musical, mother-of-pearl, Lucite accents. Crown logo. Not seen after the late 1960s.

Melody Creation J.D. - A trademark found on the phonograph record compact

Miahati Inc - Mainly known as a perfume manufacturer. In business for a short time. Established in New York in 1940 till approximately 1955. Established by Andrew Apicella and Rose Vivaudou. Andrew also traded under different names such as Oceanic Import Co and Abbott Manufacturing Co. Miahati named for famous gardens in Hawaii that did not exist. The FTC directed them to stop saying USA produced product originating from Hawaii when it was not yet an official state.

Miahati Lucite Powder Compact

Miahati Compact with Box and Puff

Mondaine - A trademark found on novelty vanities that resemble small books. Some also have cigarette compartments and are called Cig-Vanettes. Mondaine is also well-known for flat rectangular vanities with rope handles and round compacts with small lipstick compartments in their lids. Located in NYC, made compacts 1920s to 30s. Were only in business about 8 years and were acquired by Foster Inc in 1937.

Mondaine Powder and Rouge Compact

Mondaine signed on inner powder pan lid

Montrae - A Parisan trademark

Napier - see Bliss

Nerissa - England. Early cosmetics accessories, popular for swan's down puffs.

Nizzi S.P.A. - An Italian trademark of children's make-up sets.

Norida - Norida Parfumerie, Chicago IL. Brand created in the USA to make use of a new French patent for a metal sifter design, first appeared in 1924. Famous for an 18th century repousse image of a woman with flowers. Sold to Majestic in 1930.

Norida Compact with iconic Daffodil lady design

Norida signed on inner mirror rim and on reverse

Orlane - A French trademark.

Ornex - A Mexican trademark.

I will issue further blogs to continue the alphabet!

Please visit mandicrafts.com to view compacts available for purchase.

Bear Hugs

Mandy
Mandicrafts

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide H to K

2020-09-08T17:09:00.002-04:00

Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide H to K

Halston - Well known name in fashion. Contemporary compacts.

Harriet Hubbard Ayer - NY. Trademark was registered by Vincent B Thomas in 1907 for his cosmetics. The original Harriet was a woman who manufactured Lady Recamier's Facial Creme in the late 1800s and wrote a popular beauty advice column. In business through the late 1950s. Marked H.H.A.

Hattie Carnegie - American costume jewelry manufacturer. Probably did a limited range of compact designs sometime in the 1940s to 1950s.

Helena Rubenstein - American cosmetic house. Probably began mass producing affordable designs sometime in the 1940s.

Helena Rubenstein raised tulip design compact

Henriette Inc - An American compact brand noted for novelties like military hats and ball shaped compacts including the famous 8 Ball. It was located at 385 Fifth Avenue NY. Trade name for the NY division of Wadsworth Case Co of Kentucky. Manufactured compacts during the 1940s and 50s.

Henriette Compact

Henriette signature inside pan lid

Hingeco Vanities - Providence RI. A compact distributor noted for its compacts that open with a key like a sardine can. Manufactured compacts sometime between the 1930s and the 50s.

Sardine Can Opener Compact

Hingeco Sterling Compact

Hingeco Sterling Military Compact signed on reverse

Hobe - American costume jewelry manufacturer. Probably had limited number of compact designs in the 1940s and 50s.

Houbigant - A perfume cosmetics company founded by Jean Francois Houbigant in Paris in the 19th Century. Compacts featuring Houbigant's flower basket logo and vanities with abstract Deco designs are highly collectible. Exporting compacts as early as the 1920s.

Houbigant Compact

Houbigant Flower Basket Logo Compact with puff

Houpette - A French trademark noted for the telescoping Pli compacts

Innoxa - England. Manufacturing compacts as early as the 1930s.

I.W.C.Co / Illinois Watch Case Co - Not to be confused with the Illinois Watch Co of Elgin IL whose trademark was Elgin or EAM. Max and Solomon Eppenstein founded the company in Chicago in 1886. A few years later, after producing about 20,000 cases, the firm was lured to Elgin IL by the offer to assist with a building and a parcel of land upon which to build it. By the 1930s, it was quite a substantial company concern. Despite the questionable use of the name "Elgin" on its items, the Illinois Watch Case Co. was a reputable company. They continued to make cases at least as late as the 1940's. The manufacturing plant and office equipment was sold at public auction in 1957.

Watch case compact, clock by Weldwood.

Illinois Watch Case Co signed on powder pan lid

Jay Strongwater - Contemporary compacts.

Jaquet Company - Perfumer and treatments by Josephine Jaquet, soon forming a partnership with Lawrence J Maxwell known as Jaquet and Maxwell, doing business under a brand called Tanty. The first face powders were packaged in vanity boxes of silk brocade and gold lace and fitted with a mirror and puff. Metal Jaquet compacts appeared in the 1930s, made by the J.V. Pilcher Manufacturing Co of Louisville KY. The only adornment a small coat of arms which became the Jaquet logo. Several other manufacturers produced metal compacts for the brand in the 1930s. Josephine published her book in 1936 and effectively retired and references to Tanty slowly died off after WWII.

J.D. Mendes Co - Rouge and powder compacts.

J.M Fisher Co - Attleboro MA. See Fisher

Jonteel - A trademark of the Liggett Co NY. A cosmetics house. Probably began mass producing affordable compacts in the 1940s. Boston based United Drug Co (Rexall) president L Liggett. See also Cara Nome, another line by the same company. Metal cases first made by D. Evans and Co Novelty Dept in 1919.

J.R. Watkins Co - Plainview/Winona MN. Sold under trademark MarKing / Mary King. Founded by Joseph Ray Watkins. Specializing in selling to rural areas. Founded in 1868 as a door-to-door seller of liniment. Still in business today.

Also a Trade Name in Canada - Cologne Bottle

Mary King trade name Rouge Compact

Juno - An Australian compact trademark

K&K - Kotler and Kopit. They manufactured compacts sometime during the 1930s to 1950s. Pawtucket RI.

K&K jeweled Compact with signed puff

K&K signed puff

Karess - see CB Woodworth

Katherine Baumann of Beverly Hills - a noted contemporary designer of minaudieres and accessories decorated with Swarovski crystals.

Kerr, William B - Newark NJ c1880 to 1927 when it was taken over by Gorham. Makers of fine silver Art Nouveau and vanity items.

KIGU - England. A compact company founded by Gustav Kiaschek, son of master goldsmith Joseph Kiaschek of Budapest Hungary. The name derived from Gustav's name. KI = Kiaschek GU = Gustav). Made compacts until the 1950s and in 1977 it was acquired by A.S. Brown maker of Mascot compacts. Later, both Kigu and Mascot brands were acquired by Laughton and Sons of London, makers of Stratton compacts. In the early 1920s Gustav had a factory in Budapest producing compacts under his trade name Kigu. Gustav's son George came to England in 1939 and the Kigu Co was established in Great Britain by George in 1947. Advertised as Compacts with Character. Well engineered with quality materials. Made their very collectible flying saucer compact in 1951. Stopped making compacts in the late 1950s and manufactured costume jewelry instead until the take over by A.S. Brown in 1977.

KIGU compact

KIGU signed Ballerina Compact

Klix - Trademark of D. Harris & Co of Great Britain. Began manufacturing in 1950s. Famous for their transparent plastic / lucite compacts with a simple print on the lid. Not to be confused with (Klix) Marathon of USA.

Kreisler - A manufacturer of compacts in Germany

Kronheimer & Oldenbusch / K&O - Probably the first American business to produce its own line of metal souvenir vanity cases made specifically for tourists in America. France initially developed the metal souvenir vanity case in the years leading up to WWI. Typically, they were decorated with repousse images of historical and monumental structures, and flowers. The first K&O vanity case decorated with a shield and sold as a souvenir was about 1912, before most cosmetic houses had begun to use metal vanity cases. From about 1915 to 1927 K&O used one type of case made of stamped metal, often with a bale to wear as a pendant to disguise its actual use. From the late 1920s till the company went out of business in 1942, the company relied upon cases made by other manufacturers and fixing their commemorative shields to them.

Kunick - Makers of the Petie Vanity camera made is post war Germany for the home market. The camera used 16mm paper-backed film for 14x14mm images. It was simply made with a 20mm f9 fixed focus lens and a shutter speed of 1/50.

I will issue more compact blogs for more of the alphabet soon!

Be sure to check out mandicrafts.ca for compacts to purchase!

Bear Hugs

Mandy

Mandicrafts

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide E to G

2020-09-02T21:12:00.002-04:00

Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide E to G

E.A.M.Co - see Elgin

E.B.M. - manufacturer of quality vanities

Ed. Pinaud - see Pinaud

Eisenberg - Founded in 1914 by Jonas Esenberg that originally manufactured clothing and jeweled accessories accented by Austrian rhinestones from the Swarovski Co. Eisenberg jewelry was first produced about 1930 and continues to this day. In the 1940s the company joined forces with Henriette and Dorset Fifth Avenue to provide jeweled decoration for powder compacts.

Elgin American Manufacturing Co - E.A.M.Co trademark of the Illinois Watch Co of Elgin Illinois. Not to be confused with the Illinois Watch Case Company. Established in 1880s. Their silver metal used for compacts called Elginite has proven to be as indestructible as it was advertised. Manufacturing compacts as early as the 1920s and manufactured cases for many of the famous cosmetic houses. In 1950, they commissioned Salvadore Dali to create a compact. The result was the famous Bird-in-Hand which featured a powder compartment, pill box, and lipstick. It came in 3 finishes, satin bronze, silver, and sterling silver all with 14k overlay on the wings. In 1963 after a very long labour dispute, the decision was made to close the Elgin American plant and move production to Japan.

Elgin American Military Compact with puff

Elizabeth Arden - Florence Nightingale Graham, a Canadian born cosmetics executive. She began experimenting in cosmetic manufacture in her own kitchen and by 1908 she arrived in NY and soon opened her first salon on Fifth Avenue. When in Paris in 1912 she noted that women there liked to use colour in rouges and eye make-up. She introduced this idea in her salons in NY and American women loved it. She died in 1966 and her company still thrives today. Probably began mass producing affordable compacts in the 1940s.

Elizabeth Arden Pocket Watch Swiss Twist Compact with Metal Sifter

Elmo - An American trademark. Margaret and Mary McCann, called the Elmo sisters, opened a salon c1907 and began using the Elmo trademark in 1909 and developed the logo in 1929. Sold to Apex in 1956.

Elmo Rouge Compact with Logo and mark on exterior

Elsa-Peretti - contemporary compacts

Enessa - England. Manufacturing compacts during the 1940s to 50s

Estee Lauder - Estee and Joe Lauder began this cosmetics firm in Quens, NY in 1944. Sold designs through exclusive high end department stores like I Magnin, Neiman-Marcus and Sax Fifth Avenue. Exceptional qality of her compacts has made them highly collectible. Has been manufacturing compacts for over 50 years from classic gold tone styles to a wide variety of figurals, often encrusted with Austrian crystals. Her first powder compact was the Golden Alligator in 1967. The first solid perfume compact was the Youth Dew golden rope with a faux turquoise stone in the centre in 1968. Creates approximately 25 new designs per year.

Estee Lauder Limited Edition Roulette Wheel Compact

Evans Components Co - British maker who chose the French sounding name Le Rage for its compact range, creating a continental feel during the 1950s. Only made compacts for a few years during the 50s but their work is of a high standard, comparable to Stratton and Vogue Vanities.

Evans Case Company - American, Attleboro MA. One of the most prolific producers of high quality compacts and carryalls, as well as cigarette cases and lighters, holloware, costume jewelry, handbags and other products. The company began about 1918 as the Evans Novelty Company. Early compact cases were made for other companies such as their first contract with United Drug Co (Jonteel Brand) and were unmarked. Some were marked as Sheffield Plate. Later replaced with Imperial Plate. The L.G. Balfour Co in Attleboro had carved out a niche business supplying novelties and jewelry items to fraternities and educational institutions, and by 1920 there was a demand for Evan made cases fitted with school or fraternity badges. Evans was famous for its mesh bottomed compacts and guilloche enamel. Mayfair was also a trademark of the Evans Co. At some point they became a division of Hilsingor Corp of Plainville Mass and disappeared after 1965.

Evans Guilloche Enamel Compact signed on inner lid

F&B Co - Theodore W Foster and Brothers Co, Providence RI, maker of fine sterling and guilloche tango compacts in the 1920s. In the 19th century the firm was known as Foster and Bailey. Compacts signed F&BCo.

Not a compact, but tuxedo button bar shows the F&B mark

Faberge - Jewelry firm founded in 1842 by Gustave Faberge. In the 1950s, the rights to the name Faberge was transferred to the cosmetic firm Faberge Inc, manufacturer of perfumes and stylish compacts.

Fancy Metal Goods - Birmingham England. Office in London. Manufacturers of brush sets with petit point, and imitation enamel, Flap Jack compacts and make up mirrors. 1940s

Fiancee - Part of the CB Woodworth line prior to 1930, but after 1930, International Perfume Inc of NY decided to market all products under the Bourjois label. See Bourjois / CB Woodworth.

Fiancee line of CB Woodworth rouge compact, Woodworth mark below mirror

Fillkwik - see Shields

Finberg Mfg Co - Attleboro MA. Makers of good quality guilloche enamel compacts in the 1930s. Signed FMCo.

Fisher - J.M. Fisher Company, Attleboro MA, one of the oldest established jewelry firms in Attleboro. Formed in 1879 by John Melatiah Fisher and Charles R Harris. Firm is still in the jewelry business today, but in the 1920s and 30s it was noted for it's stylish and colourful compacts with unusual shapes and designs. Compacts are rarely trademarked but can be identified by their shapes, their one-link chains, and the fragility of their brightly coloured champleve enamels. Few survive in pristine condition.

Fitch - A trademark found on only one known vanity, a fine oval silver metal case with a champleve / neillo design featuring a woman's profile between 2 peacocks. This could be the F.W. Fitch Co makers of shampoos and dandruff treatments in the early to mid twentieth century.

Flamand Fladium - A Parisian firm that manufactured a series of compacts on cuff bracelets, each named for a famous woman of the day like Josephine Baker and Claudine Cereola

Flamingo - England. Established by the Fulmen Engineering Ltd in the early 1950s. Manufactured for only a few short years.

Flato - Paul Flato, jewelry designer to the stars in the 1920s and 1930s from his Hollywood shop on Sunset Blvd in LA and in his shop in NYC. He also designed high quality compacts usually in sturdy cases with matching lipsticks. Whimsical in design and now very collectible.

Gallery Originals - A trademark of Avon Cosmetics. See Avon

G.A.S. - Georg A Scheid an Austrian silversmith and jeweller active in Vienna from 1862 famous for high quality enameling.

Georg Jensen - A division in NY. A very famous Scandinavian silversmith.

Girey - An American compact company known especially for it's Kamra-Pak compacts, made to resemble small cameras. These often included powder, rouge, and lipstick tubes. Manufacturing between the 1930s and the 1950s.

Girey Kamra-Pak Compact Rouge and Lipstick signed below rouge pan

Gloria Vanderbilt - Not the Gloria of jeans fame. This was Mrs Reginald Vanderbilt nee Gloria Morgan. Opened a NY salon fro July 1946 until October 1947. Mainly a perfumerie.

Gucci - Well known name in fashion. Producing contemporary compacts.

Gwenda - England. Noted for foil back scenes resembling butterfly wing. Gwenda was the trademark of Hussey-Dawson of Birmingham England. Began manufacturing compacts c1930. At the time, they were lower end compacts. Now they are very collectible and considered rather high end.

I will issue subsequent blogs continuing the alphabet!

Be sure to visit mandicrafts.ca to view compacts and collectibles!

Bear Hugs

Mandy

Mandicrafts

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide A to D

2020-09-01T15:38:00.002-04:00

Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide A to D

A.M. Frank - a trademark found on French compacts

A.S. Brown - English maker in London, trademark Mascot. Manufacturing as early as 1940s and signed "ASB". Began using the Mascot trade name in 1950. Famous for compacts shaped as handbags during the 1950s. Made compacts in leather and metal. Also produced cigarette cases, mirrors, brush sets, lipstick holders, novelties and other items. They absorbed the Kigu Co in 1977. Logo is a tipped crown. Eventually taken over by Laughton & Sons, makers of Stratton.


Mascot Compact


Mascot Crown Logo

Agme - A Swiss compact company, often musical, c1940s to 60s. Not much information available about the company.

Agme Switzerland Musical Compact

Agme signed above inner mirror

American Products Co - manufacturers of LaBara cosmetics, Theda Bara's line.

Atkinsons - a British compact trademark

Armand - a cosmetics house founded in 1916 in Des Moines Iowa by Carl Weeks and by 1927 was the leading seller of face powder in the USA. Developed cold cream face powder in 1916. Logo was a pompadour woman's head in silhouette. He finished his Tudor style home in 1927 Salisbury House which is now a museum. Introduced the Florian line in 1929 for men. Armand merged into Weeks & Leo Co Inc in the 1950s and Carl Weeks retired. Tried to unsuccessfully revive Armand brand name and it was gone by the 1960s. Weeks and Leo still exists today.

Armand Compact

Avon Cosmetics - Avon is the largest direct marketing firm in the world. The company began in 1896 as the California Perfume Company with a rose perfume developed by Mr David McConnell of NY. He named the company Avon in 1939 in tribute to his favourite playwright William Shakespeare and Stratford-on-Avon. Mrs P.F.E Albee of Winchester New Hampshire USA pioneered the company's now-famous direct-selling method.

Avon Compact

Avon Puff and Sifter

Baird-North Co - Providence Rhode Island. Manufacturing compacts as early as the 1930s

BB Co / Bliss Brothers - Attleboro MA. Making compacts in the period between 1930s to 1950s. Mark was usually a small B and Co within large B. (Not to be confused with E.A. Bliss).

RAF Military Compact by Bliss Brothers

Puff Styled by Bliss

Bell DeLuxe - possibly a French trademark

Bigney, Sidney O - Mark S.O.B. for Sidney O Bigney Co Attleboro MA

Birks - Established in Montreal Canada on March 1, 1879. In 1887 started a jewelry factory upstairs over the shop. Called the Tiffanys of Canada. Specialized in sterling silver. Earliest registered hallmark under the Birks family name is dated 1564.

R. Blackinton & Co - 1862 to 1967 North Attleboro MA

Bliss - E.A. Bliss Company, Meriden CT. Founded in 1875 as a manufacturer of men's watch chains and small gift items. It was known as Bliss and Carpenter and then, in 1882 as E.A. Bliss Company after its co-owner Edgerton Ames Bliss. Until 1907 their trademark was E.A. Co. Bliss traveled to Europe to keep up on continental style trends and to acquire metals and beads for his jewelry co as his chief designer. In 1913 James H Napier was hired as General Manager and he eventually became president. The company became known as Napier-Bliss in 1920. Eventually the name was changed to the Napier Co and it continues in business to this day. (Not to be confused with BB Co Bliss Brothers).

Boots or Boots the Chemists - a British drugstore company founded in 1849. Signed Boots in script or a B in script. Still in business.

Bourjois - Evening in Paris is part of the Bourjois line. In 1930, International Perfume Inc of NY decided to market all of its products under the Bourjois label. Evening in Paris and Springtime in Paris were two of their very popular lines.

Evening in Paris Rouge Puff

Bourjois Evening in Paris Vanity Case

Bridgeport - Bridgeport Metal Goods Mfg Co, Bridgeport CT

D.F. Briggs Co or Briggs or D.F.B. Co - Attleboro MA. Compacts marked DFBCo. Manufacturer of fine vanities 1920s to 30s.

Britemode or Brightman Products Co - Located on Fifth Ave 1950s to 60s. Company was sold in the 70s.

Britemode Puff and Sifter

Britemode Compact

Brodnax - George T Brodnax Inc Memphis TN. Vanity cases.

Caressa Toilet Requisites - London England. Manufacturers of powder puffs, manicure accessories, holdalls

Cartier - a luxury jewelry company begun in 1898. In 1909 the first NY shop opened on Fifth Avenue.

Charbert - NY. Selling compacts in 1930s, probably did not manufacture their own cases, they were a cosmetics firm. The NY branch was founded by Herbert Harris & William Gaxton in 1933 on Fifth Avenue. Gaxton was the star of the Broadway Gershwin musical play Of Thee I Sing in 1931. Drumstick was its cosmetics brand / trademark. Gaxton sold his interest in the firm in 1950 and the company closed its doors in 1963 to 64.

Charbert compact with Drum Logo on exterior lid

Charles of the Ritz - American cosmetics house located in NY NY founded in 1919.
in 1926, they began marketing beauty products under the name "Charles of the Ritz". Perfume was added to this line in 1927. In 1935, Charles of the Ritz launched the highly successful Jean Naté line of body splashes and fragrance. They later acquired the cosmetics company Alexandra de Markoff. In 1963, Ritz acquired 80% of the house of Yves Saint Laurent. In 1964 Charles of the Ritz merged with the Lanvin Group and from then on was known as Lanvin-Charles of the Ritz. In 1972 the company was acquired by E.R. Squibb. In 1984 Charles of the Ritz launched Forever Krystle and Carrington, successful fragrances based on American television drama Dynasty. In 1986, Squibb sold the entire division back to Yves Saint Laurent. Yves Saint Laurent sold Charles of the Ritz Incorporated to Revlon in 1987. Revlon shut down Charles of the Ritz in 2002.

Charles of the Ritz compact, signed on base CR initials on puff and lid

Ciner - A costume jeweler noted for fine quality compacts usually produced with sturdy cases and matching lipsticks. Found by Emanuel Ciner in 1892. By 1931 Ciner began producing fine costume jewelry. Early jewelry was frequently unmarked, following WWII most are marked Ciner.

Clarice Jane - a compact trademark of E.A.M., Elgin American Manufacturing Co, of the Illinois Watch Company

Clover Japan - wind up musical compacts c1950s

Colgate - Cashmere Bouquet

Colleen Moore - Cosmetics house. Probably started mass producing affordable compacts in the 1940s

Columbia - Of Fifth Avenue. Along with Zell, Rex and Dorset, often called the "Fifth Avenues", all makers of moderately priced compacts during the 1940s to 50s.

Columbia of Fifth Avenue Compact with Box

Coro - American costume jewelry manufacturer. Produced a limited range of compact designs beginning in the 1940s

Coty - Perfume and cosmetics company located at Fifth Avenue NY. Began in Paris France early 1900s. The Coty trademark was registered in France on 9-15-14 by Francois Coty for Airspun Face Powder and compact container with white and gold powder puffs on an orange background. A collaborative effort between Rene Lalique, famous glass maker and Leon Bakst, designer of stage sets and costumes for the Ballet Russe. Also a NY division.

Coty Double Vanity Buckle with Box and Puffs

Cyclax - England. Manufacturing compacts as early as the 1920s

Daniel - Marketed compacts early to mid-century. Particularly known for their Echoes de Montmartre series and it has been said they may have been based in Paris. Also called The House of Nash.

Daniel House of Nash Leather Compact

Darnee - French company noted for producing small compacts and rouges with celebrity connections.

Debbie J Palmer - contemporary compacts. D J Palmer spent 12 years as the VP of design at Estee Lauder before starting her own production company in NY NY. Victoria's Secret, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom's and Neiman Marcus are among the distributors.

DeVore Manufacturing Co - La Pandora line in 1930s.

Dexter - 1950s

D.F.B. - See Briggs

Divine - Trademark found in tiny glove compacts with decorative lids, often done in silhouette.

Djer-Kiss Kerkoff - Trademark of Kerkoff, a Parisian cosmetics firm. Their most famous design is the silver kissing fairies compact. Exporting to the USA in the 1920s, exclusively through Alfred H Smith Co of NY. Compacts are usually small and silver in colour.

Dorothy Gray - A cosmetic firm that flourished in the 1950s to 60s, acquired by Playtex products. Located at 683 Fifth Avenue NY. Probably began mass producing affordable compacts in the 1940s. Trade name bought by Lehn & Fink in 1927. First compact in 1924. Used a hoop skirt logo in 1924 to 1927, but was sued by Armand.

Dorothy Gray Rouge Compact with puff

Dorset - Fifth Avenue NY. Manufactured lucite handbags. Started making moderately priced compacts c1947. Merged with Rex Fifth Avenue in 1951 becoming Dorset-Rex.

Dorset Compact with puff

Dovell - A brand used by Zell Fifth Avenue early 1930s.

Souvenir compact with Dovell puff

Dunhill - Alfred Dunhill Ltd of London. A British firm noted for it's watches, men's accessories and lighters. They also manufactured a ladies compact in the form of a lighter. Mary was the only daughter. Mary Dunhill established a salon in 1926 in London, ceased business in 1940. Opened a USA branch in 1934.

Mary Dunhill Compact with signed puff

DuBarry - England. Manufacturing compacts as early as the 1920s. Mr Kilby Pears launched the Dubarry cosmetic line during WWI. Mr Pears ran the Standard Tablet Factory, which was liquidated in 1923 and a company trading as Dubarry purchased the assets, of which Mr Pears was named Managing Director and officially registered Dubarry as a company in 1924. The first glass perfume bottle was registered by the Standard Tablet Factory in 1921. Elegant compacts were launched called "powdrettes". The original factories still have the lettering and tiling showing Dubarry and Shalimar along with other products made by Dubarry. The company was acquired in 1962 and moved in 1964, finally going into liquidation in 1982.

I will issue further blogs for the rest of the alphabet!

Teddy Hugs

Mandy

Mandicrafts

Please visit mandicrafts.ca to view compacts available for sale!

How To Refinish Baribocraft and Baribo-Maid Canada Wooden Salad Bowls

2020-03-13T09:51:00.001-04:00

How to Refinish Baribocraft and Baribo-Maid Canada Salad Bowls

Visit mandicrafts.ca for authentic vintage Baribocraft Wooden Ware!

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Mandy

Berg Austria Vintage Collectible Plush

2018-01-10T21:54:00.000-05:00

Berg Spielwaren Tiere mit Herz GmbH Austria - Collectible Vintage Plush

Berg Austria began in 1946 by the Broschek family, making teddy bears from old surplus army blankets, uniforms and buttons at their farmhouse near Fieberbrunn in the province of Tyrol. Berg was derived from grandma's maiden name Berger.


A variety of vintage Berg Austria plush animals

Soon, other materials became available. In 1957 their new trademark was developed, the heart pendant (Animals with Heart - Tiere mit Herz), red enamel on brass, engraved on reverse.


Engraved back of heart

Red enamel Heart Tag

In the early 1950s a simple woven cloth ear or foot tag was used, printed with Berg. In 1957 Berg built a new factory in Admont.

Voice boxes were made from a small box filled with tiny stones.

In the late 1960s Berg began making Limited Edition and Replica Bears and Animals from older designs.

Miniature teddy bears, each with their own wooden boxes with the painted heart logo.

Berg Miniature Teddy's each with a wooden box with logo

Early heart tags were heavier and the Berg name in italic script attached with a thread. Later the hearts were attached with a plastic attachment.

Italic script engraved Heart

Later, items also included a paper tag sewn into a seam with a catalogue number.

Paper seam tag showing Berg and material content info.

A Berg Elephant with heart tag and paper tag above.

Berg Elephent with ID Heart Button and paper seam tag

A Berg Lion with heart tag.

Berg Lion Lying with Heart Tag

Miniature mohair plush colourful monkey with heart tag.

Berg Miniature Monkey with Heart Tag

Early Teddy Bears had a fabric seam tag printed with Made in Austria and fabric content info under Teddy's arm, printed in green and brown. They also had a green plastic button fixed onto their chest and a cardboard chest tag with silver metal surround.

A c1950s to 60s Berg Teddy Bear

Vintage Berg Austria Teddy Bear with Growler

In 1995 Berg became part of the German Company Bauer-Spielwaren.

Berg items shown above can be found on Mandicrafts

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Mandy

Mandicrafts

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Soldier Bears Mascot Bears Pocket Bears WWI Mohair Pals for the Trenches

2017-08-18T21:01:00.002-04:00

Soldier Bears by JK Farnell and Steevans UK

Known as Soldier Bears, Mascot Bears and Pocket Bears, they were produced between 1914 and 1920 for wives, mothers, and sweethearts to give to their loved ones when they went to war, as good luck mascots and to keep their owner's safe.

Precious miniature mohair plush teddy bears, fully jointed with comical upturned faces, their eyes at the tops of their heads so they could see out of the soldier's uniform pocket.

JK Farnell, founded in England in 1840 began making traditional teddy bears in 1908 and produced Soldier Bears and mascot dogs and cats. Steevans UK is also mentioned as a maker of some Mascot Bears.

The most famous collection of Soldier Bears belonged to the Campbell brothers, who both went to war and amassed an amazing collection of close to 400 bears. The bears were auctioned by Sotheby's in London in 1999 and carry the provenance of their previous owners.

AA Milne, Winnie The Pooh's creator was said to have carried a Farnell mascot dog to the front.

An Australian / British Soldier Bear.

Soldier Bear and his Trusty Steed

He is accompanied by his trusty steed, a white mohair horse, mostly bald now, but still with his felt saddle and strap. Entrusted to their care is a silk handkerchief with hand embroidered British and Australian flags. Kept for decades in their tin biscuit trunk for safe keeping.

Tin Biscuit Trunk


Soldier Bear and his Horse


British Australian Golden Mohair Soldier Bear

A British Soldier Bear, missing his ears, kept in his old wooden trunk and wrapped in patriot muslin clothing.

Soldier Bear and his wooden trunk

Soldier bears are tiny bears, usually about 3 to 4 inches tall, full jointed, have small chenille stem ears and glass eyes located at the tops of their heads so that they can peek out of the pockets of their soldier owners. Made from mohair in traditional gold, Farnell also made them in the British patriotic colours of red, white and blue.

Find more timeless treasures at Mandicrafts

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Mandy

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(just click on any of the names)

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Vintage Collectible Hand Glove Toy Puppets: Spieldorst Steiff WDP Kersa

2016-04-23T15:28:00.000-04:00

Vintage Collectible Hand Glove Puppets

Puppetry has its roots in ancient times as a form of entertainment and to educate. Puppets come in several forms, from simple sock puppets, to elaborate rod and string marionette puppets, some even life-sized as seen on stage in theatre productions. Many of the big plush toy maker's have produced/produce hand glove puppets such as Steiff, Kersa, Schuco, Spieldorst, Gund, Folkmanis, Ganz, Hermann, Chad Valley, Merrythought, Disney and many more. There are collectors who focus on just hand puppets, or on puppets that are a certain brand, or those made in a particular era.

Steiff Germany has made puppets for over 100 years.

A variety of Steiff Hand Glove Puppets

The Steiff puppets shown are made from a variety of materials including mohair plush, Dralon plush, felt, and Trevira velvet. Older puppets have a fibreboard tube inserted into the excelsior (wood wool) stuffing of the head, usually 1950s into the 1970s. The more modern Steiff puppets have plastic finger tubes and some puppets have vinyl plastic heads that are hollow to enable the finger space.

Steiff Wittie Owl Puppet

Steiff Frog Puppet

Steiff Lora Parrot Puppet

Steiff Leo Lion Puppet

Some popular animal hand glove puppets by Steiff Germany.

Steiff Punch Character Puppet

Two examples of a Punch character hand glove puppet by Steiff.

One of the popular street and theatre puppet shows was Punch and Judy. Crazy characters that pounded upon each other much to the amusement of the audience. In German, the character is Kasperle.

Spieldorst K.G. DDR (East Germany) produced many hand glove puppets in the Kasperle genre. Founded by Julius Walter Dorst in the Thuringen/Bavaria region, Spieldorst produced puppets with wooden heads, painted metal eyes, yarn hair and cloth or felt gloves. The hang tag shows a Clown Logo with a Star D, and Sonneberg Erscheinungsjahn. Due to being within the DDR region, information on this company is scarce. Some Spieldorst character puppets examples.


Spieldorst K.G. DDR Puppets

Spieldorst Hang Tag Label

Paper hang tag label showing the Spieldorst logo.

Spieldorst Devil Puppet

A particularly scary Devil hand glove puppet by Spieldorst.

A more modern iconic puppet character range was produced by Ganz, called Wrinkles. Originally invented by a small cottage industry puppet maker in Canada, Senitt, Ganz held the license for many years during the 1980s. Nowadays, a (new) Wrinkles can only be obtained from Senitt, Canada who remains in business. Wrinkles were hound dogs, but an elephant and a moose also joined the Wrinkles series. Usually a full sized complete animal with the head having the puppet feature for the hand, hand glove puppets were also made.

Ganz Wrinkles Dog Glove Puppet

An unusual Ganz Wrinkles Dog hand glove puppet.

All Ganz Wrinkles animals have a numbered leather neck tag and an embroidered bone logo on the lining of the ear.

Ganz Wrinkles Neck Tag & Logo

Senitt Canada Wrinkles Dog Puppet

A Senitt Canada Wrinkles full body puppet.

Senitt Bunny Puppet

Senitt Crow Puppet

A bunny rabbit hand glove puppet and a plush crow puppet, both by Senitt Canada.

Senitt Label

Seam label by Senitt Canada.

Folkmanis is a modern producer of high quality full sized animal puppets. From tiny finger puppets to life-sized animals, Folkmanis puppets make cuddly friends.

Folkmanis Eagle Puppet

Folkmanis Koala Puppet

Folkmanis Skunk Finger Puppet

Folkmanis seam label

W.(Wilhelmine) Walter KG (Kersa) was founded in 1925 in Lobositz, a small town in Bohemia in the western area of the Czech Republic about 30 miles from Prague. Wilhelmine originally made cloth & soft toys for her children. The Kersa

trademark began to be used in 1933 derived from the German phrase that means "artistically produced playthings". All teddy bears & soft toys up until 1956 have a little metal Kersa tag. In 1948 Kersa moved to Mendelheim Germany producing teddy bears, dwarves, Easter Rabbits and cats. In 1960 Kersa ceased production of teddy bears and concentrated on making cloth and wooden puppets. Today, Kersa is Germany's leading maker of hand puppets.

Kersa Character Hand Puppet

Kersa metal ID tag

A variety of Kersa hand glove puppets including a Punch full body puppet (in red).

Kersa Hand Glove Puppets

Chad Valley located in London, England, produced character puppets from one of the longest running children's TV programs, Sooty and Sweep.

Chad Valley UK Sooty & Sweep Puppets

Over the years, Sooty and Sweep were made in mohair plush and synthetic plush, with sewn noses and plastic noses.

Chad Valley Chiltern Seam Tag

Chad Valley acquired Chiltern Toys, and for a time, their seam labels reflected this merger.

Sooty Hand Puppet

A well-loved Sooty puppet missing his tag.

A classic Beefeater dressed Teddy Bear hand glove puppet by Merrythought.

Merrythought Puppet

Merrythought was founded in England in 1919 and is still in business today. Merrythought is an Olde English 17th century word for Wish Bone, their logo symbol.

Walt Disney Characters have been produced by various maker's for more than 70 years, depending upon who had the coveted license at the time. Under the Walt Disney Productions (WDP) label some cloth puppets with vinyl heads representing Mickey Mouse and friends, made in Korea.

Walt Disney Productions Hand Puppets made in Korea

Applause held the license for a time. Here is a plush Minnie Mouse hand glove puppet still with her plastic hang tag.

Applause Minnie Mouse Puppet

A familiar television character, Alf a hand glove puppet by Alien Productions.

Alf Puppet Alien Productions

Sesame Street Muppet puppets, Big Bird and Ernie.

Sesame Street Ernie & Big Bird Puppets

Snoopy Peanuts Character Puppet

The ever popular Peanuts character, Snoopy.

To round off the puppet theme......are you up for a congregation of alligators?

Felt Alligator Puppet

Steiff Gaty Puppet

Plush Alligator Puppet

Many of the puppets shown are available at Mandicrafts.

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Mandy

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ARA Jeretzian Toy Wool Animal Pocket Pets

2016-03-11T13:41:00.000-05:00

ARA Jeretzian Toy Wool Animals

ARA Jeretzian toy animals are constructed from 100% wool and were hand made in Vienna Austria beginning in the early 1950s into the mid-1970s.

ARA Jeretzian Toy Animals and Pocket Pets

ARA created over 200 posable creations ranging in size from 1/2 inch (1 cm) up to 10 inches (25 cm).

ARA Jeretzian Animals

Some animals were distributed under the name of Pocket Pets, with the tag line The World's Loveliest Animals, throughout Austria, France, Germany and USA. In the USA the boxes were also marked A.J. Ferber Co Inc Atlantic City NJ, as the distributor.

ARA Jeretzian Smallest Dachshund

The pets were constructed from a combination of wool chenille pipe cleaners and needle felted wool on a wire structure with air brush detail and cute props. This attention to detail has made them a popular collectible as companions for dolls, teddies or in dollhouse displays.

ARA Jeretzian Daisy Cow

ARA Jeretzian Baby Elephant

Earlier animals were boxed in clear acetate, with a garland border of white animal figures. The box included a base label inside, the ARA story printed in German on one side and Hand Made Austria beside a blue fox logo superimposed on a world globe, on the reverse.

Ara Jeretzian Austria Animals

ARA Jeretzian Siamese Cat

ARA Box Label Greeting


ARA Jeretzian rare tag

The animals themselves were rarely labeled or tagged. This proud King of Beasts Lion wears a black and gold logo tag on his gold braid around his neck.

Pocket Pets were mounted on a gold carded inner base, within their clear acetate boxes. Printed on the edges of the base, in French, English and German, The World's Loveliest Animals, and the stylized ARA name.

Ara Jeretzian Pocket Pets

Later, the boxes were made of green and gold card with a clear acetate front window lid, the ARA story printed on the back in German and English. Some pets had an attached cord as hanging ornaments.

ARA Jeretzian Fox

ARA Jeretzian message to buyer on box

Themed animals expanded ARA's offerings. A black poodle with his arm in a sling and a bandaged foot carries a message of Komm gut Heim or Get Home Safely.

ARA Jeretzian Wounded Poodle

Donkeys with saddle bags, squirrels holding pine cones, even a Christmas mouse holding a gift bag.

Some of the ARA Jeretzian animals shown here are available at Mandicrafts.

Start or add to your treasured collection today!

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Mandy
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Genuine Fur Koala Collectible Bears & Other Stuffed Friends from Australia

2015-09-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

Genuine Fur Koala Bears and Friends - Vintage Souvenirs from Australia

Soon after the creation of the traditional Teddy Bear, Australia's "bear", the Koala became popular as a subject for toys and collectibles.


Genuine Fur Koala Bears

Early koala bears, created in the 1920s were jointed at the head and limbs and were made from kangaroo, wallaby, and even koala fur. Eyes were leather shoe buttons, noses were pure rubber or gutta percha, and claws were leather or rubber. They were usually stuffed with wood wool or cork.

Jointed Fur Koala Bear

Rare to find, especially in good condition, jointed koala bears were still occasionally made into the 1940s, with glass eyes replacing the original leather shoe button eyes.

Jointed Fur Koala Bear

Jointed Fur Koala with little buddy

Stuffing Kapok & Sub

By the 1930s, most koala bears were no longer jointed and had a fixed head with a new outstretched starfish-like body design, made nearly exclusively from kangaroo fur.

Early Koala with Leather Claws

Early starfish design, still showing leather claws.

Leather Claws

In the 1920s into the 1930s accessories became popular. Tea cozies, muffs, purses and other decorative items.

Purse Muff

Kangaroo Fur Koala Purse Muff with Cord

Muff is lined with plaid flannel, has a metal zipper for the purse section, a red cord strap and a Koala head with glass eyes.

Koala Tea Cosy

Back of Tea Cosy


Apricot satin quilted lining Tea Cosy

Billy Blue Gum Character Bear

A character developed by Norman Lindsay Billy Bluegum who debuted in the newspaper in 1904 became a popular creation.

Billy Bluegum Character info

Koala's came in many designs. Here is a leather hand puppet Koala.

Koala Hand Puppet

Leather Skin Puppet

In the 1940s to 1950s glass eyes replaced the leather boot button eyes, and the use of synthetic rubber increased. Stuffing was kapok or kapok and wood wool combinations. The basic shape of the koala remained the same.

In the 1960s the kangaroo fur used was generally lighter than the earlier fur used. The earlier wallaby fur was longer and darker.

Fur Kangaroo and Joey

Harder to find, a kangaroo and her joey (baby) made from kangaroo fur, with glass eyes.

Fur Joey

Even the joey has glass eyes.

In the 1970s, plastic safety lock eyes, synthetic rubber noses & claws and even synthetic fur came into use.

Example of darker vs lighter Kangaroo Fur

Different furs, from different species produced varied products. Darker/ lighter, more fluffy, curly, straight.

Fluffy Fur Koala Bears

Large Koala with little buddy

Koalas came in many different sizes. Styles remained consistent but there were a wide range of sizes.

Musical Koala Bear with Original Tag

Musical koala bear on stand. Wind Up, plays Waltzing Matilda and has original hang tag. Tag gives information on koalas.

Koala Story

Koala with original tag

Unusual to find a koala with its original tag. There were many producers/makers of genuine fur koalas in Australia. Made as souvenirs, they can be found worldwide, as visitors brought them home from their travels.

3D Relief Framed Fur Koala Decor

Koala souvenirs came in many different genres. The Koala story remained the same.

Koala Bear Story

A nocturnal marsupial, native to Australia, who carries their young in a pouch and later on their backs, the koala does not drink water, getting their moisture solely from eucalyptus tree leaves, native to Australia. Their only enemy is the Dingo, also native to Australia, and man.

Due to public opinion, kangaroo fur koala souvenirs are no longer readily available. Only specialized licensed maker's still produce genuine fur koalas and other souvenir items.

Vintage Fur Koala items are more easily found outside of Australia due to the souvenir nature of the original product. Most were purchased and taken home to the traveler's home country.

These koala items are from my own personal collection.

Please visit Mandicrafts.

More information on genuine fur koala stuffed animals is available at Teddy and Bears.

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Mandy
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Ladies Vintage Face Powder Compacts & Vanity Cases: Showcase

2015-06-11T14:24:00.000-04:00

A selection of Vintage Ladies Compacts and Vanity Cases

Collecting the glamour, nostalgia and elegance of the early to mid 20th century? You must be a Ladies Face Powder Compact Vanity Case Collector!

Here are some marks and signatures that will aid you visually in your quest and a little eye-candy!

Vovan Enamel Compact


Vovan Clasp

Vogue Vanites Trade Mark

Pygmalion Sonata Piano Compact

Piano Interior

Pygmalion England

Parker Pen Wadsworth Canada Vanity Table Compact

Signed on Inner Lid

Puff also signed Parker Pen

Wadsworth USA Figural Fan Compact

Wadsworth Mark on inner lid


Rex Fifth Avenue Compact

Puff and inner lid signed Rex Fifth Avenue

Dorset Fifth Avenue Signed Puff

Dorset Fifth Avenue Compact

Zell Fifth Avenue Vanity Case

Compact and Lipstick Slide into Case

Signed simply Zell on inner comb case.

Ton-Ton Fifth Avenue Flapjack Compact

Signed Puff Ton-Ton Fifth Avenue

Evans Rouge & Powder Compact

Puff Signed Evans

Rouge imprinted Evans, unused.

Canadian Military Emblem Compact

Signed shaped puff Elgin American

Stratton Compact Trooping the Colours Queen Elizabeth II

Unused interior with Original Hang Tag

Signed on Inner Lid

Elgin Carry-All Compact

Interior of Elgin Carry-All

Trademark Elginite

Stratton London Compact

Stratton Compact-in-Hand Logo

Stratton Compact

Stratton Mark on inner lid

Coty Envelope Compact

Signed on Inner Lid

Unused Interior with Original Fluffy Puff

Variety of Vintage Compacts

Raquel Leather Book Compact Design by Zell


Interior with 2 pans

Rex Fifth Avenue Heart Compact

Interior Puff Original Tag

Minaudiere Carry-All unsigned

Cigarette Coin Compartment

Powder Compartment, Outer Lipstick

Hand Held Mirror Compact

Interior of Mirror Compact with Sifter Screen unsigned

Stratton Goldfinch Compact

Signed Inner Lid

Elgin American Figural Applied Ballerina Compact

Signed Puff and Inner Lid

Variety of Vintage Ladies Powder Compacts and Travel Vanity Cases

Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Compact

Signed Made in Gt Britain

Souvenir of Idaho Compact

Unsigned with original puff

Volupte Pocket Watch Styling Compact

Signed on lid edge, original tassel cord

Rex Fifth Avenue Silver Plated Lid Compact

Signed on Inner Lid

Hand Painted Triple Doublette Compact

Rouge and Powder Pan Polished Metal Mirror

Unsigned

Art Deco, the Golden Age of Hollywood, the frugal War Years, the glamour of the 1950s, the mod boldness of the 1960s into the 70s; all decades are captured in the styling of ladies powder compacts.

Many featured here are available at Mandicrafts.

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Mandy
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Compact Collectors Blog (Australia)

Baribocraft Baribo-Maid Canada Vintage Woodenware

2015-06-03T15:19:00.002-04:00

I have written several blogs about the iconic Canadian woodenware trademarked Baribocraft and Baribo-Maid. Produced since 1922 in Quebec Canada, and made from Canadian maple wood, it became a staple in households worldwide in the 20th Century, passed down generation to generation due to its high quality construction. Original production ceased in the 1970s.

There were plans by the current trademark owner to resurrect Baribocraft in limited models, using original designs to be produced in Canada, but, sadly, that is not to be.

We must continue to seek out and enjoy vintage Baribocraft and Baribo-Maid items!

I have put together a showcase of vintage designs I have found over the years.


Nut Bowl Light Maple


Serving Utensils Teak Stain

Serving Salad Bowl & Individual Bowl

Steak Platters

Cheese Serving Board

Baribocraft Branded Cheese Knife

Bread Box in English and French

Cheese Serving Board with Ceramic Tile

Baribocraft Label

Baribocraft Individual Salad Bowls

Pepper Mill & Salt Shaker with Hang Tag

Tea Tray Teak Stained

Meat Cutting Board

Cheese Serving Board with Slate Insert

Nut Bowl Maple Wood

Pepper Grinder & Salt Shaker in ONE

Apple Shaped Ice Bucket Staved Design

Salad Serving Bowl with Individual Bowls

Pepper Mill & Salt Shaker

Lazy Susan

Salad Serving Bowl Staved Design

Meat Cutting Board with Steel Holding Arm

Individual Salad Bowls Wheat Design

Paddle Cheese Board

Serving Salad Bowl with Individual Bowls & Serving Utensils

Small Cheese Board

Serving Utensils

Pepper Grinder & Salt Shaker Teak Stain

Cutting Board

Extra Large Party Sized Serving Salad Bowl

Original Hang Tag on Salt Shaker

Nut Bowl Teak Stain

Baribocraft Label

Space Age Salad Serving Bowl with Individual Bowls and Utensils

Spice Rack with Bottles

Meat Cutting Board

Saucepan Display Bowl

Serving Salad Bowl with Individual Bowls Staved Design

Pepper Mill & Salt Shaker

Shaped Cheese Board

Nut Bowl with Built-In Cracker

Individual Stacking Salad Bowls

Salad Set

Cheese Board with Leather Hanger

Space Age Serving Salad Bowl

Wine & Cheese Serving Board with Slate Insert

Space Age Individual Salad Bowls

Cheese Board Insert

Cheese Board

Individual Oval Salad Bowls Natural Maple

Serving Salad Bowl

Individual Salad Bowls Teak Stain

Lazy Susan

Ice Bucket

Salad Set

Serving Oval Salad Bowl

Serving Salad Bowl Wheat Design

Cheese & Crackers Serving Board

Woodenware that can grace your home for generations to come.

Many items pictured are available at Mandicrafts.

Bear Hugs
Mandy
Mandicrafts
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Collectible Vintage Teddy Bears - Clemens & Baki Germany

2014-11-30T20:15:00.000-05:00

Clemens Spieltiere & Baumann & Kienel (Baki) Germany - Collectible Teddy Bears

Clemens Spieltiere was founded by Hans Clemens in 1947. An entrepreneur who started in the gift and plush business later in life shortly after WWII when he was well into his 40s. He started by making teddy bears from war blankets purchased from the English Army to stock his Porcelain and China Gift Shop in Mannheim Germany. As early as 1949 his stuffed plush animals and bears had paper pendant labels showing Clemens and his logo.

Clemens Germany Zotty Teddy Bear

Likely a Clemens Teddy Bear, c1950s to 60s, no ID, fully jointed made from Dralon Plush with Glass eyes.

Clemens Mohair Squirrel

A Clemens mohair plush red squirrel with his original swing tag.

Clemens Swing Tag with Logo

A Clemens swing tag, c1960s.

Hans Clemens presented his plush animals at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in Germany in 1952 and the first printed ads for Clemens plush appeared in 1948.

Hans Clemens retired in 1983, the firm turned over to descendants to run.

A wonderful collaboration occurred in 2004. The designers Jack and Marion Finhold, famous in their own right for producing unique artist teddy bears and miniatures since 1976, began designing exclusively for Clemens.

Clemens Mohair Plush Mouse


Designers Jack & Marion Finhold

Fully jointed, mohair fur plush bears and other animals were designed by the Finholds exclusively for Clemens beginning in 2004.

Clemens Mohair Plush Bear

Exclusively designed with Love by Jack & Marion Finhold

Clemens Camel Mohair Plush with harness

Hans Clemens' Porcelain & China Gift Shop remained opened until 1968. Plush animals continue to be produced by Clemens Spieltiere in Germany.

Baumann & Kienel (Baki) Germany, was founded in 1951 by Franz Baumann in Flensburg Germany. He began in 1946 with teddy bears made from war blankets purchased from the English Army, and he took his bears to show at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 1949. In 1951 he collaborated with a childhood friend, Franz Kienel to form Baumann & Kienel, first trademarked as Baumki and later changed to Baki. In 1954 the factory was moved to Rodach. Franz Baumann was grandson to Johann Hermann, of the Hermann Teddy Bear dynasty.

Baki Germany Dachshund Dog

Baki plastic button logo

An early Baki Germany Mohair Plush Dachshund Dog with red plastic chest ID button. c1950s.

Baki Plush Marmot Groundhog

Baki Foil Paper Swing Tag

A later Baki plush animal. A marmot or groundhog with the Baki foil paper label swing tag. Baki Pluschtiere, the foil paper swing tag used c1960s to 80s.

Both Clemens and Baki are lesser known German maker's in the collecting genre. Happy Hunting!

Items shown can be adopted at Mandicrafts.

P.S. Sorry for the long absence over the summer. I have been going through cancer treatments, both chemo and radiation, and have just completed that journey. I now have just anti body treatments which will continue for another few months. All is preventative, after having the cancer excised earlier this year. Strangely, treatments created a sort of writing block so I was unable to come up with any blog posts! Hopefully, I will now be able to continue more regular posts once again. Thank you for your patience.

Bear Hugs

Mandy

Mandicrafts
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Collectible or Cherished Memory? Preserving Traditions, Recovering Old Friends & Feel Good Moments

2014-07-15T12:02:00.000-04:00

Treasure Hunting Can Recover Cherished Old Friends, Preserve Family Traditions, and bring Good Old-Fashioned Feel-Good Moments

Collector's are not the only ones seeking vintage treasures. Sometimes what is sought is more than a piece missing from a comprehensive set or collection of items; it is a long lost old friend.


Vintage Steiff Animals

Steiff Germany has been creating mohair teddies, animals and toys for more than 110 years. Originally created to charm young ones, Steiff plush has become one of the most popular toy brands to collect, with some of the rarer pieces garnering astronomical prices in auctions all over the world. But what if you are not a collector? What if you once had a cherished furry friend that brought you joy and comfort throughout your childhood and continues to represent those memories and strengths into your adulthood and this friend is suddenly lost or is damaged beyond restoration?

Steiff Best Friends

Meet Steiff Wittie Owl, known to his best friend as Wol.

Steiff Wittie Owl

The story of Wol came to me from his Professor of Geology best friend and is retold with special permission (name withheld).

"I just received the vintage Steiff Wittie Owl I recently purchased from you. He's great! I thought I'd drop you a note to tell you a bit of background about him because he replaces a life-long friend.

My Dad was an American fighter pilot and was gone much of my childhood (I was an only child). I was 4 when we lived in Montreal Canada (1954) and my Mom took me to a department store to choose a stuffed animal for my birthday. I had many (and only) Steiff animals including squirrel, rabbit, turtle, alligator, bear, but the owl totally captured my fancy because he had radium in his eyes which glowed in the dark if placed near a light bulb for a few minutes. (So does the one I bought from you). The first week I had him, I put him on top of the light bulb of my bedside lamp and burned his face off :-( I cried so hard that I had hurt my friend that my Mom quickly bought me another.

Wol (I couldn't say "Owl") went to bed with me every night; with his glowing eyes he was quite a comfort. We ate meals together (he was particularly fond of peanut butter and honey). By second grade we moved to Michigan where he accompanied me every day to school, fitting perfectly into the ink well of my desk. There was a gang of kids who used to pick on me (I was really tiny). One time they beat me up pretty hard and left me lying in the snow, red with blood from a split lip and nose. I remember putting my hand in my pocket and, when I felt Wol, I stopped crying, got up, and walked home holding him tightly.

By 8th grade through high school I had outgrown Wol, but he still had a perch on my bookshelf. When I went away to college, I guess I needed a friend, and he came with me. And has been ever since. I'm now 64 years old and, and as a professional geologist, have traveled around most of South America, western US, Thailand, Alaska, and ocean-going research vessels. Wol has accompanied me on all these trips. When I was teaching field geology at the University, I'd put him in the pocket of my field vest, looking out at my students, who were never too sure what to say when they first noticed him. But he quickly became quite popular, and over 25 years, has posed for many students' photos. Several ex-girlfriends with whom I am still in touch, always ask about him in their Christmas cards to me. I figured we'd be buried together--after all, he is my oldest friend.

Last month I was on a 2-week camping trip to southern Utah and of course, Wol went along. He usually rode on the dashboard of my 4WD, but because it was particularly hot, this time, he had a nest in my hat between the seats where he was last seen. I re-traced my steps, and went back to the last three campsites (all very remote), and hiked for over two hours on one road to access to a site whose vehicle access had been closed. All to no avail. I hope that Wol is enjoying himself wherever he is, and is not afraid of being alone. Upon my return, I was missing him more than I had ever thought. My girlfriend suggested that I could buy "another" from Steiff, but when I saw the present offerings, there was no comparison. Not even close. I then Googled "vintage Steiff stuffed owl" and fortunately I found you. The new Wol you sold me is identical to the old (except for the latter's love-worn bald spots and dirty feet) and assures me that he is more than willing to carry on the tradition of companion to the end ("Woooo whooh, ooooo, ooooo hoooow") with lots of PB&J in beautiful and exotic places. So thanks again. Know that he is loved and will have a great life."

Steiff Mecki Hedgehog Doll

Meet Steiff Mecki Hedgehog Doll.

A fabulous childhood memory brought to life again as a modern-day gift.

"Thank you SO MUCH for accepting my offer. This Steiff will mean so much to my sister for her birthday (my dad brought these back from Germany many many years ago when we were kids and I've had a hard time finding one). Looking forward to Mecki!
Thank you again."

Steiff Pieps Mouse Grey

Meet Steiff Pieps Mouse.

A lovely lady in Avignon France loves her display of ONLY Pieps Mouse toys and sends photos of her friends from time to time.

"Pieps made it safely to his new home about a week ago now ... and is having a lot of fun with his new friends... dancing, singing, eating loads of cookies and drinking gallons of white tea! So cute, don't you think?"

Pieps in a Bowl

House of Pieps

Binkley Toys Ltd is a Canadian Brand of Modern Plush, located in Hamilton, Ontario specializing in designing and producing plush for corporations, retailers and special events.

Binkley Canada Teddy Bear

Binkley Canada Graduation Bear

Meet Binky, the teddy on the left wearing a plaid scarf.

This Binky is on his way to meet the "original" Binky!

"My daughter has a Binkley Bear very similar to this blonde Bear. Her's, however, has been loved by her for over 23 years and it is flat and scruffy but she has cherished and loved it and slept with it her whole life. Two weeks ago she got married and moved to Alberta. All her stuff was moved there. This morning I woke up to a message from her that she can't find her Binky (which is what she has called her bear all her life). After she moved, I found her bear and it is being sent out to her but I thought I would look for a new one so she could have it for her new place. I'm not a big on-line shopper but I thought I would give it a try and there it was, your bear! Of course it isn't her Binky but I think she will tear up a bit when she opens it."

Russ Berrie Plush Stuffed Animals

Russ Berrie Fifi Plush Poodle

Russ Berrie produces modern plush. Cuddly items for children to tell their secrets to.

Meet Russ Berrie's Fifi the Poodle.

"We had a similar poodle which is my 2 1/2 year old's favorite security toy. I stupidly put it in the wash and killed it! Its been a very sad household without Pood. We are so looking forward to receiving Pood's cousin in the mail soon. Thanks so much".

Isn't this what Treasure Hunting is all about?

Missing your long-lost furry friend? Browse through Mandicrafts and you just may find him!

Happy Hunting!

Bear Hugs
Mandy
Mandicrafts
©mandicrafts

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Beginner's Guide to Steiff - Identifying Margarete Steiff GmbH Germany Stuffed Plush

2014-05-22T12:08:00.001-04:00

What or Who is Steiff?

Margarete Steiff was born in 1847 in Germany and died in 1909. She was stricken with polio when only 18 months old, and spent her life in a wheel chair. Undeterred by her limitations, she attended school and became an accomplished seamstress, working in her own shop. She developed and sold her first stuffed animal in 1880, a felt elephant, originally intended for use as a pin cushion but soon discovered children loved to play with it. The first Steiff stuffed teddy bear was produced in 1902 using a new material, mohair plush. The bear was designed by Richard Steiff, Margarete's nephew.

Margarete Steiff

Steiff Mohair Elephant

How Do I Know it is a Steiff?

The Steiff "Button in Ear" trademark (Knopf im Ohr) was registered in December 1904 and patented in 1905. All Steiff animals produced from late 1904 to present day have a metal button in their ear (or fin, or foot) and from 1908/1909 a fabric label accompanies the button.

Steiff Mask Teddy Bear

Steiff Teddy Head Purse

Margarete Steiff GmbH has produced a stuffed toy representation of almost every animal and many insects over the 110 intervening years since their first teddy bear charmed a child. Below is a little taste of the many different animals available.

Many Steiff Animals

The metal button has changed only subtly over the years. Learning the different styles, and the types and colours of the accompanying fabric label, and later the card pendant or chest tag (added in 1926) can help date when your furry friend was produced.


Variety of Steiff Buttons, Ear Labels, & Chest Tags

Modern Steiff buttons on regularly issued animals are brass and have "Steiff" incised in the surface and are accompanied by a yellow ear tag in red print with the EAN (European Article Number) shown on the reverse. (example of front & back shown in the collage above in the lower left corner).

The earliest ear tags were white, changing to red in 1926, and finally becoming yellow in the late 1930s. A variety of text or type styles and sizes for the linen yellow tags were used up until the late 1980s when the tag became a printed tape material, like a satin ribbon. In 1980 a white cloth ear tag was introduced to indicate replicas and special edition series or limited editions, also changing to the satin printed tape material, still in white, in the late 1980s.

The chest pendants or chest tags made of card had a larger angular bear head picture up until the late 1940s when it changed to a flatter rounder head until the early 1970s (centre bottom of collage). Then, a yellow & red chest tag was introduced with a small bear head outline as part of the logo (top left corner of collage).

Steiff Saint Bernard on Iron Wheels c1930s

Since 1906, the "Steiff" name appears on the metal buttons. Between 1906 and the early 1930s the second "f" in Steiff had a tail that extended back to the "e" like an underline. In the early 1930s the tail became shorter, extending back to just the first "f". These buttons are referred to as "FF" buttons in the collector's world. At the same time, a button with the word "Steiff" in block capitals without the descending "f" was also used.

This poor old well-loved mohair Steiff Saint Bernard on iron wheels dates from the 1930s and sports the block capital button (seen in the collage above, second down on the left side).

A nickel button with "Steiff" written in raised script was introduced in the early 1950s, changing only a little in the mid-1960s into a slightly different type face. In 1969 a new button was introduced, called a lentil button, a hollow nickel rivet with incised script and finally the brass button came into use in the late 1970s. For some modern limited edition issues, this button can be gold plated or even carry a Swarovski crystal button.

Steiff Limited Edition Poinsettia Teddy Bear

A limited edition Steiff Poinsettia Teddy Bear, issued in 2007 with a Swarovski crystal as his button, a white tape ear tag with red print indicating he is a limited edition and a beautiful Swarovski crystal poinsettia ornament as his chest tag (removable to use on your Christmas tree). All limited editions now come with a signed and numbered certificate with the corresponding number on the ear tag.


Steiff Swarovski Poinsettia Teddy with Certificate and Crystal Ornament pendant.

What Do I Look For in a Steiff or What is "Collectible"

Very early issues from Steiff are highly collectible and can be very valuable. Condition is important, but rarity can be more important. All of the mohair, velvet and synthetic dralon and plush animals are collectible to someone, whether replacing a long lost childhood toy, or for adding to a prized display cabinet as a collectible that is not to be played-with. Finding a Steiff is always exciting!

Steiff is known for manufacturing high-quality toys, so even modern issues specifically made as a toy for an infant or child are special, but may not be considered "collectible" in the strictest sense of the word. Often, youngsters begin a life-long love of Steiff after being given a cherished toy and that toy becomes the beginning of their collection. Many of the true baby toy plush items come without a button for safety reasons, and simply have a Steiff ear "seam tag" as their identification.

Steiff Rollo Star Baby Rattle

Steiff Nicki Velour Plush Baby Rattle named Little Rollo Star with his seam tag.

Steiff Little Button Pea Pod Baby Toy

A cotton twill Steiff Little Button Pea Pod with natural wooden "busy" beads with hanger cord and seam tag.

Collection of Vintage Steiff Germany Collectible Plush Animals

The world of Steiff is incredible with a myriad of information available both in reference books and on line, to help with item identification, the detailed story of Margarete Steiff and her family, the Steiff Club, and the many new production issues that come out every year. I hope this small peek into Steiff gives you the introduction you need to begin your journey.

Many of the animals shown here are available at Mandicrafts! Click here to view Steiff.

Happy Hunting!

Bear Hugs
Mandy
Mandicrafts
©mandicrafts

Handy Links:

(just click on any of the names)

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Thrifting With The Boys (TWTB)

Tobacciana - Smoking Collectibles - Vintage Accessories

2014-04-06T15:18:00.000-04:00

Tobacciana - Smoking Collectibles - Vintage Accessories


Variety of Ashtrays, Cigar Labels, Cigarette Case, Matchbooks & Cigarette Holder

Tobacco became popular in Europe in the 1600s when traders brought back plants from the Americas. At first tobacco was used in traditional pipes, but later it came into use as snuff, and rolled into cigarettes. Today tobacco use is frowned upon as an unhealthy habit, but many of the accessories have become sought after collectibles.

Ashtrays are cross-over collectibles. Those who collect Art Pottery, Advertising Items, Glass or Crystal, Novelty or Holiday Souvenirs will have ashtrays in their collections.

Vintage Melamine Naughty Novelty Ashtray

Melamine resin, a durable thermosetting plastic, became popular in the United States in the late 1930s with the advent of dishwashers. This c1940s "naughty" ashtray is embossed with an incongruous couple who are out on the town, with the caption "Oh! Ah!". A great novelty collectible.

Benedictine Advertising Ashtray

A figural glass ashtray, shaped like a bottle of B and B, a liqueur from France, made by Ivorex c1940s.

Tonala Mexico Art Pottery Turtle Ashtray

A figural Tonala Mexico Art Pottery Turtle shaped ashtray, hand decorated.

Storage boxes, dispensers, and portable cigarette holder cases come in a wide variety of styles, materials, shapes and sizes. Popular during the 1920s right through the 1980s whether entertaining at home, or carrying your necessities while out for the evening, you had to have somewhere elegant or handy to keep your smoking essentials.

Japanese Wood Inlay Cigarette Box

Lovely mid-century Japanese marquetry wood inlay Pagoda House cigarette cabinet.

When entertaining in the home, many kept a cabinet or dispenser holding cigarettes for their guests to help themselves.

4 Doors that open on box

Each side of the box has a door which opens with special inserts attached, each able to hold 5 cigarettes.

Cigarette Box holds 20


Banbi Musical Cigarette Case

A cigarette case to carry in your purse or pocket by Banbi Eagle KPK Brand in its original box. There is a musical wind-up movement inside and the outside is decorated with rhinestones and a tiny personalized engraved panel. c1950s.

Wind-up musical movement inside

Matched Compact & Cigarette Case

For the discerning woman, a matched set; face powder compact and a cigarette case. Made from brass with a padded vinyl painted decorative outer lid c1940s.


GWR Railway Hotels Matchbox Holder

Besides providing ashtrays in hotels, bars and restaurants, matches were offered and matchbox stands were once a common sight in luxury locations.

This matchbox pedestal stand is silver plated and engraved with Great Western Railway Hotels (England), hallmarked by Elkington Plate. GWR was the first railway in the world to build hotels at its stops. GWR became part of British Rail in 1947.

The stand is hallmarked with a date symbol of 1929.

Matchbook Safe or Match Holder

Safe opens to insert book

A souvenir of New York City's RCA Building, a matchbook safe or match holder. Made from celluloid c1930s and just large enough to hold one matchbook. A great Art Deco period piece of Tobacciana.

Fitz & Floyd Ceramic Match Holder

Striker on the base

A whimsical ceramic match holder by Fitz & Floyd with the striker panel on the base, signed ©FF.

Matchbook covers are collectible. Some prefer them intact with unstruck matches and others carefully remove the matches so the books can be displayed. Please remember that matches with their sulphur tips intact cannot be sent through the postal system.


Thompson Models Pin Up Girlie Match Covers 1955 Matched Set of 5

This set is a 1955 issue of Thompson Models Pin Up Girls, often referred to as Girlie Covers. All advertise the same Valley Inn in PA USA. Ideally, collectors like the striker strip unscratched/unstruck.

Matchbook Cover

A matchbook cover advertising Christian's Food & Grog Hut. A cross-over collectible matchbook for those who also collect Tiki items.

Matchbook Cover

A matchbook cover advertising Winston Brand Cigarettes.


Dunhill Portugal Pipe Ashtray

Pipe collectors may add figural pipe ashtrays to their collections. This one is by Dunhill, made in Portugal and signed on the base.

Dunhill stamp on base

Collectors also like to display their pipe collections and stands can hold singles or multiples.

Peerage UK Brass Pipe Stand

Solid brass single pipe stand, signed Peerage England.

Peerage England signature

Peerage England also produces horse brasses and other brassware.

Porcelain Germany Pipe Bowl

A hand painted vintage porcelain pipe bowl, made in Germany. This device would be connected to a stem for smoking.

Cigarette and cigar lighters are a collectible genre all on their own. Styles include pocket lighters and table lighters. Please remember filled lighters cannot travel via the postal system. They must be empty.


Alpco Japan Lighters

Collection of 3 colourful textured leather-wrapped brass Alpco Japan mid-century cigarette lighters.

Kreisler USA Table Lighter

A table lighter by Kreisler USA, mid-century copper slide cover with engraved Atomic Stars.

Novelty Globe Lighter

Made in Korea, a mid-century novelty World Globe Table Lighter.

Some of the items shown here are available at Mandicrafts.

Happy Hunting!

Bear Hugs

Mandy

Mandicrafts
©mandicrafts

Handy Links:

(just click on any of the names)

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Thrifting With The Boys (TWTB)

ADDENDUM: As copied from current USPS site on shipping unstruck matches with sulphur tips attached: Basically, they can be sent via Domestic (within USA) via SURFACE mail only:

10.14.3 Matches

Matches are classified as flammable solids. Strike-anywhere matches are prohibited in international and domestic mail. Safety matches (book, card, or strike-on-box) are prohibited in international mail, and in domestic mail via air transportation, but are permitted in domestic mail via surface transportation if:

a. They do not ignite spontaneously under conditions normally incident to transportation or when subjected for 8 consecutive hours to a temperature of 200°F (93°C).

b. They cannot be readily ignited by friction unless struck on their own or a similar box, card, or book.

c. They are tightly packed in a securely sealed primary receptacle to prevent any shifting or movement that could cause accidental ignition by rubbing against adjoining items. The primary receptacle(s) is placed securely within an outer shipping container made of fiberboard, wood, or other equivalent material. Multiple primary receptacles may be placed in a single outer shipping container. The address side of the mailpiece must be marked “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” and “Book Matches,” “Strike-on-Card Matches,” or “Card Matches,” as appropriate. A shipping paper is not required.

d. The gross weight of each mailpiece is not more than 25 pounds.

Collectible Teddy Bears - What is an Artist Bear?

2014-03-01T16:33:00.000-05:00

In the World of Arctophily (Bear Collecting) What on Earth is an "Artist Bear"?

Everyone knows what a Teddy Bear is; a few people are vaguely aware that some folks collect teddies; but what exactly is an "Artist Bear"? Unless you are immersed in the world of Arctophily or are an Arctophile (Bear Collector) yourself, you may not know how far Teddy collecting has progressed since it first became a "recognized" hobby in the late 1960s.

Peter Bull, an English actor, is recognized as the catalyst behind the arctophily movement. He authored "Bear With Me" in 1969 and "A Hug of Teddy Bears" in 1984, the year of his death. In 1979 he was invited by The House of Nisbet in Britain to collaborate on the creation of a Bully Bear line.


Bully Bear by House of Nisbet UK

The resurgence of Teddy mania in the 1980s was fueled by the appearance of "Aloysius", a vintage teddy owned by Peter Bull, in the British television series Brideshead Revisited".

Artist Bear / Bear Artist: A bear created from scratch by one person; from the design, the pattern then drawn on the fur/plush material, cut out, sewn, stuffed and assembled. Extra care is taken with the face which is "the soul" of the Teddy Bear. Basically, producing an original work or soft sculpture art.

Bear artistry began on the West Coast of the USA in the early 1970s, spread to the UK in the 1980s and now many countries are renowned for the work of their bear artists throughout the world.

Benny by Hearts O' Fur New Brunswick Canada

This is Benny, a bear created by Nancy and Tom of Hearts O' Fur a cottage industry studio shop located in New Brunswick Canada. Made from recycled fur coats rescued from Thrift Shops or commissioned by owners, Nancy cuts out and stitches the parts adding a lucky penny to the paw pad, Tom joints and stuffs the bears adding a furry heart, and Nancy creates the faces.

Hang Tag for Benny

An embroidered label is stitched to one paw pad and a card hang tag is added with the bear's handwritten name and number referenced.

Artist Bears are not found in typical shops. There are very few actual "brick & mortar" shops that carry these types of bears. Most are only found in specialized Teddy Bear Shows that are held throughout the world or on line.

My Dream Bear 1994 by Johanna Haida Germany

Artist Bear by Johanna Haida of Sonneberg Germany, My Dream Bear born 1994 with Birth Certificate hang tag and embroidered seam tag.


Birth Certificate Tag

Inside Tag Details

Johanna Haida also designed bears for the renowned traditional teddy bear company Hermann Spielwaren Germany.

Tracking down information on vintage artist bears and their original 1980s and 1990s Bear Artists can prove difficult. In those days there was no internet or websites (commercial internet as we know it began in the mid 1990s). Some artists went on to design for the bigger retail plush companies and many of their works are documented in Teddy reference books on the market.

One such story was artist Robert Raikes who was known for his wooden faced teddy bears. He was an accomplished sculptor and artist working out of his Mt Shasta California Studio.

Applause Robert Raikes Jamie Bear

The first teddy produced by Applause (division of Wallace Berrie) designed by Robert Raikes was Jamie in 1985. Robert Raikes was known for his carved cypress wood teddy faces. This collaboration lasted into the early 1990s upon which time he took back control of his bear creations under his own company name and production.


Hang Tag on Jamie Applause Raikes Bear

Applause Seam Tag


Applause Seam Tag

One result of researching a 1980s artist over many months, concluded with very satisfying results. I had acquired 3 lovely artist teddy bears from a local Antique Show. All were jointed and all had their original seam tags which simply stated Hand Made by Shirley Kitchener Ontario Canada.

Shirley Bear Kitchener ON

Seam Tag Shirley Kitchener

When I attended a local Antique Show sometime afterwards, I spoke to a lady who had a Teddy Bear booth and she provided me with a last name that she thought may be the artist of my bears. I searched "Voelker" on line and came up with a teddy bear making supply business in Ontario. I emailed the site and had a wonderful reply from Karen who turned out to be Shirley's daughter who had taken over the supply business her mother had begun. She confirmed that her mother Shirley Voelker had made the bears back in the 1980s and had started the on line supply business because she had had such a difficult time finding the raw materials to make bears herself. Her mother is now 85 and still living in Kitchener and was pleased to know her bears were still "out there" and being appreciated by collectors.


Shirley Voelker 1980s Artist Bears

I acquired a beautiful pale pink mohair Artist Bear named Emily in 2008 for my own hug (collection) and finally made the decision to offer her for adoption a few years later so another could enjoy her company.


Emily Artist Bear by Bouffa Bears 1987 Limited Edition 7/100

I listed Emily for sale and on Christmas eve I had a buyer. The buyer contacted me to tell me she was the original Artist of Emily! She had made 100 of these bears in a limited edition on the 2nd floor of a farmhouse in Reed City Michigan in 1987 and had never kept one for herself. It was Amy Jo Williams, nee Boufford who had hand made bears under the name Bouffa Bears up until 1988 when she had to close her business due to the pricing of the mohair vs return on her creations. She had moved on to Ohio and began a career in veterinarian medicine but never forgot her bears. Emily was going home to "mom"!

Bear Artists frequently use decorative printed or embroidered labels as trademarks and the artist's signature and edition number often appear on the label or directly on the foot pad of the bear. An artist bear will sometimes be OOAK (one of a kind).

Pouzeli Artist Bear Quebec Canada


Hang Tag Pouzeli

Pouzeli Howick Quebec Canada Artist Plush Teddy Bear. Tag signed Sparkle the Fairy of Light, real heart in his chest.

Mummer's Artist Teddy Bear


Mummer's Bear Seam Tag

Artist Bear by Arlene Hayashida with seam tag in neck. Mummer's or Mardi Gras Teddy Bear made of plush and fully jointed. Holding puppet.

Hang Tag Edition 5 of 5


Celtic Teddy Artist Bear

Celtic Teddy Bear handmade in Cornwall UK named George, limited edition 5 of 5.


Out-of-the-Woods Teddy Ontario Canada


Out-of-the-Woods Teddy Tag 1992

Out-of-the-Woods Teddy Bear by Susan Sanderson 1992 named Podge.


Bears by Sue Kruse 1982

Limited Edition Artist Bear by Bears by Sue Kruse 1982, No 005 made from Wool Plush.


Label Sue Kruse Bear 005

Hand dated 4/82 seam label. Hand numbered 005.

Vintage home made bears, while not officially recognized as "Artist Bears" are also collectible in their own right. During and right after WWII, especially in Europe, there were very few stuffed animal toys available due to factories being repurposed for use for the War effort and many home made bears were created using burlap, military woolen blankets, and other fabrics of opportunity that were available at the time, including knitted animals. Patterns were created to help out the home front. Some large companies had their start creating teddies during the war time rationing period, using unique materials.

Keep your eye out for Vintage Teddy Bears and other animals that could be either Artist Bears or home made creations that may be from the War generation or considered folk art.

Many of the bears featured here are available for adoption at Mandicrafts.

Bear Hugs

Mandy

Handy Links:

(just click on any of the names)

Mandicrafts Bears and Collectibles Store

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Thrifting With The Boys (TWTB)

Olympic Souvenirs & Mascots: Collectible Plush, Ties, Figurines & More

2014-02-09T13:15:00.000-05:00

With the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in full swing in Sochi Russia, the interest in everything "Olympics" is on the rise, including the adorable stuffed plush Olympic mascots that have appeared over the years and represent the fun side of the Games.

The very first official Olympic Mascot in the history of the Games was Waldi the Dachshund from the 1972 Munich Germany Summer Olympics.

Waldi Dachshund Olympic Mascot Munich Germany 1972

Waldi is a Dachshund Dog, a popular breed in Bavaria, representing the attributes an athlete must have of tenacity, resistance and agility. This Waldi is made from a twill denim fabric in the colours of the Olympic rings.

Misha the Bear Cub was the mascot of the 1980 Summer Games held in Moscow Russia (then called the USSR or Soviet Union). The Bear was the national symbol of the Soviet Union.

Misha the Bear Cub 1980 Olympics

This Misha was made by R. Dakin from brown synthetic plush.

R Dakin Label for Misha 1980

Misha was also made as a ceramic figurine.

Misha Olympic Mascot figurines 1980

Not all mascots have been animals.

One of the Official Mascots for the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver Canada, was Quatchi Sasquatch, a mythological Canadian forest inhabitant.

Quatchi Sasquatch 2010 Olympic Mascot

Designated an Olympic "sidekick" was Mukmuk the Marmot. A cute rodent from Vancouver Island.

Mukmuk the Marmot Olympic Sidekick 2010

Another 2010 Official Mascot was Miga, a mythical sea bear, part orca, part kermode bear. Both Mukmuk & Miga are licensed products made by Northern Gifts from velvet plush. Miga also shows the Wonderbread logo, one of the official sponsors of the games.

Miga the Sea Bear Mascot 2010 Olympics

Sponsors have produced their own wares celebrating the Olympics. Air Canada came out with a necktie for the 2010 Games in a handsome blue with panels of pictorial images of different ski events.

Official Olympic Tie 2010 by Air Canada

Made of silk, Buffalo Bay USA produced a necktie featuring the first computer generated official Olympic mascot Izzy, a blue cartoon figure representing the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta USA.

Necktie features Izzy 1996 Olympics

Olympic badges for the USA Teams over the years


Olympic Badges for the USA Teams

Lapel badges worn to cheer on the USA Teams over the years, including a Coca-Cola Sponsor badge.

Miniature License Plate (top) Rome 1960

Miniature license plates, a collectible premium issued by a Dutch candy company Maple Leaf Ltd. in chocolate candy was available in Canada in the 1960s. Plates in the distinctly European elongated plate style featured one with the 1960 Olympic Games Logo for the Italian plate. The 1960 Summer Games were held in Rome.


Back of mini plate for Italy

Souvenir Mug Beijing China Summer Olympics 2008

Beijing 2008 Summer Games

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games were held in Beijing China. There were 5 Official Mascots called the Fuwa; a fish, giant panda, Olympic Flame, Tibetan antelope and a swallow. The Dancing Beijing Emblem of the Games is featured on the mug, baseball cap & scarf. A traditional Chinese Red Seal with a representation of the calligraphic symbol Jing.

Many items shown can be found at Mandicrafts! Click here to view.

Now, Go Canada, Go! Win big in Sochi!

Happy Olympic Hunting!

Bear Hugs
Mandy
Mandicrafts
©mandicrafts

Handy Links:

(just click on any of the names)

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Thrifting With The Boys (TWTB)

Thrift Hunters Debut TV Show Las Vegas Visit & Party PLUS Thrifting & Antiquing!

2014-01-22T00:00:00.002-05:00

Thrift Hunters Debut TV Show January 2014 Las Vegas, Nevada - Party & Visit (PLUS some Thrifting & Antiquing)

Great whirlwind Las Vegas, Nevada visit, to attend my friends' new TV Show premiere party & viewing of "Thrift Hunters"!

Jason T Smith & Bryan Goodman were awesome in their new TV Show "Thrift Hunters"! Terrific debut party, where I met up with some familiar faces and other on line friends I was now able to meet in person! Thrift Hunters is on Spike in the USA on Saturdays and on Travel & Escape in Canada on Mondays.


To celebrate the Thrift Hunters new TV Show - Cake!

Jason & Bryan watching the opening credits

Opening credits of the TV Show!

Jason's parents & our "Jason" wanna-be Theresa C!

Let's cut the cake!

Jason, Tiki Bartender extraordinaire!

Jason, Mandy & Staci (Jason's wife) - let the celebrations continue!

Cindy Sorley (who has a cameo appearance in a future show) & Jason I & II (Theresa)

CO$T Group Alumni in attendance

CO$T forum attendees: Couch from left Mandy, Theresa C, Cindy, Jenny Y; back Mark F, Margie, Debbie W

Enthralled in broadcast

Michelle & Bryan "It's On!"

Jason, Cara, Cindy & Chris

Toast to the producer & director of the show (Cara & Chris), who hale from Montreal Canada and gave The Boys a surprise with their attendance!

New found sisters, Mandy & Cindy!

Vicki P: "Can I have your autographs guys?"

Mandy & Vicki P pre-premiere night celebrations

Count's Kustoms - Las Vegas

Earlier in the day, a great walk-through of Count's Kustoms, featured on the reality TV show Counting Cars.

Count's waiting room

New Wheels?

Custom Fridge & coffin shelving

Does this Convertible work for you?

Cruising the Strip - Tiffany's

Real Cops - Real Arrest "take-down" LIVE on the strip

..and what's better than a room upgrade??!!

...the room view!

..from 33 floors up!


Antique Mall Finds!

No trip is complete without Thrifting or Antique Shopping! Antique Finds: An enamel guitar fret belt buckle, composite vintage Dream World Doll, felt stuffed dog, Ookpik (from Canada!), vintage sewing accessories Doll Caddy, Plush baby doll, JAL airlines Japanese language course, compact, West Germany string puppet paper dolls.

Plush, Felt Baskets, Hard Rock Mugs, Compact, Cross Stitch Finds

Thrifting Finds: linen hand cross-stitched embroidery pillow cover, Victoria's Secret Pink Stuffed Fabric Dog, Plush Rat Puppet, Disney's Kanga & Roo and Rabbit Plush, Target Limited Edition Plush Dog, Trickettes Enamel Vegas Box, Hard Rock mugs, felt baskets and a Stratton compact.

Vintage cotton print Muu Muu dresses, Hilo Hattie Rayon print Muu Muu, embroidered modern grey summer dress, red Cannes Festival 65 T Shirt, Hilo Hattie cotton tropical necktie, Picasso-esque poly necktie, and a silk Stonehenge necktie.

A shout-out to "The Boys" for their hospitality, their great new TV show, and to all the folks who participated to make this a wonderful debut and terrific vacation break for all!

Let the Thrifting begin!

Bear Hugs
Mandy
Mandicrafts
©mandicrafts

Handy Links:

(just click on any of the names)

Mandicrafts Bears and Collectibles Store

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Thrifting With The Boys (TWTB)

SDF Shanghai Doll Factory Plush Teddy Bear Collectibles Post War

2013-12-25T23:51:00.000-05:00

Shanghai Doll Factory, China - Post War Teddy Bear Collectibles

After WWII Asian stuffed toys began to appear in North America. One of the more popular/prolific brands was the Shanghai Doll Factory; Shanghai "Dolls" Factory or Shanghai "Toy" Factory or SDF were also names used by this company on their tags over the years. Teddy Bears and other soft toys were made out of dense pure wool, a plush similar to mohair plush but not quite as soft. Wool plush is a cheaper natural plush to manufacture. Shanghai Doll Factory stuffed toys were at the peak of their popularity from the late 1950s into the early 1970s. It is not known when imports stopped or when manufacture may have ceased.

Shanghai Doll Factory Wool Plush Panda Teddy Bear

Early bears were made with stitched noses, or molded rubber noses and glass eyes. Later, plastic safety eyes came into use and noses were made from molded plastic rather than rubber.

Shanghai Doll Factory Blonde Teddy

Shanghai Doll Factory Teddy with molded nose

Teddy Bears are usually fully jointed, although this blonde wool plush teddy has a fixed head with only his limbs jointed. This blonde teddy by SDF, is typically the style design and colour that is most commonly found.

Soft toys were identified with a cloth embroidered seam label, usually in an arm seam or side seam. One side is embroidered "Pure Wool" in English, and the other side is embroidered with Chinese characters so you must be able to recognize these seam labels as belonging to the Shanghai Doll Factory unless one of their paper tags is also present.

SDF Cloth Seam Tag "Pure Wool"

Chinese characters on reverse of label

A paper rosette swing tag in gold, white, black and red, was also used on Shanghai Doll Factory soft toys.

Below, one style shows "SDF Shanghai Dolls Factory" and the other style shows "Made in China" with Chinese characters, and both have the same foiled golden teddy head logo. Some labels had the factory's address: 159 Puan Road, Shanghai and item numbers printed or stamped on the reverse.

SDF Paper Label in English

SDF Paper Label in Chinese

Bears and animals were made with both closed and opened mouths, often with a small red fabric tongue.

SDF Teddy Bear with Pointed Snout

SDF Bear with opened mouth & fabric tongue

This Teddy Bear has an unusual pointed snout design in a contrasting beige wool plush and is fully jointed.

Some bears have carded feet (foot pads lined with thick flat cardboard) and can stand very well. I have seen various materials used for paw pads including twill fabric, felt and synthetic velvet or velveteen. Fibre sub, wool sub, wood wool, or mixed scrap textiles was used as stuffing, which makes the bears and animals very firm.

Small animals are fun additions for dollhouse play or as toys/friends for teddy bears.

SDF Stuffed Wool Plush Rabbits

The rabbit on all fours has his fabric seam label and shows a small red fabric tongue. The standing rabbit has lost his seam tag but has the same ear lining as the bigger bunny.

Being made from natural wool, there can be rubbing wear or moth damage to the plush. The fabric backing becomes visible in these bald spots.

To ensure there is no nasty critter infestation, pop the DRY animal in a ziplock bag and place in the freezer for a couple of days. Do not leave him in too long or moisture can build up inside the bag; a day or two is plenty. To clean any soiled areas, surface clean ONLY. The animal should not be immersed.

Please see my previous blog on how to clean collectible animals for full instructions. Link is HERE.

Many of the animals shown here are available for adoption at Mandicrafts! Please click HERE to view.

Happy Hunting!

Bear Hugs

Mandy

Handy Links:

(just click on any of the names)

Mandicrafts Bears and Collectibles Store

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Wagner Kunstlerschutz & Max Carl Toys Germany - Vintage Collectibles - Flocked Animal Figures & Wind-Up

2013-12-11T23:24:00.003-05:00

Wagner Kunstlerschutz and Max Carl Toys Germany - Vintage Collectible Flocked Figures and Wind-Up Toys

Do you remember the little flocked animal figures you had as a child in the 1960s and 1970s? Likely they were made by Wagner Handwork Kunstlerschutz!

The Wagner Handwork Company got its start in Germany in the late 1940s when Fritz Wagner, a sculptor and mold designer began an arts and crafts workshop. The molds for the animals he created numbered in the hundreds based on the long-standing German tradition of creating animals from wood, plaster, clay and paper mache and then covering them with wool or other fibres (known as flocking) for Christmas nativity and village scenes known as "putz" scenes. Based on the German word "Putzen" which generally means to clean, it is also used to describe polishing, preening or decorating. Wagner shut down in 1998 when the last family members officially retired.

Wagner Kunstlerschutz Flocked Squirrel

Wagner Handwork Label

Wagner produced toys for Max Carl Toys from c1951 to c1965 under the paper label tag popularly called the "monkey head logo" showing MC Original with a monkey head. Max Carl began business in 1924 and shut down in 1992.

Max Carl Wind Up Chick by Wagner

A later Max Carl logo label.

Wagner produced under several different labels before and after their association with Max Carl, and their labels included the stylized "fw" intertwined logo with "West Germany" and "Kunstershultz", later just using "Wagner Handwork" and after the reunification of Germany just "Wagner Handwork Germany" until their closure in 1998. For the toys Wagner produced for Max Carl, only the Max Carl logo appears on the labels.

Deer by Wagner for Max Carl

Deer figure by Wagner for Max Carl, in wool flocked plush.

Monkey Head Logo Label

Deer shows the original paper label known as the "monkey head label" by Wagner for Max Carl.


Dog Pair on Leash by Wagner for Max Carl

Dog pair on connected leash made from wool flocked plush, each with original monkey head paper labels.

Dog by Wagner for Max Carl

Original paper monkey head label

The iconic label is present on each of the dogs, attached by a steel rivet to the red vinyl harness of the leash.

Max Carl Wind Up Rabbit

Max Carl paper label

This wind up rabbit, made with a more modern plush covering, holds a paper mache carrot he "eats" when the plastic key is wound. Cute mechanical animated toy, later in the Max Carl portfolio.

An early toy Wagner made for Max Carl Toys is the Monkey with cymbals, an animated wind up animal who moves and plays his cymbals. Made with a rayon synthetic covering over fibreboard/paper mache, and wire musculature, he has a velvet face with hand painted features and plastic eyes.

Wagner Wind Up Animated Monkey for Max Carl Toys Germany

Wind Up Monkey Toy

Original Paper Label on chest

The monkey head label of Max Carl Original West Germany is on the monkey's chest. The winder key is metal and located on the back of the monkey.

Original Label also showing "10"

These monkeys are in very much pre-loved vintage condition, dating to the early 1950s, but one still shows his original paper label, also marked with "10" above the monkey head logo.

Not much else is known about either company, but the flocked figures remain very popular and the later ones, produced just before Wagner's closure, can be found fairly easily. Be sure to check the label style to better determine a production period/date.

Many items shown here can be found at Mandicrafts! Click here to view.

Happy Hunting!
Bear Hugs
Mandy
Mandicrafts
©mandicrafts

Handy Links:

(just click on any of the names)

Mandicrafts Bears and Collectibles Store

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Treasure Hunters Blog

Mandicrafts on Etsy

Textile Art Collectibles - Panama Mola Panel vs Quilt Blocks

2013-11-27T14:14:00.000-05:00

Textile Art Collectibles - Introducing Mola Panels

I recently came across what I thought were some interesting quilt blocks at an Estate Sale. Through research I discovered they were actually "Mola Panels". The leap from quilt blocks to Mola Panels took some digging. Being somewhat adverse to picking up a needle and stitching items myself and thus unschooled in quilting, I took hints from other items I had seen around the Estate contents sale and the odd style of the quilt blocks and came up with the idea to search Australian quilts. Turns out, the method used on these blocks was called "reverse appliqué".


Selection of Mola Panels & One Stitch Sampler

Reverse appliqué is a unique method the Australians use in quilting, amongst other unique developments, that are not commonly found in North American quilts. Further searches in trying to identify what my quilt blocks were portraying didn't result in any Australian designs BUT they were ethnic designs and I was led to Panama.

Turns out, what I have are called "Mola Panels". The women of the Kuna Tribe in the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama had also developed reverse appliqué and Mola Panels are an important part of their traditional ethnic style of clothing. Mola is the Kuna word for clothing.

Birdmen Mola Panel

Hand Stitched Reverse Appliqué

Back of Panel

Two complimentary Mola Panels are hand stitched and can take between 2 weeks to 6 months to create each one, depending on the complexity of the design. One is for the front of the blouse and one for the back. Panels are made from at least 2 full layers of fabric, and can consist of many more layers. Using the unique method of reverse appliqué, it gives an effect like puzzle pieces, exposing the underlying fabric colours and the edges around the tiny openings are carefully hand stitched. Small squares of coloured fabric are also added between the full layers for a myriad of very bright and colourful designs. Often designs are enhanced with embroidery embellishments.

Kuna Woman

Kuna Woman Hand Stitching a Mola

The panels mimic the tribal tattoos and body arts of the older generations before the European missionaries arrived bringing the concept of clothing to the island. At first the designs were hand painted on European fabrics and then hand stitched. Often used as currency in trade, now Molas are being produced in Western designs specifically for sale in the tourist trade. Molas worn by the Kuna women are the most prized to a textile collector. These will depict local wildlife, tribal concepts, sea life, and ethnic traditions. When a woman tires of a design she removes it from her blouse and sells it. Some wear, slight fading, marks or evidence of it having been stitched on to a garment indicates the Mola is a genuine piece rather than a product specifically aimed for sale to the tourist trade.

Mola Panel Horse & Crab Design

Some smudges on this crab and horse design show this Mola was once worn by a Kuna woman.

Smudges from wear indicate authenticity

Value and desirability is determined by how many layers of full fabric panels there are, the intricacy of the design, quality of the stitches (should be nearly invisible) and whether the item was once part of a garment worn by a Kuna woman.

3 fabric layers plus small squares of inserted material

This panel is made from 3 full fabric layers as well as small squares of other coloured material inserted between the layers. The panel edges indicate it was once stitched to a blouse.

Mola with a little fading, triple layer fabric, multi-headed snake or lizard design

Mola made with triple fabric layers seemingly depicting a multi-headed snake or lizard with embroidery embellishments. Letters in the centre could be the artists' signature.


The back of the Mola panel showing the base black fabric and intricate stitching.

Mola Panel Two-Headed Deer & Crabs

View of Mola Revers Applique

Two-Headed Deer or Horse with Crabs, in two fabric layers, likely the pair-match to the single horse and crab panel shown above. Having a pair of matched panels is highly sought after.

Collectors or admirers of the Mola Panels will frame them as textile art, make them into placemats or pillow covers, or will incorporate them into a quilt.

Courtesy Skip-Jack-Sam, Mola Memory Quilt

Needlework Sampler Project

Sampler likely stitched in school by a child

In case you were curious about the item shown in the top left corner of the collage at the beginning of this blog, this was another other item I found at the same Estate Contents sale amongst the linens and was what led me to start with looking for Australian quilts. I had stitched something similar when I was little and living in Australia for a school class project. A sampler of stitches, textures, the alphabet and various yarn techniques. I presume this is also a child's school project sampler and rather sweet, likely dating to the 1940s to 60s.

Treasure Hunting and research go hand-in-hand! Educational as well as fun!

Textile Arts, Linens, and other items available at Mandicrafts! Click HERE to view!

Happy Hunting!

Bear Hugs

Mandy

Handy Links:

(just click on any of the names)

Mandicrafts Bears and Collectibles Store

Mandicrafts Website

Mandicrafts on Facebook

Mandicrafts on Twitter

Mandicrafts on Pinterest

Coollectors Website

Treasure Hunters Blog

Mandicrafts on Etsy

Vintage Airline Cruise Ship & Railway Collectibles - Trains Planes & Boats!

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Land Sea and Air - Vintage Airline Cruise Ship & Railway Collectibles

Traveling was glamorous back in the day, something only the well-off could afford to do. The prestige of the journey itself was key. Today some means of travel seem to be simply a necessary chore with none of the associated past glitz, so collectors actively seek out the ephemera and advertising items that invoke the "good old days" and past dreams of exotic locales and fine dining aboard ships/planes/trains.

Collection of Cruise Ship & Airline Menus

Left hand side (above) are vintage menus from the Cunard/White Star Line cruise ship Aquitania 1948, the covers decorated with works of art. Right hand side (above) are vintage menus from Qantas Airlines Australia 1970 (top) celebrating their 50th Anniversary year and 1960s (bottom).

Fine dining aboard an airline? YES! Real cutlery and dishes, too!

Qantas Airlines menu offering 1960s

Luncheon menu from the cruise ship Aquitania 1948.

Luncheon Menu aboard the Aquitania Cruise Ship 1948

To make airline travel more exciting, and to document milestones of your flight, many flights offered funky certificates to prove you passed over the International Date Line, the Equator or actually flew over the ocean.

Qantas Certificate Crossing the Equator¹

BOAC Certificate Crossing the Equator²

BOAC Hopped The Pond Certificate³

A selection of Airline Certificates. (1) King Neptune Certificate from Qantas attesting to the fact one flew over the Equator dated 1970 and signed. (2) BOAC Certificate attesting to the same event dated 1968 and signed. (3) BOAC Hopped the Pond Certificate dated 1950 and signed attesting to the fact one actually made it over the Atlantic Ocean from Britain to Canada. BOAC went on to become British Airways.

Old airline tickets are also collectible. Most threw them away, but some folks, like my mother, kept EVERYTHING to do with the journeys they took and collectors seek them out.

Qantas Airline Ticket 1969

Handwritten Ticket 1969 Qantas

Qantas Airline Tickets, handwritten in 1969, traveling from Brisbane Australia to London England. Airfare cost noted $683. A hefty sum in 1969!

Airlines change frequently. Many no longer exist, were absorbed by other companies or changed their names. Those no longer around, whose names have changed, or have changed their logos are of particular interest to collectors.

CP Air (Canada) Ticket Envelope

Pacific Western (Canada) Playing Cards

A CP Air (Canadian Pacific) Ticket Envelope (left).

Pacific Western Playing Cards (right). Pacific Western Airlines was the first Canadian carrier to order the Boeing 737 Jet in 1968. PWA purchased CP Air in 1987 becoming Canadian Airlines, and later purchased Wardair. In 2001 Air Canada purchased Canadian Airlines.

Wardair (Canada) Ticket Envelope & Afternoon Tea Service Menu

Wardair was a much beloved airline in Canada, providing real cutlery and dishes long after other airlines had switched to plastic and maintained their high quality of food service into the 1980s.

Wardair Ticket envelope and Afternoon Tea Service Menu card.

Harmony Airways (Canada) Salt & Pepper Shakers

Harmony Airways plastic sealed salt & pepper shakers, figural airplanes. Harmony was a short-lived charter airline in Canada between 2002 to 2007.

Match Book Wein Air Alaska 1974

Match Book from Wein Air Alaska (not to be confused with Alaska Air) upon their 50 years of service anniversary 1974. They were America's second oldest airline upon their closure in 1985.

To entertain and engage young passengers, encouraging future travel as adults, airlines created clubs and programs with little keepsakes that children would proudly show to friends and family. A peek into the cockpit often accompanied the pin award.

American Airlines Junior Stewardess Pin

Pan Am Junior Flyer Pin

Airline neckties, watches, trays, lapel pins and other items showing company logos are popular.

Air Transat Necktie

Air Canada Necktie

Air Transat (Canada) Necktie, a charter airline was established in 1987 and is in current operation (left).

Air Canada Necktie, founded in 1936 as Trans-Canada Airlines, it changed its name to Air Canada in 1965 and is in current operation.

South African Airways Lapel Pin

South African Airways lapel pin, a figural Springbok Antelope, both the symbol of South Africa and of the airline, until the airline logo changed in 1997.

Cruise ships sell many on-board souvenirs to commemorate travel. A signature trademark of Holland America Line is their Delftware boxed coasters.

Holland America Cruise Lines Coaster

The blue Delft Holland (The Netherlands) ceramic coasters come boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity, made by Royal Goedewaagan famous for their Delftware since 1610. Tiles depict vintage pictorials, renditions of the ship you sail and famous places.

Brooch Butterfly Wing Pin RMS Aquitania Ship 1948

Gorgeous Vintage Brooch, from on board the Cunard/White Star Lines Aquitania Cruise Ship 1948. The iridescent background is called butterfly wing, and pin has a domed surface.

Rail opened up land destinations and Railway Hotels affiliated with the Railroads appeared encouraging patrons to stay close to convenient routes.

Engraved Coat of Arms GWR

GWR Silverplated Railway Matchbox Stand

Stand made by Elkington Plate UK

GWR or Great Western Railway was the first railroad in the world to build hotels at railway stops. Founded in England in 1833, it linked London to the Southwest of England and Wales. In 1947 GWR became part of British Rail.

This silver plated matchbox stand is engraved with a Coat of Arms incorporating the town shields of London and Bristol with a banner beneath "Great Western Railway Hotels". Hallmarked E & Co, it was made by Elkington and the symbol indicates 1929.

Art Pottery France Jug Viaduc de Garabit

A gorgeous Art Pottery France signed Jug with original label, a souvenir of the Viaduc de Garabit, a train trestle bridge built by Gustave Eiffel and opened in 1885.

Shell Oil Locomotive Decanter Deutsche Bahn Railway

A Commemorative ceramic decanter made for the 10 year anniversary of DB Deutsche Bahn AG, German National Railway and presented by Shell Oil. This item will appeal to both Railroadiana buffs and Oil and Gas collectors. Decanter dates to 2004.

Union Pacific Railway Engineer Teddy Bear

Not to be overlooked are advertising plush.

A cuddly Teddy Bear by ACI International wearing a Union Pacific logo engineer's denim striped uniform. Union Pacific's network is the largest in the USA, now moving only freight, Union Pacific did have passenger train routes between 1869 to 1971 including the famous Overland Route. This bear dates c1970s to 1980s.

Dakin Wardair Teddy Bear in Uniform

A Wardair (Canada) Pilot Teddy Bear by Dakin 1987, shortly before Wardair was purchased by Canadian Airlines/Pacific Western Airlines.

Some of the items featured here are available at Mandicrafts.

Many paper ephemera collectible items get thrown away amongst stacks of paperwork when decluttering. Check those piles for vintage travel paperwork in case a hidden gem may be uncovered! Estate sales are a prime resource for such finds.

Happy Hunting

Bear Hugs

Mandy

Handy Links:

(just click on any of the names)

Mandicrafts Bears and Collectibles Store

Mandicrafts Website

Mandicrafts on Facebook

Mandicrafts on Twitter

Mandicrafts on Pinterest

Coollectors Website

Treasure Hunters Blog

Mandicrafts on Etsy

Mandicrafts News & Views - Teddy Bears & Collectibles

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide T to Z

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide P to S

Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide P to S

Parisian Novelty Company - An early Chicago based manufacturer of cookie compacts. Parker Pen-Wadsworth - The Canadian distributor of Wadsworth USA compacts. See Wadsworth

Signed Parker Pen Wadsworth Canada Pilcher - See Vashe. The maker of quality compacts often featuring colourful faux gems between 1944 to 1953.

Pilcher Compact and Sleeve

Ed Pinaud Compact Lipstick Rouge Vanity Case

Pompeian Rouge Compact

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide L to O

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide H to K

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide E to G

Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide E to G

Ladies Powder Compact Manufacturer's Guide A to D

How To Refinish Baribocraft and Baribo-Maid Canada Wooden Salad Bowls

Berg Austria Vintage Collectible Plush

Berg Spielwaren Tiere mit Herz GmbH Austria - Collectible Vintage Plush

Soldier Bears Mascot Bears Pocket Bears WWI Mohair Pals for the Trenches

Soldier Bears by JK Farnell and Steevans UK

Vintage Collectible Hand Glove Toy Puppets: Spieldorst Steiff WDP Kersa

Vintage Collectible Hand Glove Puppets

ARA Jeretzian Toy Wool Animal Pocket Pets

ARA Jeretzian Toy Wool Animals

Genuine Fur Koala Collectible Bears & Other Stuffed Friends from Australia

Genuine Fur Koala Bears and Friends - Vintage Souvenirs from Australia

Ladies Vintage Face Powder Compacts & Vanity Cases: Showcase

Baribocraft Baribo-Maid Canada Vintage Woodenware

Collectible Vintage Teddy Bears - Clemens & Baki Germany

Clemens Spieltiere & Baumann & Kienel (Baki) Germany - Collectible Teddy Bears

Collectible or Cherished Memory? Preserving Traditions, Recovering Old Friends & Feel Good Moments

Treasure Hunting Can Recover Cherished Old Friends, Preserve Family Traditions, and bring Good Old-Fashioned Feel-Good Moments

Beginner's Guide to Steiff - Identifying Margarete Steiff GmbH Germany Stuffed Plush

What or Who is Steiff?

How Do I Know it is a Steiff?

What Do I Look For in a Steiff or What is "Collectible"

Tobacciana - Smoking Collectibles - Vintage Accessories

Tobacciana - Smoking Collectibles - Vintage Accessories

10.14.3 Matches

Collectible Teddy Bears - What is an Artist Bear?

In the World of Arctophily (Bear Collecting) What on Earth is an "Artist Bear"?

Olympic Souvenirs & Mascots: Collectible Plush, Ties, Figurines & More

Thrift Hunters Debut TV Show Las Vegas Visit & Party PLUS Thrifting & Antiquing!

Thrift Hunters Debut TV Show January 2014 Las Vegas, Nevada - Party & Visit (PLUS some Thrifting & Antiquing)

SDF Shanghai Doll Factory Plush Teddy Bear Collectibles Post War

Shanghai Doll Factory, China - Post War Teddy Bear Collectibles

Wagner Kunstlerschutz & Max Carl Toys Germany - Vintage Collectibles - Flocked Animal Figures & Wind-Up

Wagner Kunstlerschutz and Max Carl Toys Germany - Vintage Collectible Flocked Figures and Wind-Up Toys

Textile Art Collectibles - Panama Mola Panel vs Quilt Blocks

Textile Art Collectibles - Introducing Mola Panels

Vintage Airline Cruise Ship & Railway Collectibles - Trains Planes & Boats!

Land Sea and Air - Vintage Airline Cruise Ship & Railway Collectibles

Parisian Novelty Company - An early Chicago based manufacturer of cookie compacts.

Parker Pen-Wadsworth - The Canadian distributor of Wadsworth USA compacts. See Wadsworth

Signed Parker Pen Wadsworth Canada

Pilcher - See Vashe. The maker of quality compacts often featuring colourful faux gems between 1944 to 1953.