Back in 2016 during that year's Countdown, I posted this find. It was a small plastic bust of Frankenstein('s monster) that was a premium in Post Super Sugar Crisp cereal. This summer, I came across another:
But this time, I found a few of his friends with him. Unfortunately, they had been left somewhere really hot and have melt spots on them.
Two of the heads, The Mummy and The Phantom of the Opera, sat on a similar bust stand, but the third, The Hunchback of Notre Dame seemed to be missing his stand.
After referencing the cereal box, I discovered something interesting: he wasn't listed as one of the available premiums.
The fourth member should have been The Wolfman.
Doing a little research, I found these molds had been used previously for other purposes including the Aurora monster models of the 1960's.
I think it's likely he's from the Aurora glow-in-the-dark model version of the above.
When you're done here, why not HEAD over and seek SANCTUARY at the Countdown to Halloween. I have a HUNCH, you'll like it. Okay. I'm done, and I'm sorry. I really am.
ahh, Sun Cancer. Sillisculpts get that sun damage, too, and that's what we collectors call it. those are really cool little busts. and they glow in the dark? even better!
ReplyDeleteSo that can just happen from sun exposure? I wouldn't have thought Sillisculpts would react the same way. I thought they were made of porcelain.
Deleteahh, you're thinking of Precious Moments™. Sillisculpts predate them, and are made of plastic. they are the goofier, more budget-friendly precedent to the Precious Moments saccharine, higher-priced entry.
DeleteI replied below, but somehow it posted outside of this conversation.
DeleteThey almost look like melt marks from spending a lot of time in contact with something made out of a plastic that reacts with the stuff they're made of. Like a soft vinyl or something similar.(And I think the hunchback is the head from the actual model.)
DeleteYeah, that was my thought too, Don. And thanks for confirming my "hunch". Sorry, I'm doing it again! But seriously, thanks for dropping by, Don.
DeleteNo, I am actually thinking of Sillysculpts. But you're right, now that I think about it, they were made of some kind of composite (or plastic like you mentioned). I haven't held one in a while. How could I not know when you own the largest Sillisculpt collection in the world! Has Guiness called yet?
ReplyDeletethey are definitely plastic. they wouldn't survive the trip to burning man and back very long if they weren't. The "Paula" competitors are made of plaster, and they don't survive as well, but i do have plenty of those, too. and no, Guinness hasn't called -- i think you need to apply and pay a fee, probably. maybe someday!
DeleteAh yes, I'm probably thinking of the Paula statues. I never could keep them straight.
Deletemuch like you can tell apart various manufacturers on sight for halloween & xmas things, the difference between Sillisculpts, Paulas, American Greetings, etc is super apparent once you get used to them. but the super simplest way to tell is the things they are made of. Sillis were first and made to be inexpensive, mass-market items, and Paulas were the upscale, "bougie" competitor. for some reason, plaster had a higher perceived value. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
DeleteSo cool. At least you have saved them from further heat terrors!
ReplyDeleteYes, I couldn't bring myself to throw them away. Monsters have feelings too!
DeleteWasn't it fun that stuff used to be in cereal boxes? My brother and sisters would stick our whole hand in to be the first to get the prize. What a brilliant marketing ploy that was!
ReplyDeleteYes, I loved getting things in cereal boxes. My sister was several years older than me, so I didn't have to fight too long with her to get possession. General Mills is actually putting some toys in this season, but they no longer package them in the actual cereal, but rather outside the bag on the interior of the box. What fun is that?!
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