One of the challenges in collecting vintage holiday decorations is establishing the manufacturer and production year. If you don't have the original box and there are no markings on the item, it's that much more challenging. Of course, this information isn't necessary to enjoy them for what they are, but as a collector, it enhances my enjoyment of them and furthers my understanding of the progression of Halloween decorations through the years. I can't say I have a very structured or scholastic approach to determining the source and age of the items I collect. I generally do a lot of searching on the internet and through shear volume of data gathering, I'm able to stumble upon an answer. Such was the case with this small blow mold skull.
I found this piece loose in the basement of an estate sale a few years ago. I assumed it was a newer piece.
The top has a removable plug which is attached to a metal strip that serves as a battery holder and light in one.
Searching through endless photos of other blow mold skulls, I chanced upon this "Spook-O-Lite". It was evident the skulls were from the same mold.
I'd never heard of Spook-O-Lites and there was little information about them on the internet. But I did find they were made by P.T.L. (Peerless Tree Lights) Novelty Company of Brooklyn, New York in the 1950's and '60's. They were quite varied in styles. The same three molds (skull, jack o'lantern and devil) were used as string lights, candle sticks and apparently, as evidenced by mine, standalone. They are highly collectible and the devil pieces are particularly valuable selling for over $300 for a strand of 3.
wow, those are cool. i've never heard of them. how big are the strands of lights? ping-pong ball sized? tennis ball? the devils are definitely cool, and i can see why they would be sought after.
ReplyDeleteThe string lights should be the same size as my skull (well, not my skull, but the light up skull) which is about 5" tall.
DeleteThose are awesome! Can't beat vintage decorations
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Seems like a no brainer for someone to bring them back.
DeleteThese are great! Love the style, bet people have had these as part of their display tradition for years! I know I would have.
ReplyDeleteI have one of those skulls! I've had it since I was a kid in the 70s. No idea where it came from, but it's always been with my stuff. Unfortunately, I painted the "cracks" in the skull with permanent red model paint. That pumpkin looks kinda familiar, also.
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad about your skull (the plastic one!). I've seen those Jack O' Lanterns used as regular candy containers as well. I have a couple.
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