Mr Punchs Shop : Advertising, Promotional and Seasonal
| | | 1983 Steiff 80 Years Advertising Placard and Catalogue(Reference #LBC79)
This selection comprises a 1983 Steiff cardboard advertising placard (16.5" x 11.5") featuring the limited edition Richard Steiff teddy that was issued in that year, together with a 16-page full colour catalogue of the company's products. Both of them are clearly marked with the '80 Years of Teddy' logo. The placard is in absolutely excellent condition; the cardboard stand is still firmly embedded in the back as it has never been used. The catalogue has a small tear and corresponding paper loss to the bottom edge. (WR) US$28.00
Price: £14.00 |  | |
|  | 1980s English Novelty Biscuit Tin - Possibly Cadbury's(Reference #LBC78)
One of the biscuit and confectionery makers (possibly Cadbury's) issued this exquisitely lithographed tinplate novelty biscuit tin in the form of a set of drawers in England in the 1980s. Measuring 9" x 5" x 3.5", the tin has three full-length drawers with plastic handles, four rubber feet, and a range of lithography. This comprises a pastoral scene with leaf motifs on the top, a bird on a branch on either end, and a larger leaf motif on the back. Unfortunately, the tin is no longer marked, as the original branding was on the paper band that kept the drawers in place, but it is clearly a quality item. The tin is in very good condition for its age, with only miniscule scratching to the top surface. (WR) US$30.00
Price: £15.00 | |
| Pre-War English Promotional Pickle Fork and Butter Knife(Reference #5-9-485)
This selection comprises two pieces of promotional cutlery: an Elwell pickle fork (5.75" long) and an Anchor butter knife (5" long) issued at the Wembley exhibition in 1925 to celebrate the innovation of butter in cartons. The fork has Elwell in italic script inscribed on it; the butter knife bears the inscription ANCHOR BUTTER IN CARTONS WEMBLEY 1925 and has the anchor insignia on the handle. Both pieces are slightly tarnished, but are in very good condition for their age. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | Pre-war Collection of English Cigarette Packaging(Reference #02-10-14c)
On offer here is a collection of pre-war English cigarette packaging, some of which is loose and the remainder of which is stuck in an album. There are examples of most of the well-known brands. These include, in the album, Player's Navy Cut, The Greys, Minors, Rhodian, Capstan Navy Cut, Kensitas, Craven A, Clifton, Vulcan Navy Cut, Premier's Navy Cut, Fryer's Filter Tip, du Maurier, Churchman's Top Score, Player's Weights, Turf, Double Ace, Rothman's Navy Cut, Services Navy Cut, Rothman's White Horse, Player's Bachelor, John Wood's, Churchman's Tortoiseshell, Wills's Gold Flake, Kenilworth, Passing Clouds, Curzon Piccadilly, Strathmore, Wild Woodbine, White Eagle, Grande Turque, Player's Airman, Gold Flake, Park Royal, Embassy, and No 1 Corktips. Some of these brands are duplicated in the loose, cut packets, but other brands such as Bar One, Park Drive, and Three Threes are also included. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1930s Spanish Cardboard Promotional Shoe Cream Fan(Reference #1-5)
This charming 1930s printed cardboard fan shows a sultry gypsy on the front, and the details of the shoe cream company - Crema Lodix of Barcelona - on the reverse. The fan measures almost 9" long, and is in very reasonable condition for its age, although it does suffer from slight scuffing and cardboard loss to the edges. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | Early 1920s Boxed Wooden Carpet Shop Advertising Jigsaw(Reference #02-3-08tp)
This 150-piece Ludgate jigsaw puzzle is entitled 'In the Shadow of St Paul's' and was issued by and could only be obtained from Treloar & Sons, carpet and floor covering specialists of Ludgate Hill, London. This is a promotional puzzle par excellence, because the puzzle depicts both the Treloar shops on either side of Ludgate Hill, with the sweep of the hill up to St Paul's Cathedral carpeted in one of their best highly-patterned carpets. The puzzle must date from the immediate post-WWI period as, if you look closely at the pedestrians on the pavement, you will see that many of them are in either military or naval unform. It is made of plywood, has both pushfit and interlocking pieces, and measures 7" x 9". At the top is the name of the puzzle and the address of the shops; at the bottom, is all the promotional blurb for the shops, pointing out that they have been specialists for 80 years, and that they sell seamless Axminster carpets and rugs, Wilton carpets, Duroleum, British made Turkey carpets, linoleum, and Oriental matting. The jigsaw is in very acceptable condition for its age, but one piece has been skilfully replaced and decorated, one piece has damage to the paper covering, another piece has been replaced but not decorated, and there is half of one piece and a lug missing. However, this does not seriously detract from what is an exceptional survivor of 1920s advertising practice. The original box (7.5" x 4.75") is complete and intact, but does suffer from scuffing, tearing, and some paper loss. (#) US$100.00
Price: £50.00 | |
| 1970s English VW Golf Hatchback Promotional Game Board(Reference #70-7)
Produced as a promotional item in England in the 1970s, this games board is entitled 'VW Inspector: a game for nit-pickers of all ages'. When folded out, the board measures 13" x 22". It is a simple chase game with rewards and penalties, so all that you need to play it is a dice and a counter for each player. Space no 33 celebrates the production of the four millionth VW Golf, and the overriding message of the board is the rigorous production standards that are applied throughout the manufacturing process. The final space invites your inspection at your local VW showroom. The playing surface is in absolutely excellent condition; the outer surface suffers from slight marking, scuffing and white paint spots. However, if you're a collector of VW Golf memorabilia, then here's an interesting item for your collection. (#) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | 1930s Macfarlane Lang Biscuits Promotional Pieces (3)(Reference #02-10-04m)
On offer here are three 1930s cardboard promotional pieces for Macfarlane and Lang's Granola digestive biscuits (approximately 1.75" in diameter). One is in the shape of the retailer's tin from which the biscuits were sold, and the other two are in the shape of the biscuits themselves. The tin-shaped one bears the legend THE NAME GRANOLA IS A GUARANTEE OF QUALITY; the biscuit-shaped ones bear different legends: SEE THE NAME GRANOLA ON EVERY DIGESTIVE BISCUIT and WHEN BUYING DIGESTIVE BISCUITS, SAY "GRANOLA PLEASE". The pieces are in exceptional condition for their age - without any defects to report. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1950s English Cardboard Father Christmas Decoration(Reference #9-12-04fc)
This splendid cardboard decoration stands 12" tall and represents the most glorious old-style Father Christmas complete with long fur-trimmed robes and hat, a sack full of toys, a golly peeping over his shoulder, a novelty-stuffed stocking over one arm, a bag full of goodies over the other, and arms full of crackers, books, and assorted surprises. The decoration is complete with its integral cardboard stand, and is in very good condition for its age. It just suffers from slight scuffing and paper loss to some of the edges. (WR) US$30.00
Price: £15.00 |  | |
|  | 1980s English Hunkydory Printed Bear and Santa Tins (2)(Reference #LBC32)
This selection comprises two Hunkydory tins, one of which was designed by Dana Kubick in 1987, and the other by Laura Weir in 1986. Both tins have take-off lids so that you can use them to store a variety of things from earrings and paper clips to pills and drawing pins. The red tin (3" tall) features a leather-jacketed bear taking his dog for a walk, although the dog appears to be in charge as he has wound the rope lead round a lamp-post. The cream tin (3.5" tall) features the most delightful graphics of Santa filling sacks and stockings in a children's bedroom. What makes both these tins so delightful is the way that the sides are printed differently to tell a story. They are in very good condition, with only very minor surface scuffing. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1950s English Wedgwood Jasperware Biscuit Tin(Reference #02-5-9wt)
Josiah Wedgwood's Jasperware has been a popular subject for biscuit tins since 1902 when Macfarlane Lang issued an octagonal casket simulating this style of china. On offer here is an octagonal casket issued by Associated Biscuits in the 1950s. Delightfully lithographed in blue, white, and gold, the casket stands 6.75" high to the top of the plastic knob. It features scenes from mythology and is also marked 2180/3714 and DESIGN INSPIRED BY JOSIAH WEDGWOOD& SONS LIMITED. The tin still has its original Associated Biscuits paper label on the bottom. It is in very good condition for its age: it just suffers from one small dent, slight print loss and surface scratching, and the inevitable wear to the top where the lid has been taken off and put on over the years. The inside is in superb condition: it even still has its original paper inside. If you'd like a relatively modern rendition of a classic lithographed biscuit tin, then here's your chance. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | 1900s Macfarlane Lang Lithographed Tapestry Biscuit Tin(Reference #3-2-26)
This Macfarlane Lang biscuit tin is clearly marked on the bottom with the maker's name. It measures 7" x 7" x just under 2", and the offset lithography simulates a floral tapestry design. It may be the tapestry handkerchief box made for Macfarlane Lang in 1909 by Barringer, Wallis & Manners, although the dimensions do not appear to be exactly the same as those stated in the catalogues. The hinges work perfectly and the inside is very clean. There is minor surface scuffing, scratching, and print loss to the lid and sides, but not to such an extent that it detracts from the overall visual appeal of this attractively lithographed biscuit tin. (WR) US$30.00
Price: £15.00 | |
| Christmas Stocking Fillers: 1950s/60s Pocket Money Toys(Reference #3-10-374a)
If you'd like to relive Christmas past this year and put some trinkets of yesteryear in your loved ones' stocking, then here's your opportunity. All of the items in this selection date from the 1950s and 1960s. The items comprise three different metal and plastic rings, a bracelet with a heart clasp, a wooden spinning top, a packet of glass marbles, a boxed indoor skittle game, and four miniature (1.5" long) tinplate Toyotas (highway patrol, fire chief car, and two different coloured saloons). All of the items are old shop stock and are therefore in unplayed with condition. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | Pre-War Wills's Star Cigarettes Wooden Cribbage Board(Reference #0-3-134b)
Issued as a promotional item for Wills's Star Cigarettes in the pre-war period, this wooden cribbage board has the name of the brand of cigarettes engraved in the middle. The board measures 11" x 2.75", and used to be a common sight in the pubs of England in the 1920s and 1930s. The wood is slightly split at one end, and there is a small wood chip to the other, but, overall, the board has an attractive patina of age and is in very acceptable condition. (J) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1920s Promotional Plaster Bisto Kids Figure - with Box(Reference #5-9-456)
Bisto is Britain's favourite gravy powder. Bisto stands for Browns, Seasons and Thickens all In One and was invented in 1908 by Messrs Roberts and Patterson, in response to their wives' plea to find an easier way to make gravy. Both Mr Roberts and Mr Patterson worked at the Cerebos salt works and soon they persuaded their employer to start making Bisto commercially. The Bisto Kids were created by the famous cartoonist, Will Owen, at the end of the First World War and they remained on the packs until the early 1990s. On offer here is a delightful plaster figure (2.5" high) of the cheeky boy and girl in their familiar pose with their nose up in the air smelling the delicious aroma of Bisto. 'Ah! Bisto' is on the front of the base; 'Bisto kids' is on the rear. The figure is crudely moulded, but nevertheless has a charm all of its own. It was originally issued as a promotional item for children to paint, as the back of the box makes clear: 'Here's fun children……….these happy little figures, the "Bisto kids", are ready for you to paint, in lifelike colours, just as you see them on the other side of this box. You can use water-colour paints from your paint box and, if not quite satisfied, just wash the paint off gently with soapy water and try again. If, after you have completed the art work, you would like a lovely shiny glossy finish, simply apply clear cellulose varnish or Banana-oil from a model shop. Daddy will get it for you'. The figure is in good, original condition, but the same cannot be said of the box which can only be regarded as an interesting addition. It is currently in four pieces, and is scruffy and incomplete. It lacks half of one side panel and the whole of one end panel. However, you can still appreciate the picture of the Bisto Kids and the Bisto logo on the side panel. If either early promotional items or Bisto memorabilia are your passion, then don't miss this opportunity. (#) US$50.00
Price: £25.00 |  | |
|  | 1930s French Promotional Card Cut-Outs with Songs (3)(Reference #04-9-7)
These three different cardboard promotional cut-out sheets for Fulgor metal polish each measure 6.5" by 4.5". They each feature a different popular song; when cut, they make up into a different floral display with a different animal: a bulldog gendarme, a bird with a tin of Fulgor metal polish in his beak, and a mouse in evening dress nibbling a piece of cheese. All three cut-outs are in excellent condition - without any defects to report. (WR) US$36.00
Price: £18.00 | |
| 1920s UK College Candy Aircraft Retailer's Tin(Reference #99-29)
This delightful candy container was produced for W M LIVENS & CO LTD, COLLEGE PURE SWEET WORKS, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, in the 1920s to dispense their famous brand of COLLEGE TOFFEES. It is delightfully printed with silhouettes of children playing with hoops, scooters, yo-yos and a kite, whilst a COLLEGE bi-plane flies overhead dropping toffees to them. The lid of the tin depicts the registered trade mark of COLLEGE TOFFEES, a smiling little boy in a large black top hat and black tie. The tin stands 10.35 inches high, and is in generally good condition apart from minor scratching and dents it has sustained down the years. It would display well in a country store setting, and should appeal to a wide range of collectors, whether your interest lies in candy containers, aircraft, or scenes from childhood. The children's silhouettes are most realistically and attractively realised, and should not disappoint any discerning buyer. (WR) US$80.00
Price: £40.00 |  | |
|  | 1950s Biekens Promotional Space Scraps (55)(Reference #2-9-64)
Printed in England by MLP, but promoting a Dutch brand of biscuits (Biekens St Niklaas), these space scraps measure 3 inches by 2.25 inches each. They are very brightly lithographed and are extremely reminiscent of the Dan Dare style of illustration. The scraps depict a wide range of space activity from a space station, and an approaching view of Mars to an atomic factory and a flying tank. The descriptions are printed in Dutch and French only. These scraps originally formed part of a series of 80. On offer here are four uncut sheets, but all of them have suffered minor burn damage to one edge, so there are only actually 55 undamaged scraps. However, these are in absolutely excellent original condition. The sheets are still intact, but the perforations are hanging by a thread in some cases. These scraps are very much of their time and would make a stunning addition to any collection of either printed scraps or space memorabilia. (WR) US$90.00
Price: £45.00 | |
| 1960s Cereal Cardboard Cut-Out Premiums(Reference #ACO1)
 Issued in the 1960s by Scott's Porage Oats, Weetabix and Kellogg's, this selection comprises ten cardboard cut-outs from the back of cereal packets. They are in varying condition. First up are two pieces from Scott's Wild West series: pipe of peace and Apaches!. These are complete and are in the condition from which they were cut from the packet. Next are six pieces from Scott's Zoo series. The lion and the polar bear are complete and are in the condition from which they were cut from the packet. The two giraffe scenes are complete, but have been assembled. The elephant ride has been assembled, and lacks one leg. The second lion has been cut from the packet, and lacks one leg and the body. On offer from Weetabix is the vintage 12/50 Alvis in the Weetabix Workshop series. This is complete and in the condition from which it was cut from the packet. The final piece in the selection is Hoppy the Kangaroo from Kellogg's Toyland Zoo series. This is still contained in its press-out card but, unfortunately, four of the pieces have already been pressed out and are now missing.
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|  | 1982 UK McDonald's Halloween Concert Badge(Reference #03-11-28)
McDonald's issued this promotional badge in 1982 to advertise their series of Halloween concerts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The badge depicts Ronald McDonald with a witch, broomstick and black cat, and has a diameter of 2.75 inches. It is in good condition, with no defects, and may be that piece of McDonald's or Halloween memorabilia that your collection is missing. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1950s UK Waddington's Alba TV Playing Cards(Reference #5-11-84)
John Waddington produced these promotional playing cards in the 1950s for ALBA RADIO AND TELEVISION. The double pack is boxed, and the two sets of cards each have different coloured backs. Both packs are in very near mint (possibly unused) condition, and comprise a full 54 card set. Apart from some wear around the edges of the box, these are virtually new. If early radio or TV ephemera interests you, then these should be worth a look. (WR) US$30.00
Price: £15.00 |  | |
|  | 1985 Total Oil/Disney Return to Oz Premium(Reference #00-8-58)
This 1985 Total Oil premium consists of a glossy story album and 25 picture cards (3.5 inches x 2.75 inches) to be stuck into the album in the appropriate place. Both the album and the cards are in extremely fine condition and have clearly never been used. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1930s/1960s Cardboard Easter Egg Halves (11)(Reference #9-12-03aa)
This assortment of cardboard Easter egg halves dates from the 1930s to the 1960s. Although only four of the halves are actually marked WESTERN GERMANY, they probably all originated from that country. Eight of the halves match and look as though they should fit together tightly, but none of them do so very satisfactorily. We have been told that this is either because they were simply tied together with a piece of ribbon or were filled and sold separately as halves. Whatever, the egg halves are extremely decorative items that should appeal to collectors of Easter memorabilia. The printed ones feature the rabbits, chicks, cockerels, flowers, and baskets traditionally associated with Easter and range in size from 2 inches to 9.5 inches in length. The three non-printed ones consist of a 2 inch wooden half, and two 7 inch halves that are covered in gold foil (suffers from some paper loss). This is the really only significant defect to report; the remainder of the eggs are in remarkable condition given their age, inherent fragility, and ephemeral nature of their existence. (WR) US$38.00
Price: £19.00 |  | |
|  | 1930 Halloween Wood & Paper Noise Maker(Reference #5-4-347)
This Halloween novelty noise maker is of unknown origin, but is made of wood and paper, and stands 5.25" high. When spun or shaken between the fingers, it makes an unusual 'ringing' sound. It is attractively printed with a grinning Halloween pumpkin face, and should have some crepe paper streamers attached to one side, but only the residual evidence of these remains. However, they would not be too difficult to replace. If Halloween is your abiding passion, then consider this for your collection. (#) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1950 UK Horniman's Tea Cinderella Booklet(Reference #6-1-129a)
This delightful little booklet tells the complete story of Cinderella in just 16 pages, each measuring 3.25" by 4.75". There is a full colour illustration on the front, and a silhouette of three little girls on the back cover advertising Horniman's Tea. Inside, there are a further six black and white illustrations. Apart from some rust to the staples holding the book together, there is no other damage to report. If you like pantomime-related ephemera, then this may be just what you need - Oh Yes It Is. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | 1960s Scotch Whisky Figural Bottles (2)(Reference #1-38)
The Beneagles Scotch Whisky Company issued these two novelty whisky bottles, probably during the 1960s. They are made of pottery, and represent 'King Robert the Bruce' and 'John Knox'. Each bottle stands about 5" high, has a cork stopper in the base, and is undamaged. John Knox was the great exponent of Calvinist teaching, and Robert the Bruce needs no further comment. If you like novelty figural bottles or whisky-related items, then this pair could be of interest. (#) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1967 French Plastic Biafran War Appeal Figure(Reference #02-5-01n)
Presumably sold in France in 1967 to raise funds for the victims of the Biafran War, this plastic model represents a well-fed Western child and an under-nourished Biafran child. The two children are embracing one another, while the label on the base urges us to 'aidons le Biafra' (let's help Biafra). Standing 2" tall, the model was made by JIM of France and is in excellent condition, still being contained in its original plastic bag. (25 #) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | 1960s Butagaz Plastic Promotional Figure(Reference #02-5-01p)
Made by JIM of France in the 1960s, this plastic premium figure was given away in the 1960s to promote sales of the Butagaz brand of bottled gas. Standing 2.5" high, the figure has a wistful expression on his face and is the same shade of blue as the Butagaz canisters. Apart from some minor surface marking, he is in very good condition and would make an attractive addition to any collection of promotional premiums or figures. (50 #) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1938 George VI Souvenir Coronation Badge(Reference #8-12-243a)
This metal badge is based on an earlier version produced in 1937 to commemorate the forthcoming coronation of Edward VIII, which didn't happen because he abdicated to marry Mrs Simpson before being crowned. Hurriedly produced in the aftermath of the abdication crisis, this version shows Edward's brother - George VI to whom the royal succession passed, and his wife, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother who recently passed away). The metal badge measures 1" in diameter, is on its original backing card, and is in very good condition. This badge is an unusual memento that could be of interest to a wide range of collectors. (25 #) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | 1930s English Miniature Advertising Tin (Reference #0-3-76)
Measuring just 1.5" in diameter and probably made in England in the 1930s, this delightful miniature advertising tin bears the legend 'Oatine Snow'. The origins and use of the product have disappeared with the passage of time, but the tin is in very acceptable condition for its age. The lid and the base fit together as snugly as ever they did, and all the tin suffers from is minor marking and scratching. It is now ready to take its place either in a collection of advertising memorabilia or in a miniature shop of the appropriate period. (25 #) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1953 UK Cadbury's Coronation Chocolate Tin(Reference #9-12-05y)
This tin was made by Cadbury's in 1953 to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second on 2nd June 1953. It is in very good condition; both inside and out, apart from some slight scuff marks to the lid. When issued, the tin would have contained a bar of chocolate, long since eaten by the lucky recipient. The lid shows a young Queen, is attractively printed in purple, gold, and red, and measures 7.75" long. Collectors of either candy containers or royalty memorabilia may find this piece of interest. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | 1953 English Coronation Souvenir Pencils/Pad(Reference #8-9-152)
Issued to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, this selection comprises three lead pencils listing the accession dates of the kings and queens of England and a spiral bound notebook (2.25" x 3.5") with a photographic cover of the Queen on horseback. All four items are in very good condition with no defects to report. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1964 Gibbs Pepsodent Promotional Zoo Animal(Reference #3-11-50)
Still complete in its original and unopened plastic bag, this plastic zoo animal measures 2.5" to the tip of his horns and represents an antelope. He was available from chemists and pharmacists in 1964 when shoppers bought a product from the special Gibbs Pepsodent toothpaste display. The backing card shows the 'colourful easy-to-erect card zoo complete with plastic cages' that was available for a nominal charge of five shillings. The card also includes the coupon that had to be sent off to order the zoo. There is absolutely no damage to report to this item; it would make an interesting addition to any collection of promotional items or of plastic zoo animals. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | 1910s UK Cadbury's Bournville Chocolate Tin(Reference #01-12-05g)
Dating from the 1910s, this Cadbury's chocolate tin measures 7.25" x 5" and is in good condition. The tin is embossed around the sides and edges of the lid with a most attractive floral design in an art nouveau style, and has a colour printed lid showing Bournville Lane (approach to Bournville Works). Cadbury's was justifiably proud of its Quaker origins and the garden factory that it built, and used its tins to promote its ideals. The bottom of the tin is therefore printed with a superb black line illustration of the 'Men's Gymnasium and Cricket Ground, Bournville'. The printing to both the top and bottom of the tin is largely sound with only minor scratches and tarnishing (most noticeable to the bottom of the tin). This is a very attractive and collectable tin from the golden age of packaging in the early years of the last century. (WR) US$50.00
Price: £25.00 | |
| 1970s British Telecommunications Buzby Toy(Reference #8-2-01b)
Buzby spearheaded a memorable advertising campaign for British Telecommunications in the 1970s. This rendition of the character measures 6" tall and is made of synthetic and felt plush. Buzby is stuffed with kapok and has plastic googly eyes. Apart from some slight surface grubbiness, Buzby is in absolutely excellent condition. He would make a fine addition to any collection of advertising dolls in general or Buzby memorabilia in particular. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | 1950s Novelty Xmas Santa with Airmail Bank(Reference #01-4-1)
Pascall's made confectionery in England and had a long-standing tradition of producing various novelties. This absolutely splendid Father Christmas novelty stands 13" tall and dates from the 1950s. Such novelties were a regular feature of Christmas dinner tables of the period; at the end of the meal, the toys contained in the interior of the figure were distributed to the children. Made of a cardboard tube, the figure has a delightfully printed paper mask face, crepe hood and cloak, and cotton wool trim and beard. A paper decoration of holly and mistletoe at the bottom of the figure is clearly marked PASCALL'S NOVELTIES. The front of the cardboard tube is cut away so that the children could catch a tantalising glimpse through the cellophane of the toy contents inside. The most interesting and certainly the most expensive of these is a tinplate airmail bank, made by leading English toy manufacturer Chad Valley. The bank stands approximately 4.5" tall and is lithographed in red, blue and cream with a map of the world that shows the very latest airmail routes. The inclusion of such a quality toy probably reflects the fact that airmail was the latest thing, a truly global service having finally been launched in 1951. It is not possible to give an accurate description of the rest of the contents without dismantling the novelty. The only other items that can be seen through the cellophane are a boxed miniature Bijou jigsaw and a boxed game of noughts and crosses. However, none of the other contents will match the bank in terms of size, value or interest. Given its inherent fragility, this novelty Santa figure is in surprisingly good condition. There are a couple of tears to the crepe paper, the cellophane covering is also torn, and the cotton wool trim round the bottom of the cloak is grubby. Apart from those minor defects, the figure is complete and intact. It still has its cardboard stopper firmly glued into position. This includes a label stating that the original price including purchase tax was nine shillings. This is an unusual and extremely attractive item that would grace any collection of Christmas memorabilia. It would also be of interest to collectors of still banks or airmail memorabilia. (400 #) US$270.00
Price: £135.00 | |
| 1900s Hudson Scott Tin Trunk Biscuit Tin(Reference #8-2-02d)
Hudson Scott & Sons made this printed and embossed tinplate trunk for the Co-operative Wholesale Society in 1901, The Far Famed Cake Company in 1902 and Palmers Brothers in 1903. Each of these companies bought the rights to the biscuit tin design for one year only. It is interesting to note the lack of overt advertising (the tin is not marked with a grocer's name) which the Victorians and Edwardians thought vulgar. The tin is 5" long and 3.5" high and is marked with the Hudson Scott logo. It is an extremely accurate representation of a railway trunk of the period. Just look at the buckled leather straps, hefty lock, and reinforced corners. It is marked with the initials of the London and North Western Railway. In terms of condition, the tin has suffered considerable wear and tear over the years. It suffers from overall scuffing, scratching and some print loss. This is most apparent to the lid, particularly to the central section (over the Hudson Scott logo) where a sticky label has obviously been removed, taking some of the print with it. There is also some rust staining to the bottom of the interior. However, it is still an interesting item for a container that's 100 years old. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
|  | 1960s East German Easter Egg Candy Container(Reference #01-3-44)
Printed on the inside with the words MADE IN GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC, this is clearly an Easter egg that dates from the days of the cold war Communist regime. Measuring 6" in length, the cardboard egg consists of two halves, one with an inner lip and one without. Covered with shiny paper, both halves of the egg depict the same scene: a dressed mother rabbit setting up her Easter egg stall, with baskets of eggs and Easter chicks, under a red parasol. Apart from some tape marks round the edges and the fact that the two halves do not fit together completely flush (as is often the case with cardboard eggs of this type), this egg is in very good condition. (WR) US$30.00
Price: £15.00 | |
| 1930s Disney/Pears Soap Card Game Promotion(Reference # 5-7-378)
Here's an opportunity to acquire together two items linked in a joint promotion by Walt Disney and Pears Soap in the 1930s. A&F Pears Ltd were manufacturers of quality soaps and had been so since the late 19th century. This promotional offer was open to all those who bought a boxed cake of 'Pears Golden Glory' soap which included a flyer entitled 'Pears and Snow White' giving details of how to acquire a free set of 'an entirely new card game called "Shuffled Symphonies"'. The card game was, in fact, only free if you purchased a Pears gift box that contained a pack of the cards and two sixpenny cakes of Pears Golden Glory soap. Offered here are a box of Golden Glory soap with its original unused soap wrapped in tissue paper and the flyer mentioned above. The box is complete and in good condition but, as it has a gold finish, it does show some signs of tarnishing with age. The box is attractively embossed with a raised design of a dancer on the front and both side panels (three small dancers) and bears the legend 'Pears' and 'Soapmakers to their Majesties the King and Queen' on the bottom. Below is an extract of the text of the flyer: 'By special arrangement with Walt-Disney Mickey Mouse Ltd, the makers of Pears Soap are now making a wonderful offer to the public. An entirely new card has arrived, called 'Shuffled Symphonies', which is hailed as Disney's latest masterpiece - a wonderful game, jolly, fascinating, and yet so simple that it can be played by children as well as grown-ups. There are 45 cards in the pack, and each one bears an authentic Disney picture, in full colour, of a favourite Disney character. There is Snow White, Dopey, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and nearly a score of others. The cards are exquisitely printed on the finest quality linen-grained board, and are washable. They are definitely worth 1s 6d a pack - the price on the carton. By arrangement with Walt Disney-Mickey Mouse Ltd, Pears are now able to offer this splendid new 1s 6d card game to users of Pears Soap for 6d only. Here is a wonderful opportunity to secure this latest novelty - a card game which will soon be all the rage, and with which you can pass many happy hours. Think of the joy of being able to spend an evening with Walt Disney's lovable characters whenever you wish - in your own home. What better antidote is there to gloom and care than these children of Disney's genius - so comical, so quaint, and yet so human, that they have captured the heart of the world?'. The 'Shuffled Symphonies' card game referred to in the offer consists of 45 cards and a rule book (with a Pears Soap advert on the back). The cards are in good condition, are only slightly grubby, and are complete. They do not have any tears or creases and do not appear to have been played with excessively. The cards include two of each of the following Disney characters: Elmer Elephant, Pluto, Three Little Pigs, Dopey, Horace Horsecollar, Snow White, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Ambrose Kitten, Clara Cluck, Tilly Tiger, The Twins, Dirty Bill, Pied Piper, Country Cousin, Max Hare, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Toby Tortoise, Clarabelle, Donna Duck, Three Little Wolves, and one card only of the Big Bad Wolf (this is a penalty card). The box is only in average condition, as it has the top flap and about a quarter of the box back missing. However, the front of the box is complete and is attractively printed with Mickey Mouse juggling the words 'Shuffled Symphonies'. This is a unique chance to buy a Disney/Pears Soap English promotion from the 1930s. (200 TR) US$90.00
Price: £45.00 |  | |
|  | 1960s Tin Co-op Society Advertising Board (Reference #75-132)
This tinplate advertising board for the Co-operative Societies' Waveney Soups measures 9.5" x 14". Depicting a bowl of soup surrounded by its wholesome ingredients, the board bears the slogan 'Delicious Waveney Soups The Whole Year Round'. The bottom of the board features the Waveney logo and the words 'From Co-operative Societies Everywhere'. The tin board is mounted onto a sheet of cardboard that incorporates a picture frame-style stand. The board is therefore freestanding. The back of the board is marked with the words 'To clean, wipe lightly with moist leather' and 'the Metal Box Co Ltd (Liverpool Branch). The board has surface scuffing and scratching but is, nevertheless, still in very acceptable condition. (WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 | |
| 1968 BAC One-Eleven Jet Promotional Penknife (Reference #5-9-454)
This combined stainless steel bottle-opener, penknife and screwdriver was made to a registered design in Sheffield, England on behalf of British Airways Corporation (BAC). It promotes BAC's One-Eleven, one of Britain's most successful pure-jet airliners, in terms of numbers sold. The airliners went into scheduled service in November 1968 and this promotional item presumably dates from that time, being given away to passengers during the flights. Measuring 1.75" when closed and 3" when extended, this gadget has the words BAC ONE-ELEVEN impressed on one side and an outline of the jet on the other. It also has a hook for attachment to a key ring. Being made of stainless steel, it is still in very good condition. ( WR) US$20.00
Price: £10.00 |  | |
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