April 19, 2024

Antiques & Collecting: Jack-o'-lantern torch used in Halloween parade

By Terry and

This tin 1910 Halloween parade torch sold for $1,888 at a Hess Auction Group auction a few years ago. It is 27 inches high. Halloween memorabilia is fourth in popularity with collectors, behind Christmas, Fourth of July and Easter.

In ancient times, the Celts dressed in strange costumes to scare the spirits that were killing the crops in the fall. That was a forerunner of Allhallows Eve, when people asked for food in exchange for prayers for a good year.

Halloween was celebrated in the United States by the 19th century, brought by the Irish. They carved scary turnips, but learned that the pumpkin was easier to use.

The Halloween parade didn’t start until the 1900s. Allentown and Newtown, both in Pennsylvania, claim the first known parade.

There were costumed people, bands and parade torches. Some of the metal torches were shaped like jack-o'-lanterns and today those are rare Halloween collectibles.

The vintage jack-o’-lanterns are made of papier-mâché. Newer ones are plastic foam or hard plastic.

McDonald’s sold Happy Meals in plastic pumpkin pails that could be used for trick-or-treating probably 30 years ago. Are they worth anything?

McDonald’s Happy Meals — kids’ meals with a small toy included — were first sold in 1979. McDonald’s Halloween pails were first issued in 1986 and included three orange pails: McBoo, McGoblin and McPunk’n. They were issued again in 1987. Similar plastic pails were offered for several years in different colors.

In 1989, the pails were three characters: McGoblin (orange), McGhost (white), and McWitch (green). In 1990, the colors were neon and glow-in-the-dark; in 1992, they came with cookie-cutter lids. In 1994, the witch was purple instead of green.

The pails, in good condition, sell online for about $5 each.

How much is a barometer signed “J. Mangiacavalli, 1859, England” worth? It has a thermometer and hygrometer. The barometer is broken and doesn’t work.

Barometers measure changes in atmospheric pressure to forecast the weather. The thermometer measures the temperature, and the hygrometer measures relative humidity.

Antique barometers with elaborate wooden cases and brass trim are the most desirable. If the barometer is broken and can’t be fixed, it isn’t worth anything.

Current Prices

Doll, troll, orange hair, brown eyes, wearing black mask with orange-and-black cape, Halloween costume, stamped, Russ, 1980s, $10.

Halloween candle holder, Yellow Kid-inspired, molded, painted, Germany, c. 1920, 3 1/4 x 2 inches, $160.

Cookie jar, Jack-o'-lantern, scalloped lid, leaf handle, cream and brown glaze, marked, Abington pottery, 1950s, 8 x 7 inches, $350.

Sterling silver, spoon rest, Salem witch figure with broom at top, heart-shape caddy, c. 1895, 3 1/2 x 2 inches, $1,075.

Tip: Old papier-mâché jack-o'-lanterns originally had a thin piece of paper in the eyes. The light from the candle showed through the paper. You can make a replacement with tracing paper and watercolor paint.

“Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide” — the all new 2021 edition — is now available in bookstores nationwide and online. For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.