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original metal frame crimped on the left and right ends. Manufacturing
period: 1920-1949. (photos courtesy of hamburglar1987.)

PH: Halloween décor and parties for adults became popular in the first
quarter of the 20th century. Companies such as Beistle/H. E. Luhrs and
Dennison in the U.S. along with imports from Germany produced quality
printed products for decorations and party favors. The collecting of
this memorabilia spiked in the late 20th century, and it is still a strong
collecting category. Many items have been reproduced, and Beistle and
Dennison are still in business. Items produced during the 1920s and ‘30s
are the most prized.
I was able to locate a couple of versions of a folding firescreen, both in
die-cut metal and cardboard, and both versions with tissue-paper backing
and Halloween-associated designs. I found two auction offerings of this
particular screen; in 2010 at Bertoia Auctions, one sold for $650, and in
2019, Pook & Pook Auctions reported the sale of one for $1,100.
Mark Ledenbach, a collector and expert on Halloween collectibles,
notes that scarcity of good items along with the collector interest is driving
prices higher as in this case. To learn more about the variety of Halloween
collectibles visit www.HalloweenCollector.com
horns, being hollow and
waterproof, were a perfect
object for this purpose and are
often found polished both
inside and out to allow the
amount of powder contained
to be visible. Most horns
have stoppers at both ends:
the larger for filling it and
the small to dispense. They
usually have a strap so it can
be worn over the shoulder.
Decoration in the form
of engraving, much like
scrimshaw, is prevalent and
can be simple, such as a name
or initials and a date, to elab-
orate with figures, landscapes,
and symbols. This example is
American and engraved with
the eagle and motto of the
Great Seal of the United
States. Also engraved is a
figure in uniform on horse-
back. The Great Seal was adopted in 1782 and the uniform features a
coatee (jacket with short tails) which was part of American military
uniforms from 1812 until 1833. The horn likely dates from the War of
1812, or just after, based on the decoration but could be anytime between
1810 and 1840.
Horns were supplanted by copper flasks in the mid-19th
century. Many horns existed and still exist and regularly appear at auction
along with decorative reproductions. Patriotic engraving, as on this horn,
is desirable—names and dates will add more interest and value. American
horns with significant provenance regularly bring five figures, and a signif-
icant horn dated 1775 sold for $170,000 in 2019 at Morphy Auctions.
Lesser antique horns regularly sell for less than $500. Horns like this one
from the War of 1812 generally sell between $1,000 and $10,000.
Depending on condition, decoration, and provenance, they often have
patriotic engravings of eagles and soldiers on horseback.

$6,850 (43 bids, 14 bidders): Rare, Old, Germany Antique Halloween
Embossed Die-cut Tri-fold Fireplace Screen. Measures 19 inches x
26 inches in all-original, as-found condition. Was part of a 35-year antique
holiday collection. Strong overall condition with vibrant colors and a few
small imperfections and some tiny pinholes in the crepe paper. This would Philip Hawkins, ISA AM, AAG is an accredited member of the International Society
have been used in the 1920s in front of the household fireplace at a
of Appraisers and a founding member of the Appraisers Association of Georgia. He
Halloween party to enhance the Halloween atmosphere. This is an can be reached via the ISA website or at 404-320-7275.
extremely hard-to-find piece, especially in this condition. It has the

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