This is where my website really diverges from other sites on the subject of vintage Halloween. As previously stated, items from the period of 1960-1985, what I call the “Silver Age” of Halloween collectibles, have not yet come to be considered “officially” vintage. Despite this fact, however, I feel that there are many wonderful and marvelous items from this period of time. While quite different from earlier eras, the art in this period, particularly the late 60s through the 70s is classic all to itself.

   There is a lack of information available on items from these decades simply because they aren't yet considered highly collectible, but they will be someday and I would like to make sure that these pieces are preserved for future collectors as well. Someday the 1970s will be 80 years ago, and those collectors may find the Halloween decorations that I remember in the store to be as whimsical and desirable as we consider the 1920s and 1930s stuff today.

   Often die cuts and decorations from this period were printed with Day-Glo inks. That is one of the distinctive qualities that sets them apart from earlier pieces. These flourescent dyes are highly fugitive, and any exposure to direct sunlight will damage them in an extremely short amount of time. Therefore I believe that special care needs to be taken to preserve these pieces from the 1970s and early 80s to ensure that they do in fact last long enough to become vintage one day. Please note that none of these items are for sale.

   This set of die cuts from the 1970s was made by Beistle and printed with Day-Glo colors. This set was issued in three different sizes. A 9", a 12" and a 16" size. This is an example of a set of die cuts that I think is just wonderful. The graphics are classic 1970s Beistle art and they just seem to capture the fun of Halloween. My favorite is the witch peeking over the edge of her cauldron.

   This Flying Witch die cut from the 1960s was made by Beistle and is printed on both sides. This is probably one earlier example of new printing techniques that arose at Beistle at this time. Printing on both sides was generally not done prior to 1960. Also the paper used here is glossier than the older vintage pieces. This was to become much more common through the 1970s and 1980s.

   Here is another set of 1970s Day-Glo die cuts by Beistle. I love the one of the Haunted House. One of the reasons I like this style of die cut is even though Beistle was using flourescent inks, during this time, they continued to keep their palette of colors in the same range that they always had. The major colors being black and orange, accented with green, yellow and white. I tend to eschew Halloween decorations that use predominantly odd colors like purple, blue, or pink. It just doesn't go with Halloween! This change in the color palette became much more common at the end of the 1980s and continues to be prolific today.

   These two jointed die cuts were issued in the very late 1950s/ early 1960s. Both were made by Beistle and the Goblin on the left has been a very popular item with Halloween collectors. It is quite striking.

   I really like this 1960s Jack O Lantern die cut. While its graphics are somewhat simplistic, there's something about it that instantly puts me in that magical Halloween mood. After years of thinking this item was made by Dennison, I recently discovered it was actually made by Beistle which is surprising, since the art is so “un-Beistle” in style. It was part of a set of four which include the Witch Head (shown here), a Skull & Crossbones and an arched Black Cat.

   Another classic 1960s die cut from Beistle, this jointed Skeleton playing an electric guitar seems to be an attempt by Beistle to keep up with the influence of popular culture. Either way this is a delightful die cut.

Repro Alert: This item began to be reproduced starting in early 2006. Watch out for sellers trying to pass these new items off as originals.

   This wonderfully rendered decoration is printed in black, gray, and Day-Glo orange. This die cut is not marked. I'm guessing it was most likely made by a regional manufacturer, probably in the late 1970s to early 1980s. I think it's quite a stunning piece.

   Here is an example of a piece which I think, almost without a doubt, is a Halloween collectible of the future. This fantastic centerpiece made by Beistle in the late 1980s has all the qualities of a vintage Halloween collectible in the making. First of all, typical of Beistle, its construction is somewhat complex. The center die cut of the witch stands up on a honeycomb base that opens fully round. Then the two strips depicting the ghosts and gravestones latch together to form a large circle which slides down over the center section and gives this piece a striking three dimensional effect. As with Beistle's famous “Rustic Fireplace” piece from the 1930s, this item has that same type of impact. Plus the imagery here is quite dynamic. Like the true vintage pieces, this witch's appearance is pretty threatening. The ghosts aren't cute, and I wouldn't want to mess with that cat anytime soon! I strongly feel that this is the type of piece that “vintage” Halloween collectors will covet circa 2065. Especially when found intact with all of its parts.

   This set of seven die cuts is, I believe, from the early to mid 1960s. The manufacturer of these is unknown, and I have been unable to find any information on their origin and exact age. I have heard these attributed to Dennison, but I do not think that is the case. At any rate, I think they are quite fun and the imagery has a nice vintage look to it. It seems odd that a complete set would be comprised of 7 rather than the more typical 8, but if there is another piece to this set I have never seen it. These are all about 5" x 5" in size.

   These three die cuts were made by the Merri-Lei Company of Brooklyn, NY. Probably in the 1950s, judging by the artwork. Merri-Lei is a lesser known manufacturer, but they made some very nice Halloween items that have become collectible in today’s market.

   This is a set of six paper table “stand-ups” issued by Beistle in the 1960s. Printed in Day-Glo colors, this was released as part of their “Bee-Line” product line from the 60s. The long strips at the base curve around and latch together allowing the piece to stand up on it's own. They could be used for general table decorations or napkin holders.

   This is a set of two different candy boxes made by Fanny Farmer Candies. Probably in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Of the two, the witch is more common.

   Here is another set of candy boxes from the 1960s that I find absolutely delightful. The imagery is just so wonderfully 60s. These were made in the USA, but the manufacturer is unknown.

    This heavy paper candy pail from the 1960s was made by The Lily Co. As with the candy boxes shown above, I just love the 1960s graphics! Including that delicious retro lettering.