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Text by Ellen Gardner
Mark Ledenbach isn't partuculary drawn to mid-century artifacts, usually
preferring items from 1900 through the ‘40s. But the well-known collector was on
the prowl for pieces to add to his extensive collection of vintage party favors
and Halloween memorabilia (he’s known as “the dean of Halloween”) when some
elfin ceramics in an antiques shop caught his eye. “The Pixieware was so
colorful and whimsical,” says Mark. “I just thought it was very, very cool.”
(a) These salad dressing bottles made by Holt-Howard in 1959 were
originally sold as a set. “They’re also called flatheads,” Mark says, “because
the tops are flat when viewed in profile. The company also made round-headed
tops, but the flatheads are more desirable.”
(b) Colorful jars for condiments stand about 5 1/2 inches
high. “The mustard and ketchup jars first made in 1958 are the most common and
worth about $85 each,” Mark says. The other jars were produced a year later and
are harder to find in pristine condition. They sell for about $175 each.
(c) An 8 1/2-inch hurricane lamp from 1959, worth about $200 to $225, came
with a ceramic girl or boy on the handle.
(d) “Party Pixie” hors d’oeuvres dishes are 7 1/2 inches high and include a
plate for appetizers, holes for toothpicks, and a topknot to hold pretzels. The
ears keep the pretzels from sliding into the Vienna sausage. Mint pieces sell
for $275 to $325 each, Mark says. (e) More condiment jars from
1959, and a pepper shaker with a wood handle from the Salty and Peppy set. (f)
Holt-Howard stamped the words “Spoofy Spoon” on packaging in early 1958, but
quickly changed the name to “Pixieware” that same year.
Partying Pixies page
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