Collecting Old Halloween Candy Containers

Treats and candies are the most collected Halloween items by children who travel from house to house when trick-or-treating. Candy is not a durable item which makes it a practical collectible. However, the containers that children use during trick-or-treating to collect candy are highly prized collectibles.

In the early 1900s, Halloween candy containers were produced in Japan and Germany. During this same period, trick-or-treating in the United States was spreading from the Northeast, an area largely populated by British immigrants, to other parts of the country. The children required containers to collect their treats and sweets. Candy packages imported from Japan and Germany meet this need.

Candy Containers From Germany

Most German candy containers were made of composition or papier-mâché. Others were made of cardboard, wood, or plaster. Halloween candy containers were produced in the shapes of cats, ghosts, lanterns, and demons. The top of the container usually included a hat or the figure’s head. When this top was opened, the candy could be deposited at the bottom where it remained protected when the top was replaced. Candy containers were produced in sizes ranging from 2 inches to over 12 inches.

Japan Candy Containers

In the 1930s, Japan was a major contributor to the importation of candy containers into the United States. The containers produced in Japan were made of bisque, celluloid, and glass. Some containers came filled with candy, others required filling with homemade goodies. Before 1930, containers from Japan were marked simply as Japan or Germany. After 1930, new laws passed by the United States required imported items to be marked “Made in” followed by the name of the country.

United States Candy Containers

The early 1940s and continuing 1950s saw the production of a small number of commercially issued trick-or-treat bags. Bags with Halloween-related commercial messages were often used for Halloween candy collection and then discarded. How infrequently these bags survived makes them collectible.

Continuing into the 1960s, hard plastic containers were produced in the United States. Containers were normally made in bright orange and black. Most were made in the shape of a gourd, although containers in the shape of cats and witches have been discovered.

Deciding what to collect

Candy packages from Germany are the most precious and also the most expensive. As German containers became harder to find and afford, collectors turned to those made in Japan. The most abundant and affordable containers are the plastic ones in the United States. Plastic containers can be found at flea markets and garage sales and are inexpensive. Non-Halloween collectors don’t see the potential value of these hard plastic containers.

Identification of reproductions

Candy containers from Germany and Japan have been reproduced in the last 20 years. Many of the reproductions come from China. At first glance and to the inexperienced collector, reproductions can be difficult to distinguish from early authentic containers. Characteristics that distinguish originals from reproduction include paint colors that appear brighter than the original paint, worn paint that is in unexpected or unusual places. The original containers would be expected to show wear at high points such as the top, handle and bottom. Finally, if the price seems too good to be true, it’s probably a reproduction. When considering the purchase of any antique, it is best to do some research and, if possible, visit places or dealers that have authentic collections. Most collectors are happy to share information.

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