Vintage Halloween Candy Ads-1940s and 1950s

It’s that time of the year…Halloween!

One of the great things about Halloween is all the goodies you can get (even if you don’t hand any out) and since this is a vintage blog I thought we could browse some of the vintage ads of all the yummy candies that would have landed in kids bags during the 1940s and 1950s.

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First up-WOWE-E.

I have never heard of this candy before, but the fact that it whistles fills my heart with joy.

Source: Flickr-Val

mmmmmm Cracker Jacks. I’m positive you would have been the favorite on the block if you handed this treat out.

 

FULL Candy bars! Nothing teeny tiny here. Wow can you imagine the sugar high these kids would have been on after eating multiples of those?

I will take the Butterfinger please…and maybe the Baby Ruth too while we are at it.

Souce: Flickr-Christian Montone

Woolworth’s, your one stop shop for all things Halloween.

Source: retroist.com

Milky Way Candy Bars are still a favorite of mine today.

Source: Flickr-Val

I have heard of Snickers, and Milky Way but never the “Forever Yours”. Have you?

This ad makes me giggle that a tree is eating a chocolate bar.

Source: Flickr-Val

Curtiss Treats! Another candy I have not heard of “Saf-T-Pops”. They look really interesting though, don’t you think?

I was not a 50’s child but I remember in the 80s getting small boxed cereal in my treat bag and loving it! Cereal for dessert?? Yes I will thank you.

1950s Kellogg’s ad – Source: http://www.grayflannelsuit.net/

I was actually craving Dubble Bubble just yesterday, and now after seeing this adorable 1952 ad I really want some.

Source-Layla Jones

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So my friends, if you were able to go out on Halloween what was your favorite treat? What did your home pass out to kids?

Happy Halloween!

Liz 🙂

1940s Women’s Fashion Ideas For Your Next Vintage Dance

One of my very first blog posts I ever did was for a yearly big band 1940s dance we have in Hamilton (outside of Toronto) called “Swing Out To Victory“.

My post was about what to wear to a 1940s vintage dance and I showed “vintage images” from magazines, catalogues and patterns for inspiration. None of the images I presented were actually for sale though, so I thought since the dance is right around the corner (Nov 8th-Tickets HERE) that I would supply my readers with ACTUAL pictures of outfits you could own tomorrow if you wanted (unless they get purchased before you can hit buy).

Now obviously if you don’t live in Toronto you won’t be attending this dance BUT you can certainly purchase these outfits for your own 1940s vintage dance where you live. Happy Shopping!

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To start off here is what I have worn to last years Swing Out To Victory’s….

2013-I’m helping with the candy toss and wearing my Vintage 1940s Gown I found for $30 in Toronto

Image Courtesy of Jessica T.

 

Now here are ideas on what YOU can wear to your next Vintage Dance….right now!

Lets just start with a beautiful 1940s Crepe Beaded Gown. Wearing this at your next dance will 100% get you noticed that is for sure!

For Sale on Etsy-TrueValueVintage

Since you might be dancing you want to make sure that you can move in what you are wearing (see my post on “real life vintage images of swing dancers“) and this dress looks like it would fit the bill while looking immensely stylish.

I love the Peplum Detail!

For Sale on Etsy-shopKLAD

I do adore a good green dress! Especially around the Holiday season and this 1940s Taffeta Cocktail Party Dress with the black accents would fit that bill nicely. How lovely would it look on the dance floor, spinning around?

For Sale on Etsy: TrueValueVintage

I kind of want the below dress in my life..right now because it would be so fantastic for SOTV. Sadly it won’t fit, so someone else take it home and wear it dancing..Please!

For Sale on Etsy: TrueValueVintage

I’m a sucker for a good floor length gown, like this beauty below.

Can’t you just imagine yourself being Ginger Rogers and dancing with Fred Astaire in this dress? I sure can.

For Sale on Etsy: dethrosevintage

Keeping with the “Gowns” theme, this black sequin gown with the swooping skirt is Gorgeous with a capital G!

For Sale on Etsy: SmallEarthVintage

If dancing is not your thing and you just want to stand around oozing glorious drama then this stunner needs to be in your closet. Oh la la is all I have to say 🙂

For Sale on Etsy: MinxVTG

Now for a little novelty in our lives. The braided detail is delightful and so different right?

For Sale Etsy: alleycatsvintage

 

Lastly lets not forget about the Shoes Shoes Shoes! Oh so important and if you are looking for a vintage pair there are lots out there. Here are small sampling of some for sale right now.

1940s..ohhhhhh the blue is so pretty and the strap will ensure your shoes don’t go flying off your feet during that song you just love to dance too.

For Sale on Etsy-honeytalkvintage

Peep toe shoes are a vintage 1940s must! and the sensible heal could work for a night out on the town.

For Sale on Etsy: honeytalkvintage

Now here is a good sensible BUT stylish shoe for dancing.

FYI the oxford below has never been worn…score!

For Sale on Etsy: diggerodellvintage

1940s Red Wedge Shoes Alert! Now these are shoes for a night of dancing…oh yes they are.

For Sale on Etsy: honeytalkvintage

 

Then you have it my friends. I hope you found something you liked or maybe inspired you to go on the hunt for.

If you do go to a vintage dance, please share some pictures with me! I love seeing how everyone styles their clothes (especially from the 40s, but it can be any era).

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P.S. I have news! I will be hosting my very first ever Guest Blogger post AND Contest in a couple of weeks..Yuppers a Contest is coming your way so don’t go away.

Liz 🙂

It’s Thanksgiving! Putting The “Vintage” Into The Holiday

Here in Canada we are about to celebrate our Thanksgiving on Monday and then I know my lovely neighbours to the south will be celebrating their’s next month. So I thought it would be fun to put together a post on items you could purchase to add some “Vintage” to your Thanksgiving holiday.

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First up..Table Decor.

Table Decor is a MUST to bring your Thanksgiving table to next level, starting with a pretty themed tablecloth.

Source-Etsy: NewtoUVintage

Source-Etsy: LinensandThings

As for what goes ON the Tablecloth how about these delightful 1940s Vintage Anagram Letters?

Source-Etsy: JustSmashingDarling

If you love the Turkey in the image above, then you can take them home below- 2 Morton Pottery Turkey Planters circa 1940s.

Oh I love them!!!

Source-Etsy: CRCRUMSEY

Having lots of guests over? Here is a nifty idea on how to remember where everyone should sit-Place Cards!

Source-Etsy: FeraliaVintage

Cooking Time!

Need some help with your turkey or thanksgiving recipes? Then Butterball has you covered with their 1950s advertisement and informational pamphlet for Swift’s Premium Butterball Turkey.

Source-Etsy: ThirstyOwlVintage

Source-Etsy: ThirstyOwlVintage

Now how to take the turkey out of the oven? How about with this Thanksgiving Kitchen Towel? This is funny, cute and vintage all at the same time. I’m guessing this towel has to be late 1930s by looking at her hair and shoes but that is just a guess.

On another note, I would totally cook the turkey if my husband would pull me around on a trolly to bring it to the table lol!

Source-Etsy: NeatoKeen

Your holding the turkey now what to put it on?? This 1950’s vintage Turkey Platter should do the trick.

Source-Etsy: FrancesAttic

Mmmmm Dessert

A vintage cookbook is always the way to go for authentic recipes from a bygone era. This particular gem was made in 1958. It features 61 pages of recipes and illustrations.

Source-Esty: cocoskitchen

After your dessert decisions have been made I’m SURE one of those is pumpkin pie and you will need just the right plate to serve it on.

This plate is from the 1970’s but I don’t mind at all because I just think it is fantastic and so perfect for your thanksgiving table. It even has the recipe for pumpkin pie in case you forget. Just don’t put the pie on it till your done WITH the recipe 🙂

Source-Etsy: VLDDecorandHome

You could also use the Blue Ridge Southern Potteries ‘Thanksgiving Turkey’ plate for some of your goodies. The image on the plate is a bit quirky which I like.

Source-Etsy: PastPiecesVintage

Kids…

Like my household (I have 2 nephews and niece) there might be kids at Thanksgiving so what can you do to keep them entertained? How about reading a Thanksgiving story like this wonderful 1954 book Written by Esther M. Schenk?

I know I know! this idea will only keep them amused for 5 mins but it falls into the “vintage” theme and so therefore perfect for this blog post.

Source-Etsy: grandmothersattic

Source-Etsy: grandmothersattic

Lastly what to wear? Well that could be anything from a cute vintage dress, slacks, vintage apron or a vintage novelty skirt like the one below.

Can’t get any more “Thanksgiving” then Cornucopia baskets.

Source-Etsy: SavvySpinsterVintage

BUT I think a must for whatever outfit you chose, there should be a themed vintage brooch on your lapel.

Now as Canadian’s we don’t have “Pilgrims” in our Thanksgiving story but this pin is too cute to pass up!

Source: Etsy-Desert Gemstones

Pilgrims not your thing? How about a Vintage Turkey Brooch?? Yup, this is awesome!

Source-Etsy: roseluv

Here is the Cornucopia basket again-Kitschy and fun!

Source-Etsy: AllureofJewels

 

And that my friends is some of my “Vintage Thanksgiving” ideas. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving whenever you are celebrating it 🙂

Question: I would love to know if you have vintage items that you already incorporate into your holiday decor? Please Share!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Liz 🙂

“Morgans Department Store”-Little bit of Canadian Vintage History

Recently I went and visited an antique show here in Toronto at a local mall called “Cloverdale“, there was lots and lots of items for sale but nothing mid-century for this gal until I saw a really cool hat box at one of the tables. Seen here…

The box was not in great condition but after quickly searching the name on the box “Morgans” I discovered that it was a little bit of Canadian history, so I ran back and scooped it up for a steal and a history lesson from its owners.

Apparently, Morgan’s (formally Henry Morgan & Company) was a Montreal-based Canadian department store chain. The first store was opened in Montreal in 1845 by Scottish immigrant Henry Morgan with a second store not appearing till the early 1950s in the Snowdon section of Montreal. Other stores subsequently opened on the island of Montreal, and several Ontario cities (Wikipedia).

After being open for over 100 years, in the 1960s the Hudson Bay Company purchased Morgans and quickly converted the Ontario stores to “Bay’s”. By the early 1970s the Quebec stores followed suit and that was the end of the brand Morgans….until I found my box! Now we can share in a moment of Canadian history together and bring to life the department store once more.

The Early Days:

Morgans 1890

Morgan’s department store in Montreal decorated for the 1939 Royal Tour of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. So Elegant.

I wish we could see setups like this again when royalty comes to visit.

Here are some images of other Morgans in the 1950’s

Hamilton’s Greater Shopping Centers-Morgans

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Interior shots of the Hamilton store being prepared for opening

A miniature milk bar for the kids. Oh my how cute!!

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Male Mannequins for the store. Kind of creepy I think. Actually Really Really Creepy!

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Group of Sales women attending a class to be able to work at Morgan’s.

What marvelous hair all these ladies have.

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Learning how to use the Cash Register.

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Morgans 1950’s ad for Schiaparelli Hats. Love this! How do I get this hat?

 

Hungry anyone? I will have the Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding (my fav!).

Gosh could you imagine if a Buffet (then called a Smorgasbord) was $1.19 today? Yikes!

Source: torontoist.com

“As new as tomorrow”….How exciting, I love things that are as new as tomorrow!

Source: torontoist.com

Logo Designs:

1950s Morgans

Source: The Department Store Museum

1970s Morgans after the Hudson Bay took it over (this would be its last logo change)

Source: The Department Store Museum

 Interesting Fact: It looks like Morgans was the first department store to move into family neighborhoods, as opposed to making a trip downtown to go shopping (as seen below). I’m sure this made many a family lives easier.

This ad makes me giggle. What is with the triangle people??

Source: torontoist.com

And that interesting fact ties in with the knowledge that where I bought the hat box was actually where a Morgans Department store once stood in the 1960s at Cloverdale Mall.  It was under my nose the whole time and I never knew! How exciting!

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There you have it friends, a little bit of Canadian History.

Do you have a department store where you live that has been around for years or maybe know of one like Morgans that has come and gone? I would love to hear about it.

Liz 🙂

 

 

Everyone Loves a Scottie Dog, Especially the Vintage Community!

Every since I found my wedding shoes from Irregular Choice with a cute adorable Scottie Dog on them (see below), I have been obsessed with collecting vintage items with this dog on it. I also realize that I’m not the only one who loves the Scottie as many ladies (and gents) in the vintage community I know enjoy collecting them as well.

My shoes and Vintage Brooch Bouquet from my 2012 wedding

Also my Recent..just got in the mail Celluloid 1940s Scottie Dog pin. Love Love Love! Can’t wait to wear them.

Source: Etsy-Bits of Bakelite

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Mini History Lesson of the Scottie Dog-1930s Popularity

During the 1930s it seemed like everyone from Movie Stars to Presidents wanted to own this dog and they did!

Owners included (but not limited to):

President Franklin Delanor Roosevelt was a famous Scottie enthusiast, and was known for taking his Scottie dog “Fala” with him almost everywhere he went.

Fala and FDR

Bettie Davis and her Scottie

Humphrey Bogart and his dog “Sluggy”

 

Even the Famous “Memphis Belle” had a Scottie Dog as a Mascot-Stuka

Source: modernscottiedog.com

Having such an illustrious owners did much for the Scotties PR and the dog’s popularity was capitalised on by contemporary designers and advertisers of the period. Scottie dog brooches were produced in bakelite, marcasite, gold, enamel and metal (Source).

Wonderful Examples:

Bakelite Scottie Dog brooch from the 1930-40s in an Ice tea/Apple Juice color-Pretty!

Source: For Sale on Etsy-Lucky Patina

Three Scotties carved out of dark red Bakelite-How cute are they?? THREE of them!

Source: For Sale on Etsy-OldObscenities

Art deco era Scottie brooch of sterling and marcasite

Source: For sale Etsy-SararaVintage

 

After a slight dip in popularity, the late 1950s saw the Scottie Dog become in vogue again! and could be seen on many different items from jewelry to shot glasses.

Like this adorable Paper Towel from the 1950’s.

Source: For Sale Etsy-grandmothersattic

Need some vintage 1950s coasters for your bar? I kind of think I might need to buy this for my husband as he is Scottish and has been known to drink a scotch & soda a time or two.

Source: For sale Etsy-BogieBacallVintage

How about a lovely 1950s shot glass to go on those coasters?

Source: For Sale Etsy-My Retro Charm

Looking for a 1950s vintage planter for your home? This guy will do I think 🙂

Source: For sale Etsy-candyzown

If you are a knitter (not me..oh that is so not me) you can purchase this adorable 1950s sweater and cap pattern for a little boy or girl in your life. I want it for me!

Source: For Sale Etsy-Knittingknitch

 

Now on a last fun note..did you know that in the game of monopoly the Scottie Dog game piece (introduced in the 1950s) is the most popular piece of all time? See everyone loves a Scottie Dog!

 

Do you collect these adorable dogs for your vintage collection? If so what do you own?

Liz 🙂

Time to Dance! Vintage Instructions to get you dancing in no time

If you follow my blog then you know that I’m an avid Lindy Hopper and I’m also working on my “Rock & Roll” and “Jiving” for my Rockabilly side. I LOVE to dance so while in my Lindy class last night a blog post hit me…Vintage Dance Instructions!

So gang lets see how some of our predecessors learned how to cut a rug, shall we?

Nobody wants to be a wallflower do we? So time to take some lessons from the famous “Arthur Murray”

Being popular and having fun all depend on that dancing, so off you go for more lessons!

1930s Dance Ad

Time to do some Swing Dancing!

It’s Suzy-Q time! We do this move a lot in Lindy Hop Solo Jazz.

Want to learn how to “Collegiate Shag“? Here are some starter points.

Source: CollegiateShag.com

Not so much “HOW” to dance but how “NOT to be”…I think.

As mentioned above I’m also a big fan of the 1950’s and Rockabilly so I’m learning Jive (sort of) and also have taken Rock N Roll classes in the past.

Thank goodness for this book or I would truly be lost! Source: Etsy- Props & Pieces

I agree about # 4 below. Thinking ruins everything…It really does!

Source: Etsy-Props & Pieces

Last BUT not least you cannot mention dance instruction and NOT mention “Fred Astaire”.

Source: Etsy-JeanRameyArt

So many shoes! Quick, Quick, Slow……Got it??

Source-Etsy: JeanRameyArt

I will leave you with this Tillie the Toiler Cartoon. It made me giggle because I’m a tall woman and many of my dances look like Tillie’s 🙂

 

So my lovely readers, did these images get you motivated to go dancing? Take a lesson or two? If you do dance, please share what got you into dancing I love those stories.

Liz 🙂

 

My Recent Vintage Store Finds

It is so nice in Toronto right now, so it is pretty much impossible to stay home at night. So on one of those beautiful nights I took a walk down to my local antique store for some treasure hunting. I was pretty excited to do this because normally I'm with my husband and he is not much of antique shopper and so I usually get 5 seconds in before he starts giving me the “please can we go!” look! Not tonight though he was working so I was free to take my time.

My plan… To find some amazing 1930s-1950s real-life pictures of well dressed people as this has recently become my obsession. I just love seeing how everyday people dressed as opposed to movie stars who had lots of money and designers on demand (not that I don't enjoy those photos too, Oh I most certainly do!). Tonight though was about the regular folks and I scored huge with the following 4 images.

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Photo number 1: A wedding photo from the 1940s, clearly during war times. Don't you agree that the bride and groom are so gorgeous together that they could have been movie stars?? Sigh…so fantastic!

I am just swooning right now over the handsome groom in uniform and his equally handsome best man in his navy uniform. Love.

Now the lovely bride. That dress is making me just drool all over my ipad right now with envy. The cut, the sequined design on the bust and that corsage..wow! Just beautiful. In my mind the dress is a gorgeous blue or maybe green! And how adorable are the peep toe shoes (on both ladies)?? This gal has style and her maid of honour is just as stylish too! I want a 1940s suit badly and honestly one like this would make my day. It is such a nice fit on her and I think she made a wonderful choice by wearing this.

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Photo number 2: 1940s woman. This photo was the first image I found and I nearly died from how amazing this image was. Like seriously, how could you look at this photo and not think “Wow that woman has style!”? I don't think it is possible and that was the exact words that came out of my mouth.

First off her 1940s gown fits her like a glove, look how tiny her waist is? The detail at the hip adds to the slim look of her waist and I'm just loving it so much (great undergarments I'm sure are helping too). The fabric is just as wonderful with the random flower detail and I envision this dress to be black with the flowers and dots to be silver (do you agree?).

Now let's talk about her hat. Yes her hat is one amazing work of art with a giant pouffy flower (I think) as the embleshment. Even with the giant beautiful corsage on her dress I don't think the hat is too much. Ohh I have a thought! Maybe she is the mother of the bride to the couple above?? Most likely not but she is going some where wonderful enough to wear long black gloves (question: are they gloves if they have no hand part?) and I'm sure will be the hit of the party.

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Photo number 3: 1940s gentleman. This image when I saw it, reminded me so much of Cary Grant or Clark Gable and I just knew he had to come home with me. I was also really drawn to how well his suit fit and how he paired it with a bow tie and two toned oxfords, classy! The hand in the pocket says “yup I'm a man of style”. And yes mister handsome well dressed man, the Vintage Inn agrees.

Photo number 4: The final image I found of this 1950s woman playing with her cat, made me want to buy it for 1 reason and 1 reason alone….her saddle shoes. Yes I know saddle shoes are not rare in images from the 50s but what intrigued me even more was the fact that I believe this woman is not a young girl but much older then that.

You don't see very often older woman wearing saddle shoes, in fact I have never seen it and was always under the impression that that style was for the “younger” generation. Now that might be true but clearly this lovely fun loving lady does not care and she is rocking them anyways and for that, I love her style and she deserved to be in this post.

So there my wonderful readers is my most recent vintage shopping find. I hope you enjoyed looking at the images as much as I did when I bought them.

Have a fantastic day!

Liz 🙂

 

 

 

 

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Frankie 100 Vintage Fashion Show (1920s to 1940s)

I’m BACK from Frankie 100 in NYC! It was one of the best Lindy Hop weekends I have ever experienced and I think I will be basking in the glow of the weekend for quite a long time 🙂

While at Frankie 100 I had the honour of being able to help Stage-Manage AND be in the Vintage Fashion Show.

It was a really well done show with fashions from the 1920s-1940s and also included were some wonderful reproduction designer outfits. Please enjoy and I’m near the end in the “Savoy” section wearing my 1940s fuchsia vintage gown (see below-Photo Courtesy of Colibri).

I just LOVE that I look like Ginger Rogers here!

 

Please click link below to be taken directly to the Fashion Show

 http://new.livestream.com/yehoodi/frankie100/videos/52093256

 

A Lindy Hopping I will go-My Favorite Vintage Lindy Hop Videos

I’m off on my next big adventure to NYC tomorrow for the big Swing Dancing (Lindy Hop) event Frankie 100-Celebrating the life and legacy of Frankie Manning. I’m all packed, printed off my schedule and danced a few solo Charleston steps in the kitchen..I’m ready to dance my feet off!

 

While I’m off dancing I thought I would share some vintage Lindy Hop clips to get you in the spirit as well. Please enjoy and if you are interested in seeing the event live,check out the dance website “Yehoodi” from Friday-Monday.

Now in the words of Frankie Manning “One, two, you know what to do”

Hellzapoppin’-1941

Many people consider Hellzapoppin’ the greatest single Lindy Hop performance of all time. Frankie was in charge of putting the routine together, and mentioned in his autobiography that the dancers worked extra hard for this performance, practicing even longer hours than usual to perfect it. His autobiography also has a long section of anecdotes regarding the process and filming. First couple: William Downes and Francis “Mickey” Jones; 2nd, Norma Miller and Billy Ricker; 3rd, Al Minns and Willamae Ricker; 4th, Frankie Manning and Ann Johnson. Dean Collins also does a dance in this film to the song “Watch the Birdie.” (The sequences, however, were shot on different days, and arguably the two most significant figures in Lindy Hop Leading — Frankie Manning and Dean Collins — never met.) (Source)

 

 Frankie Manning Dancing at the Savoy Ballroom-1930s

It’s very rare for us to have social dancing footage of the original dancers in the original swing era. We are lucky to have a few brief seconds of Frankie Manning dancing with a partner in a crowded Savoy ballroom from what is probably the late 1930s. Whether or not its social dancing is hard to say, as he very well might have realized there was a camera filming him, and changed his dancing because of it. Still, though, it’s great to see a young Frankie Manning in a suit, in his element. It’s only a few tiny seconds, but at least we have that much (Source).

 

TheOutline of Jitterbug History-1942

This short was filmed in 1940 (though not released till 1942) and near the end you can see the Whitey’s. It’s also the same group of dancers who did Hellzapoppin’. Note that this clip has extremely slow dancing compared to the other Whitey’s Lindy Hop performance footage. William Downes and Mickey Jones first, Norma Miller and Billy Ricker second, Willamae Ricker and Al Minns third, and Frankie Manning and Ann Johnson forth (Source).

 

Buck Privates with Dean Collins and Jewel McGowan-1941

 

Swing Fever-1944

Jean Veloz (Jeanne Phelps) is featured here dancing with Don Gallager & Lenny Smith in this delightful number “One Girl and Two Boys,” sung by Marilyn Maxwell with Kay Kyser’s band.

 

Groovie Movie-1944 

Jimmy Dorsey playing One O’Clock Jump. Dancers – Charles “Chuck/Gossomer” Saggau, Arthur Walsh, Lenny Smith, Kay Smith, Jeanne Phelps Veloz, Irene Thomas.

 

Don’t Knock the Rock-1956 (As a fan of 1950s Rock n Roll, this clip is a real favorite of mine)

Band: Bill Haley & His Comets with a slew of Los Angeles swing dancers, including: Gil & Nikki Brady, Freda Angela Wyckoff, Lenny Smith, and Joe Lanza.

 

Have a great week and weekend! Keep on Swinging!

Liz 🙂

My Cool Vintage 1940’s Find-“Victory Hair Pin Kit”

I was on Etsy yesterday doing my daily scan of the vintage clothing and stumbled up these excellent condition (never opened) WWII Victory Hair Pin Kits being sold by Sassypantsgrrl.

 

(Images courtesy of Sassypantsgrrl) 

Then while doing some research on the pins I found the Tank Museum was also selling a box of the same pins (expect theirs had the main packing box which had this awesome image and slogan on it).

Here is their description/history of the bobby pins from the museum (which is incredibly interesting):

Unlike modern “Bobby Pins”, these are the correct W.W.II style of black color metal hair pins worn by all women of the period. This included both military and civilian alike. The box unto itself is a work of art by it’s elaborate artwork design, and it’s also a great period example of the advertising style found back then. The box is colorful and well worded. it reads: “Exclusively Yours, Victory Hair Pin Kit, Smith Victory Corp., Buffalo, New York”. But printed all over this box is also much patriotic wording/slogans that make this necessary little woman’s antique a really cool ditty. 

Then the museum went on to have the Curator make comments:

This little item is almost always overlooked by collectors of female war time artifacts, headgear, and uniforms alike. Have you ever had to wrestle with a female mannequin’s wig to try to keep it in place and not fall off? Have you ever cursed at the wig on your female mannequin or display head as you fought to keep her hat in it’s proper location? Then you will know the value of these necessary pins. They help to keep a “goils” hat on her noggin and not on da floor! Many period photograph will show these pins mounted on the side of a lady’s garrison cap holding it in place. And this was O.K. as far as regulations went even though they did have to show a little on the outside curtain of such caps. A savvy collector knows that even such small, mundane items as hair pins, are just as important to be historically correct for an exhibit as any other item found on a proper uniform display. As they say…..It’s the little things that count!

WOW What a find! I’m so excited to add this to my collection!

If you would like to see a couple more images check out  “Bobby Pin Blog” who did a post on them as well and has a couple more images that I don’t have here.

Liz 🙂