July 28, 2010

Pretty Plastic Pooches


















Two more unknown plastic figures. They look like they could come from the Fisher Price range, but Im not sure. They both have articulated heads, tails and legs, and were made in Hong Kong.

Poor old Lassie! Looks like shes been in a rather nasty fight!

July 21, 2010

Two Striking Matchboxes














Two lovely matchboxes from Spain featuring two Spanish football teams. Made by Fosforera Espanola, they look to date from the Fifties.

If you like theses, you may be interested to know that the collecting of Matchbox labels, Phillumeny is big business. Theres even a Matchbox society!

Its been a while since Ive been to a Matchbox Society fair, but there was always lots to see, and the prices were pretty reasonable too. Ill add some more soon.

July 06, 2010

Phrophetic 1960s New York Souvenir Beer Stein














A while back I picked up this kitsch New York souvenir. Made in Japan, the beer stein sat happily in the corner of the room, until one evening, when, for whatever reason, I gave it a second look. Everyone had gone to bed and what I saw left me slightly spooked. There lurking towards the World Trade centre was this plane. Now I know the events of 9/11 may well have changed the way we see planes in urban spaces, but this porcelain depiction, seems eerily prophetic.

July 03, 2010

HOMS Dial a phrase rubber stamp collection



















Perhaps one of my favourite finds ever, was this enormous 12 motto office rubber stamp, that my father in law, rescued from the bottom of a skip in Cardiff, in the late Eighties. Ive always treasured this rather special find.

All the rubber stamp messages relate to late payments in the account department. Unfortunately the rubber belt has ceased up, and the rubber stamp is now stuck on motto number 3 which says
We missed you payment for last month wont you send it now?

















The Rubber stamp is made by Homs and has a catalogue number of M4.It is unlike the more usual date stampers in that is measures 7" high. The handle is wooden and the guard, is made from tin. The key once turned the rubber belt, which in turn moved the phrase on, but that no longer works.