Vintage 1950s Kitschy Kitchen Collectibles

When talking about vintage ceramic kitchen collectibles from the 1950s-1960s, a popular theme is ‘Anthropomorphic’ and it refers to ‘uniquely human characteristics and expressions’ and these ceramic are usually very colorful and animated – kind of like cartoon characters with big eyes and smiles.  These vintage ceramics were mostly imports from Japan and made by the eras top manufacturers Holt Howard, PY, Miyao, Coronet, Napco, and Lefton.

You can find Anthropomorphic collectibles in the forms of: Condiment Jars, Salt and Pepper Shakers, Cruet Sets, Jam and Jelly Jars, Planters, Vases, Wall Pockets, Cake Stands, Dinner Ware Sets, Serving Bowls, Serving Trays, Butter Dishes, Teapots, Pitchers and more.


Today these kitschy anthropomorphic collectibles can be found online, on EBay, Etsy, Rubylane, and in antique and collectibles shops all over the country but in small quantities. Collectors tend to collect based on manufacturer or theme – say all red apple items or only the lemon heads. Be prepared however to pay top dollar on these items as they are very collectible today and can rage from $29.99  – $3,500 (for the rare Lefton Hot Dog Head condiment jar and Holt Howard Honey jar). I was at a flea market recently and spotted a pair of vintage 1950s anthropomorphic fruit head salt and pepper shakers in horrible condition with lots of crazing and paint wear and the seller was asking $40 for them and when I attempted to negotiate he just looked at me and said “Do you know what these are? They are from 50s and very collectible today” and he was not going to budge on price.

Collecting vintage anthropomorphic kitchen ceramics are a REALLY fun type of collectible as their bright colors and big smiles and expressive faces are so darn cute and charming so they appeal to lots of folks. Today, finding pieces to complete a set or add to a growing collection are getting more and more difficult and prices are climbing.  Do you collect vintage anthropomorphic kitchen ceramics? Send us a note and let us know about your collection.

Crazy 4 Salt and Pepper Shakers

anthro

We hear from many folks interested in Salt & Pepper Shakers that are wanting to start a collection or add to a current collection; their questions range from “What is the appeal of collecting Salt & Pepper Shakers” to “What are Anthropomorphic Salt & Pepper Shakers” to “How do you know its Vintage” so we thought there just might be more folks out there with the same interest and questions and we hope this little guide will provide a bit of insight into this delightful collectibles arena for you.


The Appeal of Salt & Pepper Shakers

Salt and Pepper Shaker collecting took off in the 1940s with the creation of ceramics. Salt and Pepper Shakers were being made in a variety of designs, shapes, and themes. Souvenir shakers were especially popular during this time frame and were affordably manufactured and therefore affordable to purchase. Today, shakers come in a variety of materials from glass, to wood, to metal to anything imaginable.


Folks collect Salt and Pepper Shakers for many reasons. Some inherit an existing collection, others might focus their collecting on a particular theme or manufacturer, and yet others feel a connection with their vintage shakers to a bygone era, shakers are small and easy to display, and Salt and Pepper Shakers do increase in value as particular ones become harder and harder to obtain and are highly sough after. Obviously there are many reasons why folks collect, but, the main reason is that it brings people JOY.


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Visiting a Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

If you have an interest in or collect salt and pepper shakers then you just have to visit a unique museum called the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum located in Gatlinburg, TN the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park! From what I have been reading, this is truly a one-of-a-kind place and touted as the only one in the world.  I am totally into kitchen decorating and kitchenalia and most certainly love salt and pepper shakers so after finding this unique attraction on the Internet it is now officially on my list of Must Visit places! I know, it sounds kinda weird right, but this place seems totally outrageously amazing.


Museum founder – Andrea Ludden has such a burning passion for salt and pepper shakers that she has amassed a collection of over 20,000 salt and pepper shakers! Andrea’s collection spans decades and ages and shows societal changes from ancient times to the 1500’s, 1800’s, 1920’s, 40’s, 60’s all the way to present time making for a “real life” history lesson!



We’d love to hear from you if you have visited the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum and what your experience was and please send any photos that you have so we can post them up to share with our readers and salt and pepper shaker collecting friends!!

Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
is in Gatlinburg, TN the Gateway to
the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Visit: Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

HOURS: Monday thru Sunday from: 10:00am to 4:00pm