Tin Litho Noise Makers ca.1950

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These vintage noise makers have various manufacturers. Some of these remain unknown so we will cover a more general base of knowledge on noise makers from the mid 20th century.
 
Tin noisemakers made by Kirchhof, U.S. Metal Toy, J. Chein & Co, T Cohn were perhaps most popular in the 1920s-1940s. These companies often made other tin toys and novelties for other holidays, particularly Christmas and Easter. Earliest noisemakers were constructed entirely out of wood.

The earlier tin noisemakers can be identified because their handles were made of wood. Later tin noisemakers tend to have handles made of plastic. The earlier tin noisemakers also tend to have more vibrant and elaborate graphics. Noisemakers exported to the US were primarily produced in Germany.


Currently on display @ The Skook General Store


Part of the allure of these nostalgic noisemakers has always been that they're cross-collectibles. A tin toy collector may a   lso collect them. A cat collector or holiday collector may be after them, too. Collectors of Black Americana find imagery of the era on some of these, and Judaica as Purim rituals call for noisemakers of all kinds.

There's the person who's planning that authentic era party who wants her guests to have everything as it was. Decorators want them. Jewelry-makers and other artists are re-purposing the noisemakers, too. Who have I missed?

Books on the subject tend to be a good way to educate yourself about the history, craft and what may be available that you could be looking for. On- and offline retailers and auctions will give you up-to-the-minute ideas of the value of items. Small differences in condition can make something worth more or less. Spotting a reproduction or repair may take a very trained eye.

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..:: Noise on New Year's Eve ::..

This information has been excerpted from History of New Year's Eve. Some fun facts about New Years celebrations and custom from around the world. To learn more click the above link and enjoy!

 

Currently on display @ The Skook General Store

"Using noise to welcome in a new year goes back to ancient times when it was felt that noise scared off evil spirits. Imagine what our ancestors would have thought about all the high-tech speakers, amplifiers and such today? To them, the world would be pretty pure with all this noise! :) But very few of us link New Years with evil spirits (spirits that you drink perhaps but not any other kind), they still feel noisemakers are a must for New Year's parties.

 

"In Denmark, they smash in the new year by banging on the doors of their friends' homes and throwing pieces of broken pottery against the sides of the houses. Now if everyone is out doing this, then well...hey is anyone home to even notice?

 

"In Japan, dancers go from house to house at Oshogatsu making strange noises and rattling and pounding bamboo sticks and banging on drums. In many parts of the US, firecrackers are set off at midnight to mark the new year. This is also the main celebration in Viet Nam, Hawaii and South America."