It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of AAAA and antique advertising pioneer David G. Hirsch. He succumbed to an ongoing heart condition in the hospital on Wednesday, May 10.

Dave was one of the original founders of AAAA around 1990. He has been a seminal and vibrant force within the club since then. He served in many capacities, contributing his talents wherever they were needed, including serving as a member of the Board of Directors. Perhaps his most notable role was as Editor of our print newsletter, PastTimes. For numerous years, he brought his creativity, brilliance, and high-level expertise in graphic design to the task of producing stunning issues of our award-winning newsletter.

But Dave will be remembered most for the person he was. He was a mensch. Dave was one of the most beloved figures anywhere in the realm of our hobby. Everybody knew Dave. He relished mentoring new collectors and was generous with his time and talents. When he was around, there was a special electricity in the room.

He was passionate as a collector. With an eye for high quality and unique material, he assembled one of the most impressive and comprehensive antique advertising collections in the US. And he remained very active in the hobby until the very end. Just a few short days ago, he was on the phone finalizing a PastTimes ad for some items he wanted to sell.

If more time had been available to solicit testimonials about Dave, many would appear below. But, given the need to get this notice out prior to his online funeral on Monday, May 15, there will be just one testimonial offered here. But it is a special one. It comes from long-time AAAA member and close friend of Dave's, Remey Rubin. If you are not aware, Dave's daughter, Leslie, is married to Remey's son, Ken. Since Remey has been an integral part of Dave's hobby family and actual family, we will give him the last word.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his dear wife Marcia, who often accompanied Dave on his collecting adventures, his children, Leslie, Paul and Alan, and his grandchildren, Lucy, Peter, Claudia, Emma, Beatrix and Theo.

Dave, you made your mark and you will be missed.

Convention Sponsors are important partners of AAAA that provide vital support to our annual Conventions. The donations they tender make our fun raffles possible. AAAA wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the 2023 Convention Sponsors listed below for their vital support of our big event. Please patronize these Sponsors whenever you get the opportunity. They are wonderful partners!

AAAA also wishes to acknowledge and express appreciation to Mary and Dick Cousin, who were in charge of recruiting all of the Pennsylvania-based Convention Sponsors and gathering required information. They did a great job! Thank you, Mary and Dick!

Contact: [email protected]

Allan Petretti is the legendary “guru” and undisputed authority of all things related to Coca-Cola and soda pop art.  He has published 23 books on the subject which are considered the definitive references in the field. Over the years, he also has written a myriad of columns and auction reviews for many popular antiques publications. More recently, he has embraced his roots as graphic artist and is active producing whimsical and creative artworks of great beauty. Allan has been the benefactor of AAAA through his seminars and his generous gifts of original art. This year, Allan will again be donating original art and, in concert with AAAA, will also be donating an 11” by 14” print of his beautiful “York” creation, suitable for framing, to each AAAA member who attends the Convention. 

Website: www.antiqueweek.com

Website: www.antiquetrader.com

E-mail: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Location: Adams Antiques, 2400 N Reading Rd, Denver, PA 17517

Phone: (717) 335-0001

Location: 135 Bridge Street, Columbia, PA

E-Mail: [email protected]

Location: Morphy Auctions, Denver. PA 17517

Website: www.indyadshow.com

Location: Sturbridge, MA

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: journalofAntiques.com

Kovels’ Antiques, Inc, was founded by Ralph and Terry Kovel. Hailed as “the duke and duchess of the antiques world,” they have written more than 100 books and many special reports about collecting. Their bylined newspaper column started in 1954 and is the longest-running syndicated column in the U.S. by one author. It appears in more than 100 newspapers. Their books include the annual Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, now in its 54th edition, that has sold over 4 million copies. The Kovels bought their first advertising collectible in 1954, the well-known “Grape-Nuts, There’s a Raison” sign. Most of the advertising collection in their house is part of a “country store” that was used in their national TV series. Advertising became important enough to become a category in the price book in 1988. Their website, Kovels.com, has more than a million expert reviewed prices, marks, readers Q & A, identification help, resources for collectors and buying and selling advice. Included online is the digital edition of Kovels On Antiques & Collectibles (plus 48 years of archives) their subscription newsletter which includes sales reports, hotlines, and tips to help you stay informed on the changing market. Go to Kovels.com and sign up for a FREE weekly email with news and information of interest to collectors.

Website: www.Kovels.com

The Mad Hatter Antique Mall is a 15,000 square foot antique establishment located on Route 272 in Adamstown, PA. The mall is comprised of over 100 Dealers in both booths and showcases. The Mad Hatter features a wide variety of antiques and collectibles. Advertising is one of the categories carried. There is something for every taste and budget. Come shop ‘til you drop at the Big Red Hat!

Location: 61 Willow Street, Adamstown, PA

Website: www.morphyauctions.com

Location: 11 N. Water Street, New Oxford, PA

To put it bluntly, we are very likely to run out of rooms very soon so if you plan to attend the AAAA Convention, please register and make your hotel reservations TODAY!

The 2023 AAAA Convention will take place at the Wyndham Garden York in York, Pennsylvania from July 19-22, 2023. The convention registration fee is $130 per person, which includes all convention activities, two banquet dinners, one buffet lunch, one ice-cream tasting event, and, for hotel guests, free continental breakfast each morning. To display the convention schedule, click here.

To register for the Convention online, click here.

To print a Convention registration form to mail in, click here.

To reserve a hotel room online, click here.

Don't forget that each current AAAA member who registers to attend the Convention will receive a FREE suitable-for-framing 11" by 14" art print created by Allan Petretti to commemorate the York Convention. It is just stunning! Click here to see it.

If you have any questions, write to [email protected] or call 317-594-0658.

Celluloid novelty advertising! What a great Idea! Give away a small, useful object--something that will be kept—that promotes your product! Well, many companies did just that. However NO company used it to the extent that the “King of All Advertising” did: Coca-Cola.  Not only did Coca-Cola perfect the idea, they used it so extensively that today it’s considered an artform. Pocket mirrors, match safes, bookmarks, watch fobs, badges, you name it. . . all protected in a plastic-like material that that can be preserved and used, while simultaneously reminding you to “Have A Coke”!

In 1855, celluloid was first introduced by the English firm of Alexander Parkes as a bulk material for forming objects. In 1862, it was patented under the name of “Parkesine”. It was later licensed by John Wesley Hyatt in America for use in billiard balls, which until then, were made of ivory. Hyatt dubbed his material “celluloid”.

The Whitehead & Hoag Company, which was formed in 1892 in Newark, New Jersey, vigorously pursued the manufacture of celluloid objects. The company eventually became the largest manufacturer of novelty advertising in the United States, making over 5,000 different objects. By 1953, the business started to decline and in 1959, its long-time competitor, Bastian Bros., of Rochester, New York, bought them out. By 1965, Bastian Bros. stopped using the name Whitehead & Hoag.

The Coca-Cola Company used a number of manufacturers of celluloid novelties. However, Whitehead & Hoag was the best…and it was nothing but the very best for the “Advertising King!" One of the most beautiful and incredible pieces made by Whitehead & Hoag was a small 8” x 10” hanging sign titled “Satisfied” in 1906. This rather suggestive little piece was probably not commissioned by Atlanta. It was more likely produced by the Western Bottlers! Nonetheless, this rare little sign is a prized part of only a small number of advanced collections in the country. It actually can be found in a number of variations. The particular one shown below was purchased by me many years ago from the grandson of a man who actually worked for Whitehead & Hoag as a young man.

1907 "Satisfied" Celluloid Sign

As amazing as this little sign is, it is certainly not the very best or even the rarest Coca-Cola celluloid novelty item. That distinction may go to a magnificent series of 5 ½” X 7 ½” celluloid “boudoir clocks” that were given away from around 1901 to 1906 or so. They are so rare that only a small number are represented in even the most complete collections. We do have a 1902 photographic image (below) of a group of ladies in the New York Coca-Cola Headquarters office, showing one of these clocks (a 1901 Hilda Clark model). It is circled in red, behind them on top of a cabinet.

1902 Coca-Cola Headquarters Office Showing Boudoir Clock

Celluloid was used in varied ways to create novelty pieces of advertising. However, given that they were crimped over a lithographed image or actually printed directly on the celluloid surface, the resultant images were usually not of the highest quality. Special inks for use on the slick celluloid surface resulted in less than perfect detail. In any case, the Coca-Cola Company used it to the hilt on anything and everything imaginable. Some of these objects are so rare today that they are prized by even the most sophisticated collectors.

I am always amazed and taken back by the amount of detail, money, and artistic effort this company put into the production of a seemingly insignificant item promoting a humble “5₵ glass of soda water." Absolutely Incredible Indeed!

The gallery below presents a variety of fascinating celluloid Coca-Cola promotional items.

1912 Watch Fob

1911 Match Safe

It was a successful first outing on May 5-6 for Morphy Auctions in its new role as owner of the Indy Ad Show. Dan Morphy, President and Founder of Morphy Auctions and Cheryl Goyda, who will be managing the show, were in attendance, getting to know dealers and shoppers alike.

As always, this show brought the "best of the best" to the attention of eager buyers. All genres of antique and vintage advertising were well-represented at a wide range of price points. A positive vibe prevailed as many attendees could be seen proudly scurrying about with their new acquisitions. Dealers were involved in animated conversations with shoppers throughout the spacious Boone County Fairgrounds facility in Lebanon, Indiana. It was a festive atmosphere.

Dealers uniformly had very positive things to say about their sales. Some even reported record levels of activity. Asked about how the process for dealers worked under the new ownership, feedback was positive.

The new owners introduced a very helpful enhancement to this show. They distributed informative maps of the fairgrounds, detailing the precise location of each of the dealers. The map included listings for 233 booths.

The next show in this series will take place September 22-23, 2023, once again at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Indiana. For further information, click here.

The images below attest to the great selection of antique advertising at this show!

At the height of the 1980s-90s frenzied interest in all types of collectibles, there were books and magazines galore to educate, guide, provide valuation, and entertain the millions who were hit with the the collecting bug. Collectors' Showcase was one of those magazines, published nine times per year that targeted that niche. While this periodical covered all sorts of collectibles, antique advertising was an area that was well-represented, both in terms of articles and advertising.

Thumbing through a copy of this vintage magazine would make any veteran collector reflect fondly on his or her earlier days in the hobby. Events and trends from that era are on full display and the generous representation of photos showcase wonderful items that are not often seen these days. With approximately 80 to 120 pages in each issue, there is much to learn and enjoy.

A few of the articles that were published in the issues of this magazine include: "Coffee--Its Hot" by Tim Schweighart; "Canadian Tin Containers" by Glen Parul; "Sewing Related Trade Cards" by Evelyn Eubanks; "Novelty Ice Cream Dippers of the 1920s" by Wayne Smith; "Peter Sidlow Advertising Collection Auction Preview"; "Oreo: King of the Cookies" (uncredited); "Collectors' Profile: Roi & Ruth Davis" by Donna Kaonis; "Tindeco" by Kristin Helberg, "An 1880's Pharmacy" by Donna Kaonis; and so on.

For collectors of antique advertising and other collectibles who appreciate the value of good reference material, this magazine is to be recommended.

AAAA member and pioneer antique advertising collector, Jerry Glenn, is making his collection of Collectors' Showcase Magazines available for purchase in various quantities of 7, 14 and 21 assorted issues. Interested parties should contact Jerry at 843-384-0303.

Well, not exactly. But the fact is that United States Senator Todd Young (Indiana), was recently accorded the honor of occupying the so-called "candy desk" in the US Senate Chambers. This particular seat comes with a special but quirky obligation--and that is to keep a table near a popular chambers entrance stocked with candy treats that originate from Senator Young's home state of Indiana. Among Senator Young's special offerings will be "Cinnamon Red Hots", produced by Schimpff's Confectionery in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Schimpff's Confectionery is owned by Warren and Jill Schimpff, long-time, beloved members of AAAA.

Click here to read a statement released by Senator Young's office announcing his selection of prized Hoosier candy treats, including Schimpff's Cinnamon Red Hots.

Asked about this distinct honor, Warren and Jill issued the following statement: "We are thrilled that Indiana Senator Todd Young has chosen our famous Cinnamon Red Hots to be present on his famous desk - “The Candy Desk” - in the Senate chamber in Washington DC. We think it is a capital idea!!"

Jill went on to say she "hopes that all the candy will sweeten some of the debates that take place in the Senate". Warren hopes "that our candy might help to pass some Red Hot legislation!"

Schimpff's Confectionery has been operating out of its current location in historic downtown Jeffersonville (photo, left) since 1891, although the family actually began producing candy in the 1850's. In addition to manufacturing and selling numerous varieties of candy, Schimpff's Confectionery features a lunch room with a 1950s soda fountain and original tin ceiling. Also, there is an area where free candy production demonstrations are offered to curious customers.

For those reading this article, the most exciting attraction may very well be the world-class museum of candy-related memorabilia (photo, right). Only a few such institutions exist in the United States. Thousands of pieces of historic and rare American candy memorabilia are displayed. For collectors of vintage advertising, this museum is a very memorable experience.

Schimpff's Confectionery is a family enterprise with a wonderful history. To learn more about its origins, click here. If you are ever in the Jeffersonville, Indiana area, you must stop by and visit this one-of-a-kind testament to the "sweet life."

In this column are those sought-after items of desire that seem to be elusive. If you know where any of these items can be acquired or if you have one available, please click the link to reply directly to the seeker. To place a listing in this column, click here. There is no fee for AAAA members. Up to three listings per member are permitted.

Pre-1885 advertising items related to barbed wire and farm fences. I am interested in primary material. Let me know if you have any items including illustrated catalogs, wire company published newspapers, illustrated postal covers and letterheads, flyers, signs, salesman samples, patent models or anything else related to my specific wants. Larry W. Love, [email protected], 214-497-6787

Continental Cubes tobacco tin 4.75” tall and the 6.0” tall size. Convention Hall coffee tin (Ridenour-Baker Kansas City) any variation. Big Horn 1 lb or 3 lb coffee tin. [email protected]

Philip Morris Tin & Porcelain Advertising Signs, thermometers, door push signs. Excellent to mint condition preferred. Daryl Crawford (804) 721-7294 or email [email protected]

Justrite Pet Foods. The Justrite Company General Office was located in Milwaukee WI. A National Company. Advertising, displays, signs, tins, boxes all with logo on it. Most would come from the 1930’s through 1950’s. Thanks for the help… Gordon Addington. To reply, click here.

Old Topper Brewery Calendar of the late 1940's featuring a pin up artist nude in large format wanted. Always seeking any Rochester Brewery memorabilia. John DeVolder 585-697-4047 or [email protected].

"Jenny" Genesee Brewing Company's girl of the 1950's. Seeking cardboard point of sale-and other items that feature Jenny, who had a ten-year run from 1953 to 1963. Also interested in any cardboard point of sale items from the 1930's through the 1950's from any of the Rochester Breweries. John DeVolder 585-697-4047 or [email protected].

Coca-Cola 24" button porcelain sign with bottle in center. Want several in as close to mint condition as possible. Call 336-970-9867.

Books on Oil & Gas Collectibles. Also looking for books on signs. Call 336-970-9867.

Yellow Kid wanted: 50 year collector looking for the unusual. Reply to: [email protected].

Pedal Cars: Photos, postcards, calendars, catalogs and advertising related to pedal cars. To reply, click here.

Beer cans, soda cans, beer and soda tin-over-cardboard signs, cork-backed bottle caps, key-wind coffee cans, quart oil cans. Please email Jeff Lebo at [email protected].

Pedal car related items. To reply, click here.

Matchbook holders. To know what these are, see my articles in Checkerboard

for Nov. 2020 and May 2021. I will consider all items, in any material from plastic to gold, and not necessarily with advertising. Email Andy at [email protected].

Cigarette Packs. Advanced collector looking to purchase vintage packs. Please contact Dheeraj by email: [email protected].

Donald Duck Goyer Coffee Cans; One Pound Can & 3 oz Sample Size in Good Condition With Lids. Please Send Email With Photos & Prices to [email protected].

Morimura Brothers (Japanese import company operating in NYC from 1880-1941) advertising items wanted: trade cards, pamphlets, catalog pages, salesman sample pages, porcelain items with advertising. To reply email at [email protected].

DeLaval Items and Farm Advertising Signs. Always looking for top quality and unique items. Contact Gregg Hillyer at [email protected].

Antique Advertising pertaining to Country Store or Drug Store Products or Places. Especially those showing Women or Girls with the product or location shown. I would consider any  Antique Advertising (paper, cardboard & metal Signs). Quality a plus! Dale Peterson at [email protected].

Unusual one pound peanut butter tins. Tin litho or paper label. To reply, click here.

Marshmallow Tins. Smaller than 5 Pound Size. To reply, click here.

American Cookie, Biscuit and Cracker Tins and Boxes. To reply, click here. 

Banjo related advertising wanted Pre-1940s. Long time collector buying banjo company signage, catalogs, billheads, periodicals, minstrel banjo items such as posters, broadsides, sheet music (pre-1870s) with illustrated banjo covers, early photographs showing banjo players (pre-1915). My main collecting interest is in 19th century material. To reply, click here.

"Antique American Medicine Bottles" by M. Knapp... soft cover book with price guide. Printed in 2012. [email protected] or 781-248-8620. Also, see my other want ad for Clarke’s ephemera and bottles.

Looking for 3 Vintage Tins. American Eagle "Oriental Mixture" tobacco (dimensions approx. 6.5" long, 2.75" wide, 1.5" tall); 1 Gal. Indian Head Hydraulic Brake Fluid; and Packham´s Caramel Toffee. Any offer is welcome and any condition considered. To reply, click here.

Morton Salt, older items, and also Pacific Coast Borax, especially a crate or box. Email [email protected] or call Peggy Dailey 612-522-9211.

Comic Book-Related Advertising Items: Must be from before 1980. To reply, click here.

Clarke’s Vegetable Sherry Wine Bitters, Sharon, MA & Rockland, ME: All sizes, variants, smooth/pontil base. Especially need labeled Clarke’s any size! Also, any Clarke’s ephemera…trade cards, almanacs, newspaper ads, etc. Charlie Martin Jr., 781-248-8620. Email: [email protected].

George Petty: Advanced collector looking for unique or rare items. Photo’s, store displays and non paper items. NO Esquire pages. Pete Perrault. To reply, click here or call (502) 290-7661.

Ice Cream Advertising: Mr. Ice Cream desires better graphic ice cream advertising including: postcards (Advertising and RPPC), trade cards, letterheads, billheads, booklets, poster stamps, blotters, magic lantern slides, pinbacks, watchfobs, and pocket mirrors. Allan Mellis, 1115 West Montana St. Chicago, Illinois 60614-2220. [email protected] To reply, click here.

Stock food, poultry food, veterinary advertising wanted. Posters, medicine packages, give-aways. Email [email protected] or call (256) 520-5211.

Singer Sewhandy Model 20. Green-regular paint, not hammertone. To reply, click here.

National Biscuit Company, Nabisco, Uneeda Biscuit, Uneeda Bakers, Muth Bakery, NBC Bread toys, signage, tins, containers, displays, historical items. Please Email [email protected] or call (937) 205-2232.

Early Cigarette Rolling Papers: Pre-1940’s - American, Zig Zag, Braunstein Freres, Bambino, and Ottoman papers wanted. To reply, click here.

Antique/Collectible Banking and Financial System "Giveaway" and advertising items. Specifically from Pennsylvania. Alarm devices and such. To reply, click here.

VITAMINS advertising, displays, signs, bottles, and anything related: Hadacol is an example. Most would come from the 1930’s thru the 1970’s. Also anything related to cod-liver oil and WEIGHT-LOSS, REDUCING, ANTI-FAT, and OBESITY ITEMS. To reply, click here.

Early tin signs lithographed by Tuchfarber, Wells and Hope, Worcester Sign Company, Sentenne and Green, etc. I can pay more for good condition, but would be interested in any condition. Don Lurito [email protected] also in the directory. To reply, click here.

Dwinell-Wright Co. Royal Ground Spice Cardboard Spice Boxes. One side displays horizontally. Approximately 3.75" by 2.25". Any type of spice is OK. To reply, click here.

ENSIGN Perfect and ENSIGN Perfection vertical pocket tobacco tins to enhance my collection. Feel free to contact me at 614-888-4619 or [email protected] to see if you can help fill the voids.

Edmands Coffee Company, Edmands Tea Company, 1776 Coffee, American Beauty Tea, Japan Tea, Devonshire Tea, (imported by Edmands, Boston/Chicago): Any items such as tins, signs, paper, or anything else related to the Edmands family of companies in Boston is desired. To reply, click here.

The AAAA Checkerboard is a monthly e-newsletter that is made available to all AAAA members at no cost. The mission of the Checkerboard is to increase knowledge about antique and collectible advertising among AAAA members. The Checkerboard also provides news and updates about AAAA. It is produced each month with the exception of the four months per year when the award-winning PastTimes print newsletter is published. Paul Lefkovitz ([email protected]) serves as the Editor of the AAAA Checkerboard. Copyright 2022, Antique Advertising Association of America.