In 1968, tempered glass sphere models emerged that would eventually shatter, sending glass shards into the face of the user and anyone nearby. In the early 1970s, manufacturers changed them to plastic spheres suspended on each string. When they were swung up and down, banging against each other with a lot of force they made the loud “clacking” sound. Clackers are similar in appearance to bolas, the Argentine weapon. They are formed out of two solid balls of polymer, each about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, attached to a finger tab with a sturdy string. The player holds the tab with the balls hanging below and through up-and-down hand motion makes the two balls swing apart and back together, making the clacking noise that gives the toy its name. With practice one can make the balls swing so that they knock together both above and below the hand.
Clackers have also made some appearances in pop culture media. They are featured in the television shows of Dan Schneider, most notably the 2007 episode of Drake & Josh, “Megan’s First Kiss,” and in the 2008 Zoey 101 episode “Rumor of Love”, which described the toys as “the hottest in the 1993 Netherlands”, and which increased interest in the toys. Clackers were a plot point in the 1993 “Love and Sausages” episode of The Kids in the Hall TV series. They were also used as weapons by Joseph Joestar, the protagonist of the “Battle Tendency” arc of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure; their appearance there is anachronistic, as “Battle Tendency” takes place in 1938.
Or maybe you just remember driving your mom crazy with the ‘clacker’ sound!!! Check out this video!!
Showing you how Clackers – also known as “Knuckle Busters” – work!
DIRECTIONS FOR USING
Directions for using Clacker Balls
We don’t recommend using these since they are the originals and we don’t want anyone hurt. But if you’re a collector of toys, they’ll be a great addition!
EXPLODING CLACKER BALLS
Did you ever have the clacker balls explode? Evidently, it created quite a stir. At one point the FDA, Society for the Prevention of Blindness, and even the Consumer Product Safety Commission deemed them a hazard. Read more about them by CLICKING HERE
It appears that you can still get Clacker Balls. They are made of plastic and do not shatter. The noise will still make one crazy. (chuckle)
Don’t forget to stop in soon. We’re watchin’ for ya!
In researching for this post, we were surprised by the fact that this Japanese Samurai Helmet made of 5-yen coins is actually a popular craft. Here’s a quote from one story we read about a Tokyo grade-schooler back in the 1980s who created an entire suit of armor:
an entire suit of Samurai armor in coin craft
@take14aki estimates that the armor and helmet required somewhere around 1,750 coins to put together, which works out to 8,750 yen in legal tender.
It’s interesting to learn that there are quite a few pieces of Samurai armor created with Japanese coins and tokens. Want to view more? Do a search for <Samurai Coin Helmets> and see for yourself.
Detail of our amazing handcrafted Samurai Helmet made of coins
While researching, we also found this interesting Samurai project from the Lego Ideas site! Who would have thought!
Just like we tell you all the time, we are most definitely a “Collection of Collections.” Some are very unique items as you can tell from our beautiful Samurai Coin Crafted Helmet. We hope you’ll stop in and give it a look! It’s quite an amazing piece and in great shape! (Of course, we wouldn’t want to wear something like this in battle!!!)
This amazing Nascar – Coca Cola pedal car is in great condition. What a perfect item for your collection. Or even better – what a wonderful gift for a youngster in your life.
Coca-Cola / Nascar Pedal Car
This was a promotion item used for window displays. Stop in and see if for yourself. Don’t forget, the days are growing shorter and Christmas isn’t really far away! In any case, you know we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
It’s Saturday and Saturdays just feel like a perfect day to enjoy a Disney Character or two! These 5″ funny friends of Snow White are actually ‘squeak toys’. They’re in excellent condition considering they’re from the 1960s! The dwarf in the back is from a different group and he’s 6″ tall.
Walk of Fame
Did you know that Snow White is one of a very view Disney Characters who was honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? It’s true.
An older photo of a Snow White doll and her dwarfs!
The Queen and the Wicked Witch
Ever wonder about some of the voices behind the Disney Characters. Well, there’s a great fact regarding the voice behind the Queen and the Wicked Witch. CLICK HERE for the value of false teeth – or not!!!
Before it was completed, 750 artists drew more than two million sketches. The movie ultimately contained more than 250,000 separate pictures.
People collect dolls for many reasons. Some collect them because of fond childhood memories, others for the artistry that goes into making them, others for historical value, and still others for their resale value. People collect what appeals to them and reflect their desires and values.
Here in our store, we have gathered quite a collection of dolls (and stuffed animals). Our “Barbie” collection is fairly extensive. But we’ve other delightful additions to consider whether it’s a gift for a young one to enjoy or to be added to a collection.
Shirley Temple Doll
This delightful doll can be purchased with 6 outfits, but we have a total of 16 if you’re interested!
Brief History of Dolls
Another excerpt:
Dolls in the Middle Ages were often made from clay, tin, or glass. Clay figures of horses and knights and figurines from glass and tin have been found. In addition, dolls made from bread representing various saints were eaten on religious feast days. Beginning in the 1400s, fashion dolls were created to display the latest Paris fashions to wealthy customers.
In America, one of the oldest dolls is the Kachina, made by the Hopi Indians in Arizona. Kachina dolls were hand carved from cactus root or cottonwood, painted with symbolic colors and designs, and dressed in traditional dresses. These dolls were intended as sacred objects for children to study, and were not used as toys. During religious ceremonies, Kachina dolls were given out by masked priests who dressed as ancestral spirits and offered petitionary prayers for the tribe.
Colonial Americans made dolls from whatever materials they had on hand, including corn husks, corn cobs, fruits, nuts, and gourds. Northern Indians and Eskimos fashioned their dolls from whalebone, walrus tusk, and mammoth teeth.
We’ve been posting about dolls over the years. CLICK HERE to see some of those older posts.
Wonder Why We Collect Dolls?
You’re in good company if you love to collect dolls of any kind. Some famous people, such as actress Demi Moore and actor Johnny Depp, collect dolls. Even British singer, Sophie Ellis Bextor, collects a variety of dolls because they’re full of personality and charm. You may collect dolls purely for investment purposes. After all, an original and mint condition G.I. Joe doll can fetch a pretty penny, as can a rare, vintage, or designer diamond-encrusted Barbie doll. But you likely already know that not all dolls are worth a fortune, so there may be another reason behind your habit.
Whether you’re looking for a Barbie to add to your collection, a Victorian doll, or a princess or baby doll, we may be able to help. So we encourage you to stop in soon. Yep, we’re always watchin’ for ya!
Gentle Reminder:
Might we add that 5 months from now will be the Christmas Holidays.
At Bahoukas we have a great assortment of Action Figures from movies and television shows including Star Wars to Star Trek, Sports with Starting LineUp and even bobbleheads!
Star Trek Action Figures
Star Wars Action Figures
Star Wars Action Figures
Love Sports?
A wide variety of sports are represented with our Starting Lineup Action Figures!
Starting Lineup Action Figures
Starting Lineup Action Figures
Along with a wide variety of action figures, we also have sportsbooks, bobbleheads, and more.
Sports Books, Bobbleheads, and more
So if you enjoy Action Figures…
You’ll definitely want to stop by Bahoukas Antiquesand browse through our collections. Whether you’re looking for a special one for your own collection, helping someone start a collection, or just want to play with some, we have a nice variety – many more that what we show here.
So yes, we’ll be watchin’ for you and ready to show you our Action Figures Collections!
As we keep reminding you, we have something for each and every age, taste, and style! Now, we know there are adults that have Pez Collections (Just ask George about his!). But we’re sharing some fun items for kids this time.
PEZ
Kids-of-all-Ages
… love PEZ collectibles. And George is our expert on All-Things-PEZ.
Do your kids have favorite characters from movies, cartoons, etc?
Bring them in to see if there are some PEZ items they might enjoy collecting.
CLICK HERE for more PEZ related posts on our website.
PEZ – PEZ – PEZ
books – Books – BOOKS!
Books for all ages and all interests at Bahoukas.
From classics to Dr. Seuss and everything in between, our shelves of books for children are sure to make a perfect escape on a rainy (or simply ‘too hot’) day! Bring them in and give them the opportunity to discover something of interest: Hardy Boys, Bobbsey Twins, Donna Parker, the Classics, and a great variety of Golden Books.
Of course, we have comics and puzzles, and other fun items for kids.
And don’t forget, we also have a wonderful selection of books and magazines for adults including the complete Pulaski Seriesby Robert Lackey that are historical novels that center on Havre de Grace beginning with our canal and lockhouse time period. In fact, he visited with his latest book of the series, #10 Pulaski’s Redemption.
This #24 Jeff Gordon item is only one of scores of collectibles you may enjoy.
An Independence Day Celebration
Along with parades and fireworks, Nascar racing has also become an American tradition for July 4th. This year they’re back. CLICK HERE for this Sunday’s Nascar schedule.
In the meantime, stop in and browse our collection of NASCAR memorabilia. We have quite a few items from older NASCAR collections.
The above # 24 Jeff Gordon NASCAR collectible is part of the Brookfield Collectors Guild and is in it’s original box.
In the meantime, we’ll be watchin’ for ya at the store. And to help make your weekend special, we’ve included the activities happening over the Independence Weekend in Havre de Grace. CLICK HERE
Bahoukas Antiques continually delights our shoppers of all ages. Check out these amazing wooden doll house furnishings. You have to see them to appreciate them.
Beautiful wooden doll house furnishings
Did you know originally dollhouses were for adults?
Before they were toys, <they> were used to show off wealth and teach domestic roles.
TRIVIA QUESTION: Do you know names used for the early dollhouses of the 17th century? (answer at end of article)
Did you collect FAIRYKINS?
In 1962 the Louis Marx Toy Company introduced another line of miniature hand-painted figures based on characters made popular by nursery rhymes and fairytales, such as those by the Brothers Grimm. The 35 cute but generic Fairykins figures are often confused with Disneykins. They were packaged and sold in basically the same formats as Disneykins and were also miniature remakes of popular 1950s figures.
Lucy Ricardo is the wacky wife of Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo. Living in New York, Ricky tries to succeed in show business while Lucy — always trying to help — usually manages to get in some kind of trouble that drives Ricky crazy. Their best friends are Fred and Ethel Mertz, who are also their landlords. Usually, Ethel becomes Lucy’s less-than-willing partner in crime. Ricky and Lucy welcomed little Ricky in 1953, whose birth was a national TV event. Later in the show’s run, the Ricardos (and the Mertzes) moved to Hollywood, where Ricky tried to become a movie star.
from Google search
The I Love Lucy Show ran from 1951 to 1957. Do you have a favorite episode? Many remember this scene:
We have some new I Love Lucy items that arrived in our store. Stop by and check them out.
I Love Lucy Collectibles
A locking canister with different scenes on each side.
An I Love Lucy Sales Resistance Mattel Doll is straight from Season 2 Episode 45: “Sales Resistance” which aired January 26, 1953.
We just love the great items that cross our counter. Even better is when someone browses our shops and discovers the perfect item that they didn’t know they were looking for. Love it!
Stop in and visit. We’re here and ready to say, “Welcome to Bahoukas.” Havre de Grace offers so much for every interest. Need a bit of guidance, just “ask George” – he’ll point you to whatever it is you’re looking – inside the store or anywhere in Havre de Grace. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Beautiful vintage rocking horses will look amazing under the tree and most certainly will delight a little boy or girl. But also, check out the amazing wooden airplane!
The large stuffed doll and the jockey and red stuffed horse add another beautiful possibility for a very special child on your gift list.
Of course, there’s always a chance that these items would make a collector friend or family member very happy.
Stop in and talk to George at Bahoukas. He’ll consider lay-away if picked up BEFORE Christmas. And, of course, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Stereoscopes, Viewmasters, Nintendo, X-box and More…
Recently a young teen came into the shop sharing his love of playing albums on a record player vs mp3’s. We’re also seeing a re-birth of physical book stores. In that light, we thought we’d share these fun items that some of your kids (and adults) might enjoy and appreciate.
Of course, it’s not too early to think unusual gifts for the coming holidays!
Many of us have seen the original stereoscope, although it might have been in a museum. But it’s effect on entertainment, education, and even culture was definite. It’s amazing to think that Underwood & Underwood was producing over 25,000 images a day for the stereoscope. (See the quote below)
Claims that there was a stereoscope in every parlor in America came as early as the 1860s (Darrah, 2), but in their second wave of popularity in the 1880s-1910s, the availability of stereographs could be quantified: Underwood & Underwood, one of the three major stereographic companies in this period, produced over 25,000 images per day (Darrah, 47), and an estimated 300 million stereographs were issued between 1854 to 1920 (Wadja, 112). Selling at six for a dollar, most stereographs captured the interest of middle class consumers, but a few companies catered to the working class, providing similar views at 3 cents a piece or 85 cents per 100 (DeLeskie, 69). Found in drugstores, distributed through mail-order catalogs, given away as premiums by cereal and tea companies, and canvassed cross-country by college students (including a young Carl Sandburg), it is no wonder that many scholars consider the stereoscope as the first mass photographic medium prior to cinema or television (see Trachtenberg, Reading, 17). from xroads.Virginia.edu
Imagine learning about the wonders of the world, feeling like you were there, as you viewed the scenes in a stereoscope! There was a lot of promise. But, as you know, progress moves on and photographs, movies, and television replaced these viewers. But many saw great promise in connecting humanity at the time!
IN HIS WRITINGS ABOUT the stereoscope, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was what we would now call a tech-utopian. He declared that the stereoscope would become “the card of introduction to make all mankind acquaintances.” from BostonGlobe.com
If you’re curious as to how 3D-glasses work today (and in the movies), you may want to check out THIS LINK.
Electronic and Computer Consoles/Games
Then we moved to the beginning of electronic games in the 1970s. Many will remember their first Atari or Nintendo video games. and Sega games. In the 1990s Playstation was introduced along with the original X-Box. These links are all courtesy of Wikipedia.
NOTE: If you saw our FB question, the answer to SEGA is that originally the company provided coin-operated slot machines to U.S. bases that were called “Service Games,” later becoming SEGA! Who knew?
At Bahoukas Antique Mall you’ll be able to find some of the games for the above game stations. Stop in and see if we have one you’ve been looking for.
Of course, if you’re a real techie, then you may want to visit the following article on CNET about Virtual Reality, 360 viewing, 3-D, augmented reality and more. ENJOY!
Biking, hiking, trail rides and hayrides beckon us!
For yourself or to give as a gift this, we have some fun Motorcycle Models!
Yes, the fall brings out that feeling of “We have to get outdoors before the snows come!” Now, we know you can’t ride these since they’re just models of motorcycles. But we also know they’d look great on your collection shelf or as a gift for someone special this holiday season.
Harley Davidson Motor Cycle models / Hot WheelsA wonderful variety of Harley Davidson Motorcycle Models
Stop in soon and see what we have to offer. Pick one or two before they’re gone. Then keep on rollin’ down that highway, whether on a real bike – or in your mind. Safe travels! And yes, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Is there a doll you always wanted? We might have it!
Some of the huge variety of dolls in our collection.
Check our front window. There’s an amazing selection of dolls from small cloth dolls to beautiful baby dolls and everything in-between! They’re in excellent condition and will surely delight a collector, or a young one whose eyes would light up with one or two of these beautiful dolls.
Beautiful Presidents’ Wives Collection, Bride doll, and Beanie Babies.
Above are wives of former presidents (l to r): Mrs. Barbara Bush, Mrs. Pat Nixon, Mrs. Jackie Kennedy, Mrs. Nancy Reagan, and Mrs. Rosalyn Carter. These dolls are beautiful. In addition, there’s a lovely bride’s doll. And the beanie babies are only a few of the collection we have acquired.
Stop in soon and take a peek. Surely there’s a perfect doll for a very special person in your life! Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
No need to complain. No one wants to hear it. The heat has been … well … BEYOND HOT!
Do you wonder what George does when it’s so HOT?
“Caught ya!”
Yep, he received a wonderful assortment of all things “Barbie” and just had to play. Here he is going through the cases and dressing the dolls.
Here’s a sampling of the latest arrivals that came during our sizzling heatwave. Stop by and check them out. Whether you’re a collector, or you just have a special young girl that you know would just LOVE these, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
See what you miss when you aren’t checking in on George!?!? Stop by soon. We are looking forward to a break in the temps this week. And yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Pressed Steel, Die-Cast, Matchbox, Hot Wheels, and Dinky
Old metal cars – pressed steel and die-cast (some plastic)
We have a wide variety of collectible cars, trucks, and more. Above is a wonderful collection of pressed steel and die-cast cars and trucks – with a few wood and plastic as well.
MatchBox cars and more…
Is there anyone who didn’t have their own collection of MatchBox cars? Is there someone in your life who may want to actually start their own collection. We have an interesting varietly of collectibles including MatchBox, Hot Wheels and Dinky to name a few.
MatchBox cars and so many others. What a wonderful way to start a collection.
It’s to be a bit rainy today. Drop by and see for yourself what we have in the store. Maybe you’ll want to purchase a couple to add to that youngster’s Easter Basket!!! Just an idea!
The most famous use of prizes in the United States (and the word “prize” in this context) is Cracker Jack brand popcorn confection. Prizes have been inserted into every package of Cracker Jack continuously since 1912. A familiar jingle to people who watched television in the United States in the 1960s and ’70s goes “Candy-coated popcorn, peanuts and a prize. That’s what you get with Cracker Jack!” Cracker Jack sales are not what they used to be, with much more competition in the snack industry and less creative prizes. The most valuable prizes found in Cracker Jack are the baseball cards distributed in 1914 and 1915. Although most of the prizes recently are just printed paper, in 2004, a complete set of 1914 Cracker Jack baseball cards — including the highly sought after “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and Ty Cobb cards — was sold for a record $800,000.
Prizes in boxes, gum, cereals, machines – well, just about anything someone can tuck a tiny prize into – are always fun. Stop by and see our Wednesday Box Surprise – a huge case of charms.
Let us know how you use these tiny charms: jewelry, art, shadow boxes? Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya. After all, it’s the first day of Spring 2019!!
At Bahoukas Antique Mall & Beer MuZeum we have a wonderful variety of toy sets to play house, buy groceries, cook and bake in the kitchen, and more.
The following describes a bit of ‘toy history.’
A great selection of kids’ pots, pans, coffee pots and more!
A toy is an item that is used in play, especially one designed for such use. Playing with toys can be an enjoyable means of training young children for life in society. Different materials like wood, clay, paper, and plastic are used to make toys. Many items are designed to serve as toys, but goods produced for other purposes can also be used. For instance, a small child may fold an ordinary piece of paper into an airplane shape and “fly it”. Newer forms of toys include interactive digital entertainment. Some toys are produced primarily as collectors’ items and are intended for display only.
The origin of toys is prehistoric; dolls representing infants, animals, and soldiers, as well as representations of tools used by adults are readily found at archaeological sites. The origin of the word “toy” is unknown, but it is believed that it was first used in the 14th century. Toys are mainly made for children. The oldest known doll toy is thought to be 4,000 years old.
Playing with toys is considered to be important when it comes to growing up and learning about the world around us. Younger children use toys to discover their identity, help their bodies grow strong, learn cause and effect, explore relationships, and practice skills they will need as adults
Kitchen accessories, baking tins, hand mixers, rolling pins and more – sized perfectly for kids!
Besides perfect toys for kids, it didn’t take long for marketers to realize the value of making kid-size representatives of their ‘brands.’ Who didn’t want a refrigerator “Just like mom’s.”
The following is a perfect example of this new marketing tactic that quickly built a huge toy market from the 1950s forward. (photo courtesy of Smithsonian Nat’l Museum of American History and Sears)
Pop into Bahoukas and see what fun items might be perfect for one of your youngsters. We really do have some great items. And yes, we’re watchin’ for ya!
