Sunday, January 20, 2013

Mayhem! Violence, Disturbing Themes; Odd and Creepy Characters on Valentine Cards


How many can you keep on the string at one time?.

3 1/2" x 7 1/2"
circa 1930s
Standing Flat

with figure cut-outs on string
no publisher's marks
easel stand on the back


It STRIKES me that I love you.

4 3/4" x 7"
dated 1934
mechanical Flat
made in Germany 

Be my Valentine. I'm up a tree and awful blue Give me your heart that's the thing to do.

4 7/8" x 7 7/8"
dated 1933
figure is hinged to "tumble" from tree
mechanical flat

Let me take a STAB at being your Valentine.

2 7/8" x 5 1/2"
circa 1950s, 1960s
Revolutionary-Style figure Brandishing a Sword

Flat
made in USA


Old Chappy I'm aiming for a DEAR I 'ope I get 'er.

3 5/8" x 5"
dated 1934
made in USA
 Stand-Up
Girl hides from Hunter with Gun


Baby you sure play Havoc with my Heart.

5 3/8" x 6 1/2"
circa 1920s, 1930s
Standing Fold-Out
made in Germany

A figure in a car watches  through the window

Ashes to ashes Dust to dust Show me a woman A man can trust!

5 1/4" x 3 7/8"
circa 1920s, 1930s
 Man carries a heavy pail marked "ashes" paired with a verse using a line commonly invoked at funerals - makes you wonder what (or who?) really is in the pail. It could be interpreted as suggesting a dead woman is the woman a man can trust
Flat 


 I'd snap you up if you said be my valentine.

4 1/2" x 6 3/4"
circa 1930s
cards moves so that figure falls into alligator's mouth
mechanical flat


My dear Sweetheart.

3" x 3 3/4"
circa 1930s
A figure hides behind the bushes
mechanical flat
printed in Germany



Say, I'm not YELLOW with you as My Valentine I can Fight any Fellow.

Figure with yellow celluloid over his face
wearing boxing gloves
circa 1940s, 1950s
Standing Fold-Out
made in USA



I'll be green with envy if SOMEBODY ELSE is your Valentine.

6 1/2" x 2 7/8"
circa 1940s 
Mechanical Flat
 marked: Made in USA




I don't want you to be my brother I want you to be my Valentine.

4 1/4" x 7"
circa 1930s, 1940s 
Mechanical Flat
 marked: Made in USA

On this card we have both the strange movement of the chin with the crossed eyes and a rather oddly worded message



I'll "Sweep you Off Your Feet" If you will be my Partner for Life!


5 1/2" x 3"
circa 1940s, 1950s
Mechanical Flat
marked: Made in U.S.A.
no other publisher's marks
Bear appears to be looking at partner's exposed panties



Please be a good sport and take my HEART.


7 1/2" x 4 3/8"
circa 1940s, 1950s
Mechanical Flat
marked: Made in U.S.A.
No other publisher's marks

The mechanical aspects of this card were not well considered since the gun can be aimed at the boy's head

Friday, January 18, 2013

Professions - Grocer, Retailer

How 'Bout it? You could be the apple of my eye Valentine.

5 5/8" x 5 1/4"
dated 1947
Standing Fold-Out
Grocer with Pencil Behind his Ear and Basket of Apples
marked: made in USA


 I'm delivering my love to the nicest VALENTINE I know!

4 7/8" x 6 3/4"
circa 1940s, 1950s
Fold-Out
made in USA


Valentine Special ~ I just want you to know---

Register
circa 1940s, 1950s
Fold-Out
made in USA

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Construction Vehicles and Trucks


None of this truck for me - All I want is YOUR heart.

2 5/8" x 3"
circa 1920s
  Flat

Can'tcha SHOVE a little love my way? Hiya, Valentine!

4 1/2" x 5 1/4"
circa 1930s, 1940s
Standing Fold-Out
made in USA


Oh, what you've done to my Heart! Valentine Be Mine. 
made in USA
circa 1940s, 1950s