Space Age Valentines

I love retro space age iconography, so naturally I love these great 1950s valentines:

Toaster Valentine

Here's another unusual valentine, from what I call my "Mundane Objects" subset. There are all sorts of odd cards out there featuring items like hand mixers, television sets, briefcases, gloves, and many more things one wouldn't readily associate with Valentine's Day, like this toaster. Made in Germany circa the 1920s.

 

Vegetable Patch Kids Valentines

These three tiny valentines are some of my favorites. They date from the 1930s, and feature little characters peeking out from behind various vegetables, with appropriate puns inside each card.

The corn says: "Here's an 'Earful' -- I Want You for My Valentine"; the potato: "I Have My 'Eyes' on You"; and the lettuce: "I've Lost My 'Head' Over You."

War Time Valentines

This group of World War II era valentines were received by their young owner at an event called "The Good Samaritan Class Party at the Church Feb. 5, 1945." No idea what church or where: it's quite intriguing!

Blonde China Head "Pet Name" Doll

For a break from all the valentine posts, here's a much-loved toy: a 14 inch china head doll with the rarer blonde hairdo. She's from a series of dolls made in Germany by Hertwig from the 1890s - early 1900s with their names factory-painted on their shoulderplates. This one is "Agnes," and, as can be seen from her raggedy body, she was much-loved by her young owner. Miraculously, her head has remained intact and lovely after all these years...