One of my favorite vintage things to scope out are pieces by Holt-Howard. Their whimsical childlike designs from the 1950s and 1960s were so uniquely their own that even today it’s not hard to spot them in a sea of vintage pottery and glass.
A little background on Holt-Howard…
Holt-Howard was created in 1948 by John and Robert Howard and A. Grant Holt. The company first focused on Christmas items which became very popular in the 1950s. Soon after, Holt-Howard began to branch out into whimsical kitchen items and giftware. Animal themes quickly made their way into the design with rooster egg cups, cat string holders and more.
Pixieware is what the company is best remembered for — produced from about 1958 until the early 1960s. Pixieware is immediately recognizable for the elf heads which adorn the condiment jars and other kitchenware, painted with bright colors and clever facial expressions.
The Jam n’ Jelly jar above (dated 1959) was my first encounter with Holt Howard. From the moment I laid eyes on it, I was smitten. The pixie’s head lifts off to reveal a small scoop molded underneath the lid for scooping jam. Even though this piece would be considered prize Kitchiana, it’s found a sweet little home on a corner shelf in Gracie’s bedroom.
Here’s another piece I found recently on eBay. It’s a vintage Jack and Jill wall pocket (dated 1958). It’s really petite, measuring only 4 inches wide. I thought I might reinvent it as a really cute business card holder. I’m not quite certain what the holes at the bottom were originally intended for. My guess is hooks were inserted in them to hold keys or measuring spoons? I’ve tried to research this rare piece without luck. If you have any info on it, please share!
Let me count the ways…
Here are some of the many reasons I love Holt Howard. Some of these pieces are currently up for auction on eBay — just in case it’s love at first sight for you too.
‘Dorable Daisy Lipstick Holder - 1960
Lil’ Sugar & Creamer Set
Merry Mice Salt & Pepper Set – 1958
Santa Claus Ashtray – 1959
Tags: Holt Howard, vintage collectibles
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April 26, 2009 at 6:09 pm
heather hales
i have to say i was not familiar with this stuff before, but oh- that lipstick holder is calling my name!!
April 27, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Gabrielle
These are too cute for words!
June 4, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Daisy
These are all so cute!! Where ever do you find them? I would love to have that Lil’ Sugar and Creamer set- it’s adorable.
July 15, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Lisa Morton
very cute—-I wasn’t familiar with Holt- Howard. Question–are the pieces marked on the bottom or anywhere saying ‘Holt-Howard? or does one just have to ‘know’ what they manufactured?
July 15, 2009 at 12:26 pm
thebabygardner
Great question, Lisa. Yes, they are usually very clearly marked ‘Holt Howard’ and many times are also marked with the year the piece was manufactured.
November 7, 2009 at 6:09 pm
PT273
I jave a HH semi circle Christmas tree candle holder made expressly for HH associates dated 1958 with orignal tag and label and a HH Santa bottle stopper with original label. Am wondering if they are in the HH collectibles book.
December 26, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Twila Presnell
I have the Jam and Jelly condiment but the lid got broken and would like to know where I could buy just the spoon. Also, how much are these worth? My E-Mail is pautwi6139@consolidated.net. Thank you