Help Identify!-Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy!

[RickD]

I went to a estate sale a couple years back and found these, but never knew what they were?

they look like printing press molds to me?

Maybe someone can help identify what these are..

[Mikey]

If they're real they are SUPER-NEAT .... and maybe worth a ton of money to right person.

[RickD]

I also have one from the Invisible Man. needless to say I am a huge Abbott and Costello fan! I love these things just have no clue what they are. I've never see them before.

[Nostalgiabuff]

i agree, they look like printing molds....but I have no real idea what they might have been used for

[Werewolf]

Aren't printing molds in reverse?

[RickD]

Aren't printing molds in reverse?

good point! there is no date on them and I am confused as to what they are??

[The Shadow Knows]

Nice item. These were available to order from film distribution PRESS KITS for movie theaters to use as PRE-MADE AD COPY for placement in newspapers. They could also be used for making FLYERS at the local print shops. The really well done versions also have PHOTO plates.

These are most likely from the late 1950's or early 1960's during the resurgence of the MONSTER CRAZE and SHOCK THEATRE on T.V.

COOL item.

[The Shadow Knows]

Forgot to note that these are the POSITIVE images used to create the NEGATIVE images for printing.

[HumanWolfman]

Aren't printing molds in reverse?

These would be in reverse depending on which side you faced to the camera.

[johnnystorm]

My dad worked for the local newspaper, so I have seen this type of thing before. The paper got them from the news syndicate, and used them to create local ads with the logos & copy, just like Shadow Knows said. They created a reverse press plate using these. They also sent these for car ads, comic strips, puzzles, etc. I don't know what the value of them is, but I do know they did not keep them after they were used. They were thrown out. But I'm guessing they would not be too expensive.

[The Shadow Knows]

That's right! I totally forgot about the other types of ads etc that were created using these. Back in the day, before computers, this was a cost effective method of doing COPY READY ADS.

I believe johnnystorm is correct in the value on these. They were one use only, but made in large numbers. But then again, something is worth only what someone is willing to pay.

Still a neat item.

My dad worked for the local newspaper, so I have seen this type of thing before. The paper got them from the news syndicate, and used them to create local ads with the logos & copy, just like Shadow Knows said. They created a reverse press plate using these. They also sent these for car ads, comic strips, puzzles, etc. I don't know what the value of them is, but I do know they did not keep them after they were used. They were thrown out. But I'm guessing they would not be too expensive.

[RickD]

Thanks everyone for the input! I wasn't to worried about the value. I am a huge fan of Abbott and Costello and don't plan on getting rid of these. I'm just grateful to know what they are.