Today we admire string holders for their decorative nature. They are much sought after by collectors. However, in the 1800's, they were strictly utilitarian, serving as dispensers of string used to wrap food and packages. The earliest were made of cast iron. Later, advertising string holders appeared in general stores. They were made of tin or cast iron and were provided by companies pedaling such products as shoes, laundry supplies and food. These advertising string holders command the highest prices.

These days we take cellophane tape for granted. Before it was invented, string was used to tie up packages. String Holders became a staple item in the home kitchen. To add to a whimsical touch, in the late 1920s and 1930s, many string holders were presented as human shapes, faces, animals and fruits. Most of these novelty string holders were made of chalkware (plaster of Paris), ceramics or wood fiber. If you were lucky, you might have won a plaster of Paris ‘Super Hero’ or comic character string holder at your local carnival. These prizes were known as ‘carnival chalkware’. The Indian string holder was a popular giveaway; so was Betty Boop, Howdy Doody and Mickey Mouse.

Campbell Soup Kids

SH525 Campbell Soup Kid String... $ 236.00

Coca Cola

SH562 The Coca Cola Kid String... $ 396.00

Planters Peanuts

SH716 Mr. Peanut Advertising... $ 236.00