1. Schwinn Corvette Bicycle
The Schwinn Corvette was a standout in the 1950s bicycle market, designed with young riders in mind but styled like a sports car. With its chrome fenders, streamlined frame, and colorful paint jobs, it practically screamed speed even when standing still. Collectors are drawn to these bikes because they capture the optimism of post-war youth culture. Original decals and working horns add to the nostalgic value.
Bicycles from this era were built like tanks, so surviving examples are often in surprisingly good shape. The Corvette’s popularity wasn’t just about looks; it represented freedom and independence for kids of the era. Restored Corvettes with original tires are especially prized. Owning one today feels like a direct ride back to the 1950s suburban streets.
2. Trixie Dolls
Trixie Dolls were the quirky, small plastic dolls that graced toy shelves in the early 1950s. Unlike the standard dolls of the time, they were colorful, slightly whimsical, and came with outfits that mirrored popular kids’ fashions. Collectors today are drawn to the hand-painted faces and the way the dolls capture a slice of post-war American childhood. The rarity of intact outfits makes certain Trixie dolls extremely valuable.
What makes them extra special is the way the company experimented with materials. Some early versions were made from soft vinyl, which didn’t hold up well over time, creating scarcity. Collectors love hunting for the original outfits, accessories, and even the tiny cardboard packaging. Owning a Trixie doll today is like holding a miniature time capsule of 1950s play culture.
3. Sunbeam Mixmaster
Sunbeam Mixmasters were revolutionary kitchen appliances in the 1950s, with a sleek chrome design and powerful motors that made home baking feel futuristic. They weren’t just practical—they were a status symbol for middle-class households trying to embrace modernity. Vintage models in good condition, especially in original colors like turquoise or pink, have become hot commodities. Enthusiasts love the retro styling and the durability of these classic mixers.
Collectors also appreciate the unique attachments that came with them. From meat grinders to cake beaters, the versatility of the Mixmaster makes it a dream to display or even use. Original instruction manuals and boxes significantly increase a unit’s value. It’s a perfect example of design meeting function in a way that resonates decades later.
4. Ideal Toy Company
Ideal Toy Company’s Miss Revlon Doll was a beautiful fashion doll introduced in 1955, designed to compete with Barbie later on. She featured realistic eyes that blinked, rooted hair, and high-quality vinyl construction, making her far ahead of many contemporaries. Collectors now chase her for both nostalgic reasons and her craftsmanship. Complete dolls with original clothing fetch particularly high prices at auctions.
The doll also reflected the era’s fascination with glamour and sophistication. She was often dressed like a movie star or socialite, echoing the aspirational culture of the 1950s. Early packaging featuring glossy photos and detailed wardrobes is rare today. Fans of doll collecting see Miss Revlon as a bridge between mid-century style and modern fashion dolls.
5. Fire-King Glassware
Fire-King was a line of ovenproof glassware from Anchor Hocking that became iconic for its colorful, durable designs. They produced everything from mugs to mixing bowls, often in pastel hues that perfectly fit the mid-century kitchen aesthetic. Collectors love Fire-King because of its versatility and the way it embodies 1950s domestic style. Patterns like jade-ite and turquoise are particularly sought after.
The beauty of Fire-King is also in the details—thicker glass, embossed logos, and subtle patterns that evoke nostalgia. Some pieces were even promotional items, which adds to their rarity. Collectors often hunt for full sets or unusual pieces like individual casseroles. It’s a line that’s equally functional and visually appealing, making it perfect for display or use.
6. Hula Hoops
Hula Hoops exploded onto the scene in the late 1950s, thanks to Wham-O, and became an instant cultural phenomenon. While simple, the brightly colored hoops inspired mass hysteria among kids and adults alike. Today, original metal or early plastic versions are collector’s items because they represent the early days of toy marketing mania. Vintage advertising and packaging add extra value.
The early Hula Hoops were larger and heavier than the ones we know today, which gives them a distinct charm. Collectors love seeing them in near-pristine condition, sometimes even displayed in the original cardboard tubes. They’re a reminder of how a simple idea can become a global craze. Holding one is like holding a piece of childhood history.
7. Tupperware Party Sets
Tupperware revolutionized home storage in the 1950s, and the social phenomenon of Tupperware parties made it iconic. The first-generation pieces, often in bold colors like red, yellow, and turquoise, are now highly collectible. Collectors value them for their design, durability, and the nostalgia of mid-century homemaking. Sets with original lids and serving pieces are particularly prized.
What makes these Tupperware sets special is the storytelling around them. Each piece reflects an era when women’s social lives and entrepreneurship intertwined with household goods. Some early promotional items, like special edition bowls or canisters, are now rarities. Tupperware today isn’t just functional—it’s a piece of Americana.
8. Mr. Peanut Figurines
Planters’ Mr. Peanut mascots from the 1950s came in a variety of small figurines, often sold as premiums or promotional items. With his top hat, monocle, and cane, he’s instantly recognizable and carries a whimsical charm. Collectors today seek these figurines because of their nostalgic marketing appeal. Condition and originality make a huge difference in value.
Many of these figures were made of metal or early plastics, which haven’t always aged well. That scarcity, combined with the character’s enduring popularity, makes them highly desirable. Collectors also appreciate the clever mid-century advertising campaigns that featured Mr. Peanut. He’s a small object with a big story behind it.
9. Hamilton Beach Drink Mixers
These compact blenders and drink mixers were kitchen staples in the 1950s, designed for soda fountains and home use. With their gleaming chrome and practical design, they symbolize mid-century optimism and convenience. Collectors chase them because they combine design beauty with mechanical simplicity. Early models in original condition can fetch impressive sums.
The appeal is in the details: heavy chrome bases, Bakelite handles, and sometimes colorful accents. Original boxes and manuals are rare, increasing the desirability. They also reflect the rise of milkshakes and soda culture post-WWII. Using one today is almost like hosting a tiny retro diner in your own kitchen.
10. Buddy L Toys
Buddy L was famous for its die-cast metal toy vehicles in the 1950s, including trucks, buses, and construction equipment. These toys were built to last, which means many surviving examples still function today. Collectors are drawn to their heft, mechanical realism, and nostalgic appeal. Complete trucks with original paint are especially prized.
Buddy L vehicles were also part of an era that celebrated engineering and industrial progress. Kids could push them around or even tow other toys, fueling imaginative play. Some rare models, like dump trucks or fire engines, can be surprisingly valuable. They’re a reminder that toys used to be built to endure decades of play.
11. Scott Paper Company Collectibles
Scott Paper Company released a variety of promotional items in the 1950s, from calendars to kitchen gadgets featuring their mascot, Uncle Sam’s helper. These items were cleverly designed to make everyday household products feel special. Collectors enjoy them because they are quirky, often colorful, and hard to find. Many pieces still retain their original charm and packaging.
What sets Scott collectibles apart is their connection to mid-century marketing creativity. Companies were experimenting with free giveaways and branded items in new ways. Certain rare promotional items can fetch high prices, particularly if they include printed materials. They’re an unusual but fascinating slice of 1950s Americana.
12. Lionel Trains
Lionel Trains were already popular before the 1950s, but this decade saw some of their most iconic models and accessories. These trains captured the imagination of kids and collectors alike with detailed engines, realistic tracks, and elaborate sets. Vintage Lionel trains are now highly sought after, especially in working condition or with original boxes. Each set tells a story of mid-century family entertainment.
Collectors are drawn to the craftsmanship and attention to detail. From smoke effects to miniature stations, Lionel created a miniature world that was both fun and aspirational. Early packaging, catalog sheets, and even signage add to the value. Owning a 1950s Lionel train is like owning a piece of engineering art with a strong dose of nostalgia.
This post 12 Long-Forgotten Brands from the 1950s That Collectors Obsess Over Again was first published on Greenhouse Black.
