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Sears Wishbook 1983: Who knew – Santa comes in different versions! Leave it to Sears to include a thoughtful comparison chart which lets you determine which jolly old Elf you can afford… Continue reading Here come Santa Clauses…from Sears
In 1958, Velcro was brand-new, space-age technology imported from England. The ideal place to use it? Down the front of a man's jacket! At least that's what Sears did for Christmas. Continue reading The hot new Christmas Gift for 1958: Velcro!
We’re talking about a toy gun, to be sure. But compared to our current world, where guns and what to do with them have become a flashpoint of fevered opinions and arguments, it’s breathtaking to behold how different things were 60 years ago. Continue reading Give your kid a gun for Christmas
It’s Christmas season, and where does someone find a gift for the person who has everything? Neiman-Marcus, of course! Like this working model train made from 18 carat gold. Continue reading Jewels by the Trainload
A new iPhone is being announced in a few weeks. It may cost close to $1000. A lot of money? Consider how much your iPhone does. Then consider just the function of video recording as it existed in 1984… Continue reading How to Shoot Video, 1984-style
“The things you see here lay at the bottom of the South China Sea for 235 years.” The J. Peterman Company catalogs were as unusual as the products… Continue reading Sunken Treasure…Found by J. Peterman
Nowadays, from our 21st-century vantage point, it’s virtually impossible to grasp the imagination and excitement that trains once sparked in American lives. This Lionel catalog was profusely illustrated on every page. And the operative word IS illustrated – no boy’s train set ever looked this good. Continue reading A Train…of Thought
With a headline that definitive, how much more copy do you really need? Evidently quite a lot, because this page is devoted entirely to selling you the many features and benefits of this made-for-Sears shotgun… Continue reading The Handsomest, Safest, Strongest Single Hammer Gun Made in America
Radio Shack Computer Catalog, 1980. Oh sure, your iPhone or Galaxy is about a million times faster, and stores a several gazillion times more stuff, and has color displays and cameras and wireless connectivity and more apps installed than you can even remember , but you gotta start somewhere. And basically it started with this… Continue reading The Original Pocketable Computer
LaSalle Auto Brochure, 1939 “Gee, our old LaSalle ran great!” warbled Archie Bunker in the theme song of the “All in the Family” TV show. As well it should have – it was built by Cadillac as a slightly-more-affordable car series. MSRP in 1939: $1800. Value today: $38,000 – $83,000 (And just to make me … Continue reading Cadillac, Jr.
