The World of Vintage Carnival Ride Memorabilia From Commemorative Plates to the Rides Themselves
Starting in 1893 with the Chicago World's Fair, carnivals have featured numerous amusement rides, including merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheels, and roller coasters. These rides have become a staple of state and county fairs as well as municipal celebrations. Vintage memorabilia commemorating these events and the carnival rides have become collectibles, and many of these can be found on eBay.
What kind of carnival ride collectibles are available?Carnival ride memorabilia is available in categories such as:
- Plate and dish sets
- Bowls
- Photographs
- Ride Vehicles
- Signs
Carnival ride kitchen memorabilia includes plates, dishes, bowls, and other meal preparation and eating utensils. The memorabilia is typically intended for display by collectors rather than use at meals. These collectible pieces are distinguished by the following features:
- Labeling: Labeling includes location and date of a particular state fair or other celebratory event as well as the event name. This labeling will appear on the face of the plate, bottom of the dish or bowl, or handle of the utensil.
- Illustration: Illustrations feature one of the rides that was present at the event, such as a Ferris wheel or loop-de-loop.
- Material: Materials includes porcelain, tinted glass, and Pyrex.
Pyrex is a type of glass that is more durable than regular glass. It is often used in carnival ware because it is less breakable in transport. As it was first introduced in 1908, there are no carnival ride kitchen memorabilia made of Pyrex available before that date.
How many types of carnival rides are there?Collectors often wish to complete sets of all varieties of the item that they are collecting. Over the years, amusement rides have evolved into dozens of variations, including the following:
- Ferris Wheels: Collectible types include open and closed compartments in various sizes.
- Carousels: Collectible figures include horses, carriages, vehicles, and mythical creatures.
- Old Mill Rides: Collectibles include props that are viewed during the ride.
Old Mill Rides include the 'Tunnel of Love,' 'Mystery House,' and other rides that carry patrons on mazelike paths through buildings. Collectibles of these rides often depict some of the well knows scenes from these rides.