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This Babe Ruth Mask was issued in
1933 as part of a promotion for "Feen-A-Mint"
laxative chewing gum. The "Lifelike,
Life-Size" Babe Ruth mask, a
complimentary package of Feen-A-Mint,
and a new scientific booklet was made
available free to everyone who entered
the contest for a Grand Prize Plymouth
Sedan. One hundred second prizes
received a Babe Ruth autographed
baseball, in his "own handwriting."
The mask features
a colorful likeness of Babe Ruth, with
slots cut above the eyes to see
through, measures 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" and
made of Thin stock cardboard. On the
back a rubber band was attached by a
folding tab on each side to allow the
mask to attach to a youngster's ears.
The right tab reads "Babe Ruth with the
compliments of Feen-A-Mint, The Chewing
Gum Laxative for adults and children."
The left tab reads "Babe Ruth by
arrangement with Christy Walsh,
copyright 1933"
Christy Walsh was an American writer, cartoonist, and sports agent, known
for acting as Babe Ruth's agent, and is
considered to be the first baseball
sports agent. The left tab also reads;
"Pat. Appled For, Einson-Freeman Co.
Inc., L.I. City NY, Litho In U.S.A" The
"Masquerader" mask was patented by M.M.
Einson to be used as an advertising
device or used for masked balls,
special occasions, masquerades, or
carnivals.
The Babe Ruth mask is often found without the
rubber bands.
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