Casper - Wrigley's "Comic Club" King Features Syndicate - Einson Freeman Co. Mask (1933)
Made by Einson-Freeman Co. • Licensed by King Features Syndicate
Issued for Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum Promotion
---
Before “Casper the Friendly Ghost” ever floated across comic pages, there was Casper—a different comic-strip personality altogether—appearing in King Features’ “The Nebbs” spinoff series of the late 1920s and early 1930s. This mask, part of the 1933 Wm. Wrigley Jr. “Comic Club” campaign, represents that earlier, long-forgotten Casper—a plucky, round-faced youth whose adventures filled the funny pages during the Great Depression.
Kids could earn this full-color lithographed mask by mailing in Wrigley’s gum wrappers. Produced by Einson-Freeman Co., the masks were officially licensed by King Features Syndicate and mailed to members of “The Comic Club.” Each carried a copyright stamp and “PAT. APPLIED FOR” note on the back flap.
(Newspaper advertisement shown for reference only — not included.)
---
Character: Casper (from “The Nebbs” comic strip, King Features Syndicate)
Creator: Sol Hess & W.A. Carlson
Year: 1933
Maker: Einson-Freeman Co., Long Island City, N.Y.
License: King Features Syndicate
Material: Lithographed heavy paper stock with original strap tabs
Dimensions: Approx. 9 inches tall
Condition: Excellent color with natural age toning, light surface wear; markings intact and clearly legible.
---
Casper is one of the lesser-known masks in the Wrigley set—overshadowed by Popeye and Barney Google—but among collectors, he’s a key character due to his limited production and near-absence from modern listings. Estimated surviving examples: 30–45 worldwide.
Character Est. Survivors Rarity Tier
Popeye < 30
Barney Google 25–35
Casper 30–45 Scarce
Tillie the Toiler 35–50
Hans / Fritz 50–75
---
This mask represents a forgotten branch of early comic-strip history, before the modern “Casper” existed. It’s a testament to the experimental licensing of the 1930s—when gum companies, syndicates, and printers like Einson-Freeman brought newspaper humor into living rooms and Halloween parties alike.