Eric (The Viking) - Wheaties Cereal mask (1940s-50s) - backside

This striking Eric the Viking mask was printed on the backside of Wheaties cereal boxes in the late 1940s–50s as part of a colorful lineup of cut-out character masks. Kids were encouraged to cut them out for play or Halloween fun, making intact, uncut examples like this a rare survivor.

Eric is one of the boldest designs in the series, with his horned helmet, flowing beard, and fierce gaze capturing the post-war fascination with warriors and legends. A period advertisement from Wheaties even promoted him directly, pairing Eric with “Queen Sapphira” as an example of how boys and girls could role-play with the masks (see ad image).

📏 Measures: 11 x 10 inches
📅 Date: 1940s–50s
🎨 Origin: Backside of Wheaties cereal box
📰 Ad tie-in: Featured in Wheaties magazine promotions