Geronimo (Rin Tin Tin TV Show) - Nabisco Rice Honeys cereal mask (1956) - cutout

In the 1950s cereal boom, television and Saturday morning heroes became powerful marketing tools for breakfast brands. This mask comes from Nabisco Rice Honeys (later “Honeycomb”), which partnered with The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin — a popular ABC western TV series that ran from 1954–1959.

The set featured six different character masks, printed directly on the back of Rice Honeys boxes for kids to cut out and wear. This example represents Geronimo, styled after the TV version rather than the historical Apache leader, reflecting the cultural norms (and stereotypes) of the 1950s.

One of the few surviving cereal box cutout masks tied directly to a major TV show.

Part of the larger Rin Tin Tin mask set of six (including Rusty, Lt. Rip Masters, etc.), which is difficult to complete today.

A snapshot of mid-century marketing where cereal, children’s programming, and costumed play intersected.

Details:

Year: 1956

Issuer: Nabisco Rice Honeys cereal

Promotion: Rin Tin Tin TV Show premium series

Medium: Cereal-box back cutout

Size: approx. 6.5" × 8"

Condition: Bright color and intact cut, minimal wear.