Ghoul - Luminous (Glow in the Dark) - Scare-Em mask (1947)

This striking “Scare-Em” luminous paper mask dates to 1947, produced by the A. S. Fishbach Co. of Los Angeles. Marketed as “Sensational” and “Fascinating,” these were among the very first commercially available glow-in-the-dark masks, using phosphorescent printing that allowed the ghastly face to “glow” after being exposed to light.

Children of the late 1940s could charge the mask under a lamp or electric bulb for a minute, then run into dark rooms to terrify their friends—a clever mix of novelty advertising and early Halloween fun. The ghoul design, with sharp eyes and eerie red details, captures the transitional moment between pre-war simple paper masks and the more elaborate 1950s monster craze.

Maker: A. S. Fishbach Co., Los Angeles

Date: 1947

Series: Scare-Em “Luminous” Masks

Design: Ghoul face, glow-in-the-dark print

Size: 7 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches

Condition: Crisp, unpunched, with luminous coating still visible