I came across this mystery of a card at a sale last Spring.
On the back, it said "Disgusting Disguises" and "Ape Mask".
Based on the instructions, it was indeed a mask to be worn, pinched on your nose. A little sleuthing (read: Googling), I came across a post by fellow Halloween Countdown member I-Mockery that identified them as a Topps product from 1967.
Images below courtesty I-Mockery.
Some other "Disgusting Disguises" offered.
Of course, as with many products of the time, there are some questionable stereotypes.
There were a total of 24 cards in the set plus 27 stickers that could be used to "enhance" your masked face. I-Mockery does a complete review better than I could, so jump on over and read the rest of the story. And if that leaves you thirsting for more, don't forget to check all the other bloggers at the Countdown.
***Update***
Due to overwhelming demand (blame Lady M), here I am modeling my Disgusting Disguise. I have to say, it's not made for an adult. It barely balances on the end of my nose. It would be small even for a child.
these are great -- looking at how great the artwork is, *of course* they were TOPPS, right? they were no slouches.
ReplyDeletealso, i just ran across this this morning: have you heard about this documentary? it looks great. it's Amazon Prime or Google Play though, sigh:
https://boingboing.net/2019/10/03/halloween-in-a-box-tells-t.html
Yes, I'm actually about that documentary, although looking at the trailer for it, it looks somewhat amateurish. But for $2.99, I'll rent it and check it out.
Deleteit's hard to tell from the trailer, but i don't think it's the documentary that is looking amateurish, it's just the vintage footage (which of course would look amateurish, being filmed by, you know, amateurs).
DeleteI wish you would post a picture of someone modeling one of these. I would really like to see if they worked at all.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm a bit camera shy, but I'll see if I can get one of my kids to model.
DeleteOkay, you broke me down. I added a photo of me modeling. Enjoy!
Deleteperfection.
DeleteDang - I love it. You missed your calling.
DeleteLove this vintage stuff!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Dex.
DeleteOf course, the "disguises" would be covered with that powdery substance from the stick of gum. Come to think of it, one would probably be better off chewing the card and wearing the gum.
ReplyDeleteThose bubble gum slabs could cut your cheek!
DeleteSome artistic care is evident. Whoever had to draw them up took it seriously enough.
ReplyDeleteThat's the sad part of so many vintage items; the artist is never credited. I'd love to know too.
DeleteWait i remember these but I was not around in 1967. I mainly remember the stuff we would wrap around our ears. I'm definitely going to use my columbo like skills to find out why these are so familiar to me.
ReplyDeleteDid you have any older siblings that might have them? Also, it looks like they were produced at least until 1970.
DeleteNo I'm the oldest maybe a few cousins had them nevertheless super cool.
Delete