Talcum Powder Advertising Appraisal

Vintage Mennen's Borated Talcum Toilet Powder Advertising Sign

This is a vintage advertising sign for Mennen's Borated Talcum Toilet Powder, likely made of tin or a similar metal, given its apparent rigidity and rust spots. The sign features a charming lithographed image of a young, blonde-haired child, presumably a toddler, peeking from behind dark blue curtains. To the left, a Mennen's Borated Talcum container is prominently displayed, showing the iconic Mennen baby logo on its label. The top of the sign clearly states "MENNEN'S" in large, pink-hued block letters, with "BORATED TALCUM" and "TOILET POWDER" below it, also in pink. A slogan, "Hurry up with Mennen's," is printed on the curtain to the right of the child. The sign exhibits significant signs of age and wear, consistent with an item of its vintage. There are numerous rust spots, particularly visible on the child's legs and overall surface, indicating metal degradation. The top edge shows a notable tear or damage, suggesting it may have been folded or impacted. The corners appear to have holes, likely for mounting purposes. The colors, while still discernible, show fading and some discoloration due to exposure and age. Despite the condition issues, the artwork remains largely intact, showcasing a classic advertising aesthetic from the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when such charming child imagery was often used to promote baby and hygiene products. The quality of the lithography is evident in the detail of the child and the product packaging. This piece serves as a historical artifact of product marketing and consumer culture.