Captain Katzenjammer - Wrigley's "Comic Club" King Features Syndicate Einson Freeman Co. Mask (1933)

Captain Katzenjammer, the self-proclaimed authority figure of The Katzenjammer Kids comic strip. Created by Rudolph Dirks and continued by Harold Knerr, the Captain was constantly outwitted by the mischievous twins, Hans and Fritz, in one of America’s longest-running comic series.

In 1933, Wrigley’s Gum partnered with King Features Syndicate and Einson-Freeman Co. to bring these Sunday-funnies icons to life through a mail-away premium campaign known as the “Comic Club.” Children could send in gum wrappers to receive one of these brightly lithographed masks, making this piece both a Depression-era advertising treasure and a vivid snapshot of early comic merchandising.

(Newspaper advertisement shown for reference only — not included.)

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Character: Captain Katzenjammer (from “The Katzenjammer Kids”)

Creators: Rudolph Dirks & Harold Knerr

Year: 1933

Maker: Einson-Freeman Co., Long Island City, N.Y.

License: King Features Syndicate

Material: Lithographed heavy paper with fold-tab straps

Dimensions: Approx. 9 inches tall

Condition: Strong colors and great display presence; expected light age toning, minor edge wear, and visible label reads:
“CAPTAIN KATZENJAMMER – COPYRIGHT KING FEATURES SYNDICATE – FORM NO. A-705.”

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Rarity & Known Survivors:

Among the Katzenjammer Kids trio, the Captain is the most dramatic visually and among the least frequently seen. His bold design and plume-style hat make him a collector favorite.

Estimated surviving examples: 25–35 worldwide

Character Est. Survivors Rarity Tier

Captain Katzenjammer 25–35
Mrs. Katzenjammer 20–40
Hans & Fritz 35–50 each

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Yhe Katzenjammer Kids is widely recognized as the first true American comic strip, debuting in 1897 and inspiring generations of Sunday funnies. The Captain’s inclusion in this 1933 mask series connects the origins of modern comics with the golden age of product premiums.