Cowardly Lion - Wizard of Oz - Par-T-Mask - Einson Freeman Co. Paper Mask (1939)

This is an original Cowardly Lion paper mask, produced in 1939 by the Einson Freeman Company as part of the officially licensed Par-T-Mask series tied to the premiere of MGM’s The Wizard of Oz. Released through Loews Incorporated, these masks were distributed as both theater premiums and promotional giveaways, bringing the magic of Oz to children nationwide.

The Cowardly Lion, immortalized by Bert Lahr’s unforgettable performance, is one of the most beloved characters in cinema history. This mask captures his wide-eyed, anxious yet endearing look, complete with a stylized mane and exaggerated whiskers. Produced on lightweight paperboard with elastic cord, these masks were never intended to last beyond the promotion — making their survival today remarkably rare.

As part of the full 1939 Wizard of Oz set (Dorothy, Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Wizard, and Lion), this mask is a cornerstone piece of early Hollywood tie-in merchandising. Few complete sets exist, and even individual characters like the Lion are highly collectible, representing a moment when movie marketing first expanded into imaginative children’s ephemera.

Date: 1939
Maker: Einson Freeman Co. – Par-T-Mask line
Promotion: MGM’s The Wizard of Oz (Loews Incorporated)
Size: approx. 7.5" x 9.5"
Rarity: Scarce — especially valuable to those completing the full Oz set