Fox - Merrell-Soule Company Advertising Paper Mask (1903) - Syracuse, NY

Offered here is a truly historic piece of early American ephemera — an original 1903 Fox advertising mask, created by the Merrell-Soule Company of Syracuse, New York, pioneers in both dairy processing (best known for powdered milk) and some of the earliest chromolithographed advertising premiums.

Patented May 6, 1903
This mask carries the May 6, 1903 patent date, making it one of the earliest documented fold-up, commercially printed paper masks in the United States. While later masks from the 1920s–40s were issued by the millions through cereal companies, candy makers, and newspapers, these early Merrell-Soule issues were produced in tiny numbers and given as store promotions or advertising novelties. Survival rates are extremely low, as most were cut, folded, worn, and discarded.

Chromolithography & Design
Printed in rich, multi-stone chromolithographic color, the Fox mask shows fine fur detail, piercing yellow eyes, and dramatic whisker shading that makes it come alive. Merrell-Soule’s printing expertise gave these masks a realism that set the standard for decades of advertising masks to follow. Directions for folding and wear are printed on the reverse, making this a complete uncut example.

Historical Importance:
This predates the Boston Sunday Post 1904 animal mask series (Goat, Pig, Dog, etc.) by a full year, showing that Merrell-Soule was already experimenting with promotional masks before they exploded into larger circulation. In many ways, the 1903 Fox can be considered the prototype ancestor of the entire genre of American paper masks, bridging 19th-century chromolithographic trade cards with the mask craze of the 20th century.

Rarity:
Masks from this 1903 series are virtually unobtainable. While collectors sometimes encounter the 1904 Boston Post issues, this pre-Post patent piece is scarcely seen outside of institutional archives. Its survival in such condition (uncut, bold color, complete with printed instructions) elevates it to near museum-quality.

Measures 10 ½ inches by 14 inches.

This mask isn’t just a collectible — it’s a document of the birth of paper mask advertising in America.