Devil - die cut mask (1940s-50s)

This bold and striking die-cut Devil mask dates from the late 1940s into the 1950s, a time when paper masks were both Halloween staples and commercial advertising giveaways. Lithographed on sturdy cardstock with vivid red, black, and yellow accents, the mask features sharp brows, pointed ears, and exaggerated devilish features—iconic of the post-war era’s fascination with playful fright and carnival-like imagery.

Masks of this type were often produced by regional printers and sold in five-and-dime stores, toy shops, or included as premiums with candy, baked goods, or local events. They were intended to be worn once or twice, cheaply made, and discarded—making original survivors like this extremely rare. The inclusion of instruction tabs (“Fold Under and Hook Tab”) on this piece shows how manufacturers kept costs low while ensuring the masks could be worn easily by children.

Date: 1940s–1950s

Maker: Unknown (regional die-cut printer, U.S.)

Size: 8 ½ inches by 9 inches

Condition: Original vintage mask with excellent color and intact die-cut.