Gorilla - Emerick's face mask (1940s-50s)

From the mid-century imagination of Emerick, this rare Gorilla mask roars back to life with its snarling mouth, flared nostrils, and wild, hand-drawn fur detail. Produced in the 1940s–50s, this mask reflects the era’s fascination with exotic creatures, jungle adventure films, and the lingering cultural shadow of King Kong (1933). To a child in the post-war years, slipping on this mask was a chance to transform into the ultimate “beast of the jungle.”

Emerick, known for their colorful litho-printed party and novelty masks, created a wide range of characters — from pirates and witches to animals like this gorilla. Unlike the lighter comic designs, this mask leaned into something a little more ferocious, making it a standout piece for school plays, Halloween parties, or backyard jungle games.

Date: 1940s–50s

Maker: Emerick (marked)

Character: Gorilla

Material: Litho-printed card stock

Size: 7 ½ inches by 10 inches

Condition: Original vintage mask; minor wear consistent with age