H. E. Luhrs Co. - Early Pressed-Pulp Halloween Cat Mask (1928-1934)

H. E. LUHRS CO. • CIRCA 1928–1934**

This scarce early Halloween mask was produced by H. E. Luhrs, a New York manufacturer responsible for some of the earliest commercial Halloween novelties in the United States. Made from pressed and embossed composition pulp, this piece predates the more familiar die-cut cardboard era and represents one of the foundational forms of early American Halloween décor.

HISTORY

During the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Luhrs Company created a small line of embossed pulp masks featuring witches, devils, and black cats. These were sold through general stores and party catalogs as early party favors long before trick-or-treat culture became widespread. Their designs still carry the primitive, folk-horror look of pre-Beistle Halloween iconography: wide eyes, exaggerated features, and a hand-painted orange-on-black palette.

This example carries the printed copyright tag:
“Copr. H. E. Luhrs” - a stamp that appears on the earliest run of these masks, helping securely place the piece to circa 1928–1934.

The embossed fur texture, hand-applied paint, and heavy molded pulp construction equally confirming it as an early original.

• Embossed pressed-pulp construction
• Hand-painted details in black and orange
• Early primitive Halloween styling
• Printed copyright: H. E. Luhrs
• Classic wide-eyed black cat design
• Approximately 8–9 inches across (typical for this series)

Displays beautifully with expected age wear.
Includes:

• Cracking along edges
• Surface wear and small losses
• Stable structure with strong presence

RARITY

Authentic Luhrs pulp masks are genuinely scarce, especially in black cat form. Surviving examples are limited, with most showing heavy deterioration.