Pancho (The Pirate) - Kelloggs Corn Flakes mask (1954) - cutout

This bold “Pancho the Pirate” mask was part of Kellogg’s 1954 Corn Flakes cutout mask promotions, where adventurous and playful characters were printed on the backs of cereal boxes. Children would cut them out, punch the eye holes, and instantly step into the role of swashbucklers, clowns, or everyday heroes.

“Pancho” embodies the mid-20th-century fascination with pirates, adventure stories, and Saturday matinee thrills. Complete with a skull-and-crossbones bandana, gold hoop earring, eyepatch, and fierce expression, this mask brought a dose of daring escapades to the breakfast table. Few of these fragile paper masks survived the decades, as they were often played with to destruction.

Maker: Kellogg’s Corn Flakes

Year: 1954

Series: Adventure / False Faces promotion

Character: Pancho (The Pirate)

Format: Cereal box cutout mask

Size: Approx. 7 x 8 inches

Condition: Vintage cutout; light wear consistent with age and use. Colors remain vivid and striking for display.