Pancho - Tip-Top Bread Company Promotional Paper Mask (1953) - Australia

This rare 1953 Tip-Top Bread Company promotional mask features “Pancho,” a character inspired by the popularity of cowboy and western themes that swept both the U.S. and Australia in the 1950s. Distributed as a bread premium, this mask was part of Tip-Top’s advertising push, often tied to in-store promotions or newspaper giveaways that encouraged children to collect and wear the series.

The post-war era saw Australian brands like Tip-Top adopting American-style marketing—capitalizing on children’s fascination with cowboys, frontier heroes, and TV shows such as The Cisco Kid. “Pancho,” with his wide sombrero, moustache, and cheerful grin, reflects this cross-cultural influence while standing as a charming relic of Australian mid-century advertising.

Origin: Tip-Top Bread Company, Australia

Date: 1953

Character: Pancho (cowboy/western theme)

Material: Printed paper with perforations

Size: 10 ½ inches by 13 inches

Condition: Bright colors, excellent display piece