Roxbury Trick or Treat Candy Black Cat - Halloween Party mask (1955) - cutout
An original 1955 Roxbury Trick or Treat Candy paper mask, featuring a bold and graphic black cat design. This mask was printed directly on the back panel of a candy box—meant to be cut out by children and worn with string or a rubber band. Measuring 5½ by 6 inches, it is a charming piece of mid-century Halloween advertising and one of the few surviving examples of candy packaging masks.
Brand & Promotion
Roxbury Candy Co. was a mid-20th-century confectionery brand that capitalized on the booming Halloween market. By the 1950s, “trick or treat” had become a widespread American tradition, and candy companies competed fiercely to associate themselves with the holiday. Adding cut-out masks to packaging was a clever way to attract children and parents alike—combining sweets with instant party fun.
Design & Appeal
The mask features a black cat with bright orange eyes, a classic Halloween motif symbolizing mystery, superstition, and the playful fright of the holiday. Its simple yet striking design reflects the bold graphic style of 1950s advertising. Because children were encouraged to cut them out, most were destroyed during use, making intact examples exceptionally scarce.