Scarecrow - Wizard of Oz - Par-T-Mask - Einson Freeman Co. Paper Mask (1939)

This original Scarecrow mask was produced in 1939 by the Einson Freeman Company as part of their celebrated Par-T-Mask line, licensed by Loews Incorporated for the release of MGM’s The Wizard of Oz. Issued as a theater and promotional giveaway, it allowed children of the era to step into the magical world of Oz and embody one of the film’s most beloved characters.

The Scarecrow, played by Ray Bolger, captured audiences with his floppy charm and longing “if I only had a brain.” This mask preserves his instantly recognizable look: the patched hat, painted face, and whimsical smile. Created as disposable advertising ephemera, few have survived in any condition, making this an exceptional artifact of both Wizard of Oz history and pre-war American marketing.

Today, Scarecrow stands as one of the cornerstone characters in Oz memorabilia. Alongside Dorothy, Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion, and the Wizard, these 1939 Par-T-Masks represent one of the earliest and most iconic examples of Hollywood tie-in merchandising — bridging cinema, childhood, and paper ephemera in a way rarely seen again.

Date: 1939
Maker: Einson Freeman Co. – Par-T-Mask series
Promotion: MGM’s The Wizard of Oz (Loews Incorporated)
Size: approx. 7.5" x 9.5"
Rarity: Highly collectible, especially as part of a complete Oz set