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

An extraordinary survivor from the golden age of Hollywood promotion, this vintage Tin Woodman mask was issued in 1939 to celebrate the release of MGM’s The Wizard of Oz. Produced by the Einson Freeman Company under their famous Par-T-Mask line, these masks were distributed as tie-ins to one of the most beloved films of all time.

The Tin Woodman (often called the Tin Man) was one of the central characters in both L. Frank Baum’s Oz books and the film, portrayed by actor Jack Haley. This mask captures his distinctive funnel hat, riveted metal face, and kind expression — a piece of ephemeral artistry that brought the magic of the silver screen into schools, parties, and living rooms.

Like most advertising and theatrical giveaway masks of the 1930s, few were saved after use. This makes authentic 1939 Tin Woodman masks exceedingly rare today. It stands not only as an iconic representation of Oz memorabilia but also as a piece of pre-war American advertising history, tying together film, print, and pop culture in a single paper artifact.

Date: 1939
Maker: Einson Freeman Co. – Par-T-Mask line
Promotion: MGM’s The Wizard of Oz
Size: approx. 7.5" x 9.5"
Rarity: Highly sought-after; fewer surviving examples compared to other Oz tie-ins