The Phantom Arcade Exhibit Card was produced by The Exhibit Supply Co. Chicago in USA in 1949. The King Features Syndicate licensed Exhibit Cards contain 32 cards in a full set, with the intention of the cards being colored in by the owner.
The Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO) was founded in Chicago in 1901, marking the beginning of a significant era in the amusement and vending machine industry. In 1907, John Frank Meyer joined the company, and by 1910, he had acquired a controlling interest in the small partnership. Meyer’s background in printing proved to be a valuable asset as he steered the company towards the burgeoning arcade business.
Under his leadership, ESCO rapidly expanded its product line, developing a diverse range of vending machines. These innovative devices dispensed a variety of items, including postcards, horoscopes, photographs, and an assortment of collectible cards.
By the 1920s, ESCO had established itself as a pioneer in the production of arcade cards, which were primarily sold through penny arcade machines located along the seaside boardwalks of North America. The company continued to innovate and expand its offerings, becoming a major player in the coin-operated amusement industry throughout the mid-20th century.
The unnumbered Exhibit Cards were printed in Black and White on heavy stock paper, measuring 4” x 6”, with print only found on the one side. They were dispensed from Penny Arcade Vending Machines strategically located at various seaside boardwalks throughout North America, with a random card dispensed once a coin is inserted. Below we see the Exhibit Card featuring the Phantom, an illustration by Ray Moore.
The other comic book characters found in the 32 Exhibit Card set are, Mandrake the Magician, Prince Valiant, Flash Gordon, Blondie, Brick Bradford, Bringing Up Father, Glamor Girls, Buz Sawyer, Dick of Dick’s Adventures, Tillie the Toiler, Etta Ket, Henry, Hubert, Johnny Hazard, Tippie, Rip Kirby, Jungle Jim, The Katzenjamer Kids, King of the Royal Mounted, Ozark Ike, Mister Breger, Popeye, Rusty Riley, Secret Agent X9, Snuffy Smith, Teena, Tim Tyler, Toots and Casper, Little Orphan Annie Rooney, Felix the Cat and Cuties.
An Exhibit Card Arcade Machine Display Board was also produced by The Exhibit Supply Co. Chicago, advertising the Exhibit Cards, measuring 12.5″ x 8″. As can be seen below, the Display Board clearly indicates that the Exhibit Cards are designed to be colored by the owner.
A second series of 8 Exhibit Cards were produced by The Exhibit Supply Co. Chicago featuring comic book characters not licensed to King Features Syndicate at the time, which included Superman, the Yellow Kid, Betty Boop, Dick Tracy, Lil’ Abner, Casper the Ghost, Suffy Smith and Nancy.
Thank you Christopher Smith for assisting with images and information.
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