It's fun pretending I'm a Nazi, Mom!
Toys were less politically correct back in the day, but these 1947 items from Little Novelty Company in Long Beach, California, were doozies by any standards. When we were just a couple years removed from WWII, this ad, which ran in comic books, offered children replica German and Italian firearms for a measly $1.25. You know, weapons just like the ones that were used to murder Allied soldiers and force Jewish people into death camps. An excerpt from the copy:
“Kids! Kids! Kids! Adults too! Here is a gun that is exactly like that carried by the German officers in World War II. It is the improved model of the German Luger. Reproduced in actual size, design and balance. Made of solid cast aluminum and finished in gun-metal black. An authentic World War II souvenir.
Also available: The Celebrated Italian 7.65 Brevettata. This small, semi-automatic pistol was one of the finest made by the Fascists. Carried by the crack Italian Alpine troops. Later used by the underground. Reproduced in actual size, design and balance. Made of solid cast aluminum and finished in gun-metal black.
Absolutely Safe! Cannot Be Fired.”
More Old Print Ads:
- Rubber Party Masks. (1949)
- Slimming Belt for Men. (1952)
- Non-Wilting Jockstraps. (1941)
- Alcohol-Filled Novelty Handgun. (1926)
- P.T. Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth. (1876)
- Obetrol methamphetamine weight-loss pills. (1970))
- Viderm skin treatment. (1949)
- How to trim hair at home. (1947)
- Ajeeb, the chess-playing automaton. (Late 1800s)
- Southworth & Hawes Daguerreotype Rooms. (1848)
- Daicy Air Rifles Handbook for Boys. (1948)
- Weltmer Insitute of Magnetic Healing. (1898)
- Cataract Electric Washer. (1920)
- Whiz Bang Pep Pills. (1920s)
- Vacutex Blackhead Face Vacuum. (1952)
- Dr. Hopkins’ Electric Hair Restorer. (1868)
- Showgirl Laxatives. (1901)
- Salem Witch Spoon. (1891)
- Panti-Legs. (1961)