Exhibit Card

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AEX-1949-00.jpg
Vending display
Country: Mini usa.gif USA / English


History

The Chicago-based "Exhibit Supply Company" (ESCO) issued postcard-sized, thick cards from the 1920s through the 1960s. The company issued cards of various subjects, but specialized in movie stars, cowboys, pretty girls, baseball players, and other athletes. The cards were not for advertising nor were they product premiums, they themselves were the product. A store or arcade owner purchased an ESCO vending machine and ESCO sold them refill products for the machines. ESCO made its real money on the refill orders, not on the machines. The cards were dispensed for a penny (later, a nickel or dime) to the patron of the store or arcade. ESCO sold refill cards direct to vendors, and advertised to arcade owners that it released a new set of cards (with a minimum of 32 cards) every 60 days.

Feature Comics

Each card measures about 8.5x13.5 cm.

Sources

  • Private collection