Rare vintage Piccaninny Barbecue Chicago Christmas advertising matchbook, likely dating to the 1940s, featuring colorful holiday graphics and an unusually elaborate set of intact illustrated matches. The exterior depicts a candle-lit Christmas tree surrounded by vintage toys beneath a “Merry Xmas” banner. When opened, the match stems combine to create a wonderful large illustration of Santa Claus surrounded by toys, including a doll, toy soldier, drum and ball. The interior backdrop depicts a snowy village Christmas scene, with “Merry Christmas” across the matches and “Happy New Year” along the lower cover.
The reverse advertises Piccaninny Barbecue and lists its Chicago locations at Madison at Hamlin, North at Harlem, and 4635 Clarendon Avenue.
The restaurant is documented in Chicago advertising and surviving restaurant memorabilia from the 1930s–40s. Its historical name uses terminology now recognized as a racist caricature; it is reproduced here only to accurately identify and document this original period advertising artifact.
Very good vintage condition for its age. Most importantly, the matchbook retains its 10 original illustrated matches, with the Santa/toy image remaining remarkably complete and colorful.
Expected age-related wear is present, including edge and corner wear, light surface rubbing/soiling, small creases and minor losses along portions of the cover edges. Interior graphics remain bright and highly displayable. Match heads show age-related discoloration/variation but appear intact. Unstruck/unused matches are present. Please see photos.
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