Mid-Century Rowntrees Fruit Gums Motorised Advertising Sign, 1966

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1966 Rowntree’s Fruit Gums Motorised Advertising Sign Material: Printed card, wood, paper, metal, electrical components An exceptionally rare original Rowntree’s … Read more 1966 Rowntree’s Fruit Gums Motorised Advertising Sign Material: Printed card, wood, paper, metal, electrical components An exceptionally rare original Rowntree’s Fruit Gums confectionery advertising display, dating precisely to 1966 and designed as an animated point-of-sale piece for use within a confectioner’s shop. Constructed as a freestanding chalkboard or easel-style showcard, the printed stiff-card display is mounted upon a wooden supporting frame. The colourful composition features a teacher holding a pointer, forming part of an ingenious battery-powered mechanical advertising mechanism. When originally powered, the teacher was designed to sway from side to side, simultaneously causing the pointer to move and drawing attention to the promotional message encouraging customers not to forget their Rowntree’s Fruit Gums. Particularly unusual is the survival of all seven original dummy Fruit Gums tubes displayed across the sign. Each retains its original paper “dummy” label, adding significantly to the completeness and historical interest of the piece. The reverse retains the original paper setup and maintenance instruction label supplied for the confectioner, dated March 1966. The internal wiring and mechanical mechanism also remain intact, and the mechanism moves freely by hand. The electrical operation has not been tested with a battery and therefore its working condition cannot be guaranteed. A remarkable survivor of 1960s British confectionery advertising and an unusual example of animated retail point-of-sale design. Presented in good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with its original commercial use. Dimensions: Height: 61 cm Width: 35.6 cm Weight: Approximately 3 kg Date of Manufacture: March 1966 Period: 1960s Style: Mid-Century / Advertising Country of Origin: England See less