Vintage Christmas Ads Pt. 1 - Arrow Shirts, 1947

In lieu of an honest-to-goodness, full-blown Christmas CD review, I am proud to present a new feature that starts today and will repeat every Friday that I hope you'll enjoy.

In addition to collecting Christmas music, I have collected nearly 1000 vintage Christmas ads over the years. Many of these include celebrities, radio, television, cigarettes, liquor, modern appliances, and the like.

As with my ear for the strange and peculiar with Christmas music, I have an eye for the strange and peculiar with Christmas ads. This inaugural ad post definitely falls into this category.

I invite you to add a fun comment, witticism, clever remark, or observation in the comments section provided. Any comments deemed worthy of repeating will be included into this entry where all the world will see it.

The Arrow Shirt company had some of the most colorful advertisements at Christmas time. From Santa trying on long underwear to dad sporting a new shirt at Christmas, most ads were understated and tasteful.

Which makes this ad from 1947 a little bit bewildering and disturbing:



 
(Click on image to enlarge)

Okay, so Arrow Shirts are popular and more shirts are becoming available daily... is that really a reason to off Santa Claus with a muzzleloader? I don't really think suicide is a very good way to sell your product, especially at Christmas!

What do you think?

Stubbyfears says: I think that is WAY disturbing and you have to wonder what the heck the ad company, and Arrow Shirts themselves, were thinking when they dreamed this up.

Stephen says: Holy crap, I can't believe this actually got printed. Imagine what the kiddies who saw this must have thought.

Ernie says: I think it's a simple case of Santa confusing his blunderbus with his ear trumpet. Yeah, that's the ticket.

Jonathan says: After months of intense counseling and group therapy Santa Claus recovers daily from his depression. Now, during the off Yuletide Season, Santa travels the World hosting seminars about the virtues of righteous living and quality made men's clothing.

Tim says: Shortly after this was printed, Santa joined an intense group thereapy session and was give a perscription for Zoloft.

Creedmoor says: R. Budd Claus.


Any other opinions?



Capt

Comments

Anonymous said…
I think that is WAY disturbing and you have to wonder what the heck the ad company, and Arrow Shirts themselves, were thinking when they dreamed this up.

1947? I would bet that you couldn't get away with something like that today. There would be 2 hour TV specials on how "The War On Christmas" (TM) has sunk to new lows.

Of course, there is no War on Christmas. Never was. But it looks like, in 1947, Santa was darn near a casualty nonetheless.
9/13/2008 03:04:00 AM
Stephen said…
Holy crap, I can't believe this actually got printed. Imagine what the kiddies who saw this must have thought. I'm looking forward to more of these, Cap'n!
9/15/2008 12:20:00 PM
Ernie said…
I think it's a simple case of Santa confusing his blunderbus with his ear trumpet. Yeah, that's the ticket.
9/17/2008 09:11:00 AM
Unknown said…
After months of intense counseling and group therapy Santa Claus recovers daily from his depression. Now, during the off Yuletide Season, Santa travels the World hosting seminars about the virtues of righteous living and quality made men’s clothing.

The Arrow Shirt Company was forced in the late 1990’s to apologize for their capitalization of the misfortunes of others who have many to blame other than themselves for their suicidal tendencies. As a result Arrow Shirts sponsors Santa’s Righteous Living Through Sharp Dressing World Tour. In addition Arrow spends millions annually to raise awareness of Clothing Depression and how to prevent succumbing to the dreaded Thread Blues.

More Christmas ads - http://www.plan59.com/xmas/xmas.htm
9/17/2008 11:18:00 AM
Anonymous said…
Shortly after this was printed, Santa joined an intense group thereapy session and was give a perscription for Zoloft.
9/23/2008 02:19:00 PM
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