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U.S. Mail (Mr. Zip)
Poster ID: CL26021
Category: Miscellaneous/Other
Designer: Howard Wilcox
Year: 1960s
Country: American
Approximate Size 56 x 32 inches
Condition: Good

Mr. ZIP was based on an original design by Howard Wilcox, son of a letter carrier and a member of the Cunningham and Walsh advertising agency, for use by a New York bank in a bank-by-mail campaign. Wilcox’s design was a child-like sketch of a postman delivering a letter. It was akin to the famous Good Guys smiley face. The original figure was used only a few times. Later, AT&T acquired the design and made it available to the Post Office Department at no cost. The Miami-based Post Office Department artist Joe Lawrence retained the face but sharpened the limbs and torso and added a mail bag. The new figure, dubbed Mr. ZIP, was unveiled by the Post Office Department at a convention of postmasters in October 1962. Mr. ZIP, who has no first name, appeared in many public service announcements and advertisements urging postal customers to use the five-digit ZIP Code that was initiated on July 1, 1963. Within four years of his appearance, eight out of 10 Americans knew who Mr. ZIP was. NOTE: This rare piece already has archival linen-backing.

Keywords: Post Office,Howard Wilcox
SOLD