Heinz Charm Bracelet, circa 1940

Summary

The pickle charm, introduced in the 1890s, was H.J. Heinz's most successful promotion and giveaway. The charm eventually evolved into a lapel pin, allowing customers to wear their souvenirs in public -- a simple, yet extremely effective marketing strategy. At the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair, charms, including the various canned goods seen here, were introduced as giveaways to adorn pickle pins and bracelets.

The pickle charm, introduced in the 1890s, was H.J. Heinz's most successful promotion and giveaway. The charm eventually evolved into a lapel pin, allowing customers to wear their souvenirs in public -- a simple, yet extremely effective marketing strategy. At the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair, charms, including the various canned goods seen here, were introduced as giveaways to adorn pickle pins and bracelets.

Artifact

Charm bracelet

Date Made

circa 1940

Creators

H.J. Heinz Company 

Place of Creation

United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh 

Creator Notes

Made for H.J. Heinz Company.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2014.106.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Gutta-percha
Plastic
Metal

Color

Green
Red
White (Color)
Black (Color)
Yellow
Silver (Color)

Dimensions

Width: 6.5 in

Inscriptions

On can charm: HEINZ /HOMESTYLE /SOUPS On can charm:HEINZ/ COOKED/ SPAGHETTI/ IN TOMATO SAUCE/ WITH CHEESE On can charm: HEINZ/ COOKED/ MACARONI/ IN CREAM SAUCE WITH CHEESE On pickle/ 57/ HEINZ On metal charm: NEW YORK/ WORLD'S/ FAIR/ 1940

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