Description

This vintage Hopalong Cassidy metal lunchbox was manufactured by Aladdin Industries of Nashville, Tennessee and introduced in 1950. It is recognized as the first commercially successful lunchbox to feature a licensed character image, establishing a new direction in children’s merchandise and launching what collectors refer to as the “Golden Age” of character lunchboxes. The featured image depicts actor William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy, set against a Western landscape with cactus and desert mountains, accompanied by bold character lettering.

The earliest production versions, including this example, were created by applying a scalloped-edge character decal to Aladdin’s standard red metal lunchbox form. This approach was used from approximately 1950 to 1951. By 1952–1953, Aladdin modified the design to a square-edged decal, and in 1954 transitioned to fully lithographed, all-over printed metal lunchboxes. The Hopalong Cassidy release significantly increased Aladdin’s sales and demonstrated the commercial viability of licensed entertainment characters on everyday consumer goods.

The lunchbox measures approximately 8 inches wide, 7 inches high, and about 3.5 inches deep. It features a collapsible metal handle secured by side brackets and a front metal latch closure. The interior is fitted with a divided metal compartment designed to separate food items. This configuration reflects the utilitarian design typical of early 1950s metal lunchboxes prior to the widespread adoption of molded plastic examples.

Original retail sets included a coordinating glass-lined thermos, typically decorated with imagery of Hopalong Cassidy and his horse, Topper. Although the thermos is not included here, the lunchbox itself represents a pivotal moment in American pop culture merchandising. As the first widely distributed licensed character lunchbox, it occupies an important place in both Western film memorabilia and mid-20th-century advertising history.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is"

Measurement

8 inches wide, 7 inches high, and about 3.5 inches deep

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required.

3. There will be a $20 fee assessed per item not picked up at that time that will be collected prior to bidding again at our auctions. Unlike retail, we do not have the option to store your item. If the item is larger than a standard suitcase (22" x 14" x 10"), we will charge $50 to the card on file per item to move the item.

4. Please plan accordingly as items not picked up are considered "abandoned". Do not bid if you cant pick up this day.

5. You are responsible for ensuring you collect all items at pickup.

6. Legacy uses "Popcorn" or "Extended" bidding. This means if a bid comes in at the last second, it is extended 3 minutes. This is like a live auctioneer saying, "going once" to ensure all bids are exhausted prior to closing.

7. We charge a 12% flat buyers premium on all items.

8. We charge KY State Tax with the exception of vehicles which is collected at the DMV.

9. You must bring help to pickup any items. We can recommend movers upon request. Also, please bring tools for items that require disassembly.

10. Please read our complete terms and conditions for additional details.