SQUIRT

[SODAPOPBOB]

Until recently I didn't have a great deal of interest in "Squirt." But lately I have been a little intrigued by it ... especially after finding the old tin sign shown below. I have only done some preliminary research on it, but am beginning to suspect it "may be" from Squirt's early-early days that started with it's origin in 1938. I think my key clues are ... 1. The slogan ... "Straight or Mixed." 2. The cobalt blue background. (From everything else I have seen, Squirt almost exclusively uses "green"). 3. The fact that the sign does not have their mascot "Little Squirt" on it. He was introduced in 1941, and thereafter was so popular that he was used on "everything." And although this is somewhat speculative, I honestly believe the sign dates between 1938 and 1940. (Additional research will either confirm or refute this). Another interesting aspect of this so called sign is the fact it still has the original fold-out flaps on the back for standing it up ... Again assuming it was intended for some kind of store and/or counter top display. All things considered, very, very cool! The best part of all is the dealer said if I bought both the bottle and the sign, that I could have them for $20.00 ... which I obviously said yes to, and am very happy with.

I'm just the new kid on the block when it comes to Squirt. But if anyone is an expert or has comments to share ... please do so.

Thanks.

SODA "SQUIRT" BOB []

Acl front ... 7 oz. 1957 Sign/Standee ??? The word Squirt is debossed/indented. 7"x5"

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

Back with "Little Squirt" mascot.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

A couple of things I discovered while doing some additional research tonight (as the following image will help illustrate) is that the Squirt boy started out with dark hair, and didn't become his standard blonde until 1945. The ad is dated January 1, 1941 ... and likely one of the very first appearences of "Little Squirt."

I also discovered that the parent company initionally spelled Squirt with a small "q" and continued using it until 1948 when they changed it to a capital "Q" ... so if you have a bottle or other Squirt related item like my sign, and it has a small "q", you can be reasonably certain it dates prior to 1948.

So things are looking better all the time for my sign being an early one. Cool ! []

SPB

P.S. ~ If you have a Squirt bottle with a small "q" like the one in this ad, please let us see it. Especially if it's dated 1938, which would be their very first bottle. Thanks.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

Dang that edit timer ... you turn your back for a second and "Wham," you're left with nothing to show for your efforts except a dumb mouse that won't work. Anyhoo ... I meant to say that the most significant change was when the wording went from "Script" to "Block lettering."

Sorry for the double post ...

Thanks,

SPB

 

[morbious_fod]

1941 Squirt ad from Kingsport, Tn.

 

[morbious_fod]

1941 Squirt from Kingsport, Tenn.

 

[morbious_fod]

The back with an early slogan.

 

[morbious_fod]

1944 squirt ad from Tazewell, VA.

 

[morbious_fod]

1946 Squirt from Tazewell, VA.

 

[morbious_fod]

The back.

As you see your sign could be as late as the late 1940's. I'm not exactly sure when they switched font, but the are definately using a different font in the 1950's.