Band-Aid Brand Plastic Strips Collective Tin
Decorative art, industrial design, and commercial packaging • Johnson & Johnson (Manufactured/Branded), designer anonymous
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design / Americana / Pop Art precursor
Medium & Technique
Lithographed tinplate (tin-plated steel) with multi-color printing and gloss varnish
Creation Period
Circa 1950s - early 1960s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 3.5 x 3 x 1.25 inches; vertical rectangular prism format
Subject Description
Commercial advertising design featuring the iconic Band-Aid logo in bold red sans-serif, a blue rectangular field with white lower-case typography, and a stylized illustration of a flesh-toned perforated adhesive strip.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible patina consistent with age and domestic use
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD
Provenance History
Likely mass-market retail purchase from a pharmacy or general store; subsequent private ownership and preservation as a vintage collectible
Art Historical Significance
An iconic example of mid-20th-century consumer packaging and brand identity. It represents the shift from functional containers to high-visibility marketing tools that eventually influenced the Pop Art movement of the 1960s.
Notable Features
Includes the cursive 'Johnson & Johnson' script logo and the specific '30 Strips 1 In. Wide' designation which helps dating the production run.
Condition Issues
Surface oxidation (rusting) along the lip and edges, minor abrasions to the lithograph, surface dirt, and slight denting on the upper lid area.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in a low-humidity environment to prevent further oxidation. Clean with a dry, soft cloth; avoid solvents. Acid-free storage if not on display.