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Smithsonian sunburst Smithsonian National Postal Museum
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  • Mr. ZIP standing cut-out
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Mr. ZIP standing cut-out

Object Details

Description
This plywood form was cut to the shape of Mr. ZIP, the marketing tool used by the Post Office Department to encourage the use of ZIP codes. The printed image of Mr. ZIP is adhered to black-painted plywood, which is mounted on a base.
The Post Office Department Poster 134 was printed to be used as a template for a standing frame like this, and the National Postal Museum has an intact poster in the collection (see object 2011.2010.19). The Postal Bulletin on June 13, 1963 outlined the promotional material for the new ZIP code program, and how the to use guide included a note for the "Life size Mr. ZIP Poster," which stipulated that "Instructions for mounting on a suitable backing are packed with the poster. The finished figure should be displayed in your lobby where it will attract the most attention with Postal patrons. Order from your Regional ZIP Code Coordinator" (No. 202366, page 4).
The energetic, smiling man in blue appeared on posters, stamp selvage, and stamps from 1964 to 1986. Mr. ZIP became a household feature only a few years after he appeared, and, in fact, Mr. ZIP has become one of the most iconic figures in advertising history. By the 1980s, more than 95-percent of the U.S. mail bore ZIP codes. The bouncy, funny-looking mascot of the service had done his job so well that in 1986 the Postal Service gave Mr. ZIP a well-earned retirement.
Data Source
National Postal Museum
Date
c. 1970
Object number
2004.2007.1
Type
Seals, Symbols & Signage
Medium
plywood; paper
Dimensions
Height x Width x Depth: 53 1/2 x 33 x 17 in. (135.89 x 83.82 x 43.18 cm)
Place
United States of America
See more items in
National Postal Museum Collection
Topic
The Cold War (1945-1990)
Popular Culture
Record ID
npm_2004.2007.1
Usage
CC0
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/hm8c6025787-b0c3-48b8-a8af-b638ad18cf24
This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Open Access page.
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HomeSmithsonian National Postal Museum

Visit »

Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Admission is always free!

2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002

The museum's main entrance is located on the corner of First Street and Massachusetts Avenue NE. Other entrances have variable hours.

street map of Postal museum

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Owney, the Railway Mail Service Mascot

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