Tom Cat Brand. This rare vintage late 1920s orange crate label showcases a black and white cat with lime eyes and slightly open mouth atop a bright red cushion before a deep gold background. The wrapped orange Sunkist logo is prominently displayed. This is one of the best known of all labels and has been heavily reproduced in various forms including placemats. The image is striking, powerful, and memorable. To my eyes, this cat appears somewhat possessed and about to begin speaking to us. Perhaps he was inspired by the famous fictional Cheshire Cat popularized by Lewis Carroll in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and known for its distinctive mischievous grin. The depiction of birds and animals illustrates the wide variety of art styles used on labels in the 1920s. Tom Cat shows the flat color graphic poster style used on many outstanding labels of the period. The changes in label design that took place during the Advertising Age of California Orange Crate Labels (1920 – 1935) can be quickly appreciated by comparing this label with the earlier naturalistic treatments of similar subjects on labels. A definite attempt is made on the newer labels like Tom Cat to establish a rapport with the customer. An increased emphasis on the quality of label lettering occurred at this time. The title provided label identification; it was important to integrate it with the label subject to form an effective advertisement. Standard type was not used; letters were individually designed and arranged to complement the subject, forming a complete poster image. This label is vintage – not a copy and is in excellent condition with slight waves, 1/8″ tear at top edge. Featured on page 47 of the definitive collectors guidebook “California Orange Box Labels”, by Gordon T. McClelland & Jay T. Last. The image shown in this eBay listing is a high-quality accurate-color scan of the actual label that is for sale. Tom Cat Brand Label version 2 of 3 printed by Schmidt Lithograph Company, Los Angeles, CA Used by the Orosi Foothill Citrus Association, Orosi, Tulare County, CA Year: Late 1920s Scarcity Rating: Rare Condition: Excellent with slight waves, 1/8″ tear at top edge Dimensions: 10″ x 11″