Superman Crusader Ring (Kellogg's, 1946)

"This ring was a promotion item put out by the Kelloggs company that was tied into the the radio serials/shows of the day. The crusader ring was often tied into the radio story’s plot in one form of another. Over the years these have become more and more scarce simply with the passing of time but a good number are still out on the market. The Superman Crusader ring was made of tin with a “silver” finish. Collectors should please note that the crusader ring was produced with a simple “silver” finish which over time faded to a copper like tone as the finish wore off and faded. Some sketchy sellers have tried to pass off higher quality crusader rings as being made of actual silver. This is a no no. These rings were made for kids in the 1940s as a cheap company promo and were never cast in genuine silver. This ring was square in shape and had the words Superman and Crusader stamped into the ring shanks. Most of these rings found today may be slightly warped in shape as they were made of thin tin."

-- from ComicBooked, "A Look at Superman's Rings"

The Superman Crusader ring was written into the Adventures of Superman radio show. In the episode Counterfeit Money that aired from 10-17-46 to 11-5-46, the Crusader ring is featured prominently in the episode. As a member of Superman's Crusader gang, the ring is a symbol of good citizenship, tolerance and good sportsmanship. The commercial for the Crusader ring offer premiered in episode eight of Counterfeit Money.

This is a "Superman Crusader" ring, still maintaining its silver coating and looks beautiful. It says "Superman" on one band and "Crusader" on the other, and it was a premium from Kellogg's in 1946.

See also: The Superman PEP pin also from Kellogg's, also in the collection.

"Tom Corbett, Space Cadet" Face Ring (1952)

Tom Corbett was the star of Tom Corbett — Space Cadet in television, radio, books, comic books, comic strips, coloring books, punch-out books and View-Master reels in the 1950s. The stories followed the adventures of Tom Corbett, Astro, and Roger Manning, cadets at the Space Academy as they train to become members of the elite Solar Guard. The action takes place at the Academy in classrooms and bunkrooms, aboard their training ship the rocket cruiser Polaris, and on alien worlds, both within our solar system and in orbit around nearby stars.

I could find no information on the ring -- who made it? It was not a premium of Kellogs cereals, as they offered the plastic rings. Any info would be most welcome!

Called the "Face Ring", sadly it is not in the best condition.
Still, a prized item for me.

The standard view into the Rocket Cruiser Polaris control deck,
through the circular viewport (designed by Chesley Bonestell).
From left to right, Roger Manning, Tom Corbett and Astro.

"Captain Midnight's Trick and Riddle Book" (Skelly Oil, 1939)

A 1939 Skelly Oil premium for Flight Patrol members, which also re-uses an earlier promotional shot of original Captain Midnight actor Bill Bouchey with helmet and goggles. The pocket size book has 30 pages of magic tricks and 300 riddles with their answers.

Superman "PEP" button (Kellogg's PEP, 1940's)

This button was issued as part of the 86-button set issued by Kelloggs
for their "PEP Cereals".

Above is a cereal box of Kellogg’s Pep cereal featuring an original Superman comic story on the back “Superman and the Super-Rocket Bomb”, as well as a promotional poster from Kellogg’s that was given to stores to promote and encourage them to stock more Pep cereal. The poster features Superman and popular radio show host Tom Breneman who hosted the “Breakfast in Hollywood” radio show. These are not in the collection, and were found on the web.