Hood's Sarsaparilla Calendar Value Guide

The 1898 Hood's Sarsaparilla Calendar is a quintessential example of late 19th-century patent medicine advertising, prized for its vibrant chromolithography. These promotional pieces were distributed by C.I. Hood & Co. to market their popular health tonic, making them highly sought after by collectors of Victorian-era paper ephemera.

What Is Hood's Sarsaparilla Calendar Worth?

The typical price range for Hood's Sarsaparilla Calendar is $25 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Completeness of the item, specifically if the full 12-month paper calendar pad is still attached.
• The physical condition of the cardboard, including the presence of any tears, water stains, or fading from sun exposure.
• The vibrancy of the ink colors, as well-preserved chromolithographs command higher prices in the $25-$40 range.
• Market demand for C.I. Hood & Co. memorabilia within the medical and advertising collectible niches.

How to Identify Hood's Sarsaparilla Calendar?

• Look for the specific 1898 date and the 'Hood's Sarsaparilla' branding prominently displayed on the cardboard.
• Verify the presence of the original chromolithograph depicting a child framed by an intricate floral border.
• Check for the authentic paper calendar pad, which should be attached to the heavier cardboard backing.
• Examine the printing quality for the characteristic stippling and rich colors associated with late 1800s American lithography.

History of Hood's Sarsaparilla Calendar

Hood's Sarsaparilla was a popular patent medicine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for its extensive advertising campaigns. These calendars, often featuring beautiful chromolithographic prints, were a common promotional item given to customers and became collectible pieces of ephemera, representing a bygone era of advertising and health remedies.