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The poster features Captain Wishbone, the humorous superhero-style mascot used in advertising for the regional Southeastern Wishbone Fried Chicken restaurant chain. Captain Wishbone appears in a wonderfully exaggerated red-and-gold chicken-inspired superhero costume with feathered cape, accompanied by his rooster sidekick.
The promotional copy reads:
“Chicken-eaters of America, listen for the wit and wisdom of your leader. On the radio station of your choice, just about daily.”
The illustration bears Jack Davis\'s printed signature at the lower right. This is part of the printed artwork and is not an individually hand-signed example.
Davis was one of America\'s most recognizable 20th-century cartoonists and commercial illustrators, particularly known for his work with MAD Magazine, along with his extensive movie-poster, advertising, magazine, album-cover and television illustration work.
Importantly, period advertising documents a Captain Wishbone poster giveaway in 1969. An advertisement for Wishbone Fried Chicken depicts the same Captain Wishbone artwork and describes the promotional piece as a “giant 3-foot full color illustration.” Posters were offered free with a purchase during a September promotion at participating Wishbone Fried Chicken locations in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area.
The approximately 34-inch height of this surviving example corresponds closely with the “3-foot” description used in the period advertisement.
While Jack Davis\'s printed signature establishes his artwork on this poster, we have not found sufficient documentation to claim that Davis himself originally created the Captain Wishbone character.
This is an unusual surviving piece of 1960s regional fast-food advertising, combining a documented restaurant mascot, Jack Davis illustration, radio promotion and the colorful visual style of late-1960s commercial advertising.
Measurements
Approximately 34\" H × 22.5\" W
Condition Summary
Very Good+ vintage condition with excellent overall presentation. The colors remain bright and the Jack Davis illustration displays beautifully. Shows horizontal storage/roll creases and light waviness, along with scattered foxing and age spotting in portions of the white background. Corners and edges are generally well preserved. No major tears or significant losses noted.
Features
- 1969 vintage promotional poster
- Wishbone Fried Chicken advertising
- Captain Wishbone mascot
- Artwork by Jack Davis (1924–2016)
- Printed Jack Davis signature
- Documented 1969 Captain Wishbone poster promotion
- Period advertising describes a “giant 3-foot full color illustration”
- Vintage radio advertising tie-in
- Regional Southeastern fast-food memorabilia
- Approximately 34\" H × 22.5\" W
- Unframed
- Scarce vintage restaurant advertising
Shipping & Returns
- Free US Shipping
- 30-Day Free Returns - Must be returned in original condition
