Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A fascinating group of four vintage advertising refrigerator magnets featuring calendars from 1989 and 1990. The collection includes two house-shaped magnets for Santa Anita Insurance Agency, a rectangular magnet for Saia Insurance, and a highly unusual, culturally provocative magnet advertising 'Angies Adult Videos' in Portland, Oregon.
Story
In 1990, local businesses fought for space on your refrigerator. While insurance companies used wholesome house shapes, a Portland adult video store used the exact same calendar format to secure a spot in the heart of the American home.
Maker / Origin
These magnets were produced by commercial novelty printing companies of the late 20th century. These manufacturers specialized in mass-producing flexible magnetic sheets screen-printed with local business details, serving as a staple of hyper-local neighborhood marketing.
Condition & Value
The magnets appear to be in very good vintage condition with minor edge wear and light surface scuffing. The colors remain bright and the magnetic backing is intact. Excellent preservation for paper-faced magnets of this age.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.