Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a vintage 1999 novelty refrigerator magnet produced by Ephemera, Inc., featuring a humorous, provocative slogan paired with mid-century pulp fiction cover art. The illustration depicts two women in a bedroom setting, styled in the classic, sensationalist aesthetic of 1950s and 1960s paperback novels.
Story
In 1999, Ephemera, Inc. paired a cheeky, modern slogan with dramatic 1950s pulp fiction art. This mashup transformed once-taboo mid-century imagery into a proud, humorous celebration of LGBTQ+ identity at the turn of the millennium.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1979 by Ed Randall in Oregon, Ephemera, Inc. became famous for its satirical, progressive, and irreverent buttons and magnets. The company specialized in taking vintage commercial art and subverting it with witty, contemporary slogans that resonated with counter-culture and LGBTQ+ communities.
Condition & Value
The front face of the magnet is in very good condition with bright colors and minimal scratching. The reverse shows a torn paper price tag or inventory label stuck to the black magnetic surface, which does not affect display but slightly reduces pristine collector value.
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.