Plastic Scented Eraser, Banana (TZ-1019), with Printed Paper Sleeve and Cellophane Wrapper

Object/Artifact

-

Archive of Cuban Socialism

Name/Title

Plastic Scented Eraser, "Banana" (TZ-1019), with Printed Paper Sleeve and Cellophane Wrapper

Entry/Object ID

2025.11.69

Description

Small rectangular plastic eraser, matte-surfaced and purple/violet, in its original printed paper sleeve, over-wrapped in clear cellophane. The paper sleeve is printed in a purple-and-cream gingham/check pattern with, in dark blue arched lettering, "PLASTIC ERASER"; a colour illustration of a bunch of yellow bananas; the word "Banana" in light-blue script; the product code "TZ-1019" at lower right; and a small red logo at upper right (same mark as the "Pineapple" variant). The eraser protrudes from the top of the sleeve. Apparently unused, still in its wrapper.

Context

A mass-produced novelty eraser, the third documented variant of a fruit-themed TZ-1019 series in this collection (with "Grape" and "Pineapple"). Such small imported stationery items circulated among Cuban schoolchildren and households; as with other imported goods here, its presence depends on documented import to or purchase in Cuba.

Acquisition

Accession

2025.11

Acquisition Method

Purchase

Made/Created

Notes

No date on the object. Novelty erasers of this style span the 1970s–1990s and beyond. Eligibility for 1959–c.1990 cannot be confirmed from the object alone and must come from acquisition/provenance records. Brand/product name: "Banana"; product code TZ-1019; small red logo at upper right (same as on the "Pineapple" variant; partly legible, uncertain reading). Manufacturer / country / city / dates: ⚠️ NOT IDENTIFIED. Research on "TZ-1019" and this fruit-eraser line (done for the Grape and Pineapple variants) returned no manufacturer — only unrelated modern erasers. The "TZ-" prefix and English-language fruit-novelty styling are typical of East Asian export stationery — a stylistic impression, not evidence.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Notes

Paper sleeve: "PLASTIC ERASER"; "Banana"; "TZ-1019"; small red logo

Parts

1 eraser (matte plastic/vinyl body, purple/violet) 1 printed paper sleeve 1 clear cellophane over-wrap

Materials

Material

Plastic, Paper

Material Notes

Plastic/vinyl (likely PVC) eraser body, matte surface; printed paper sleeve; clear cellophane wrapper.

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good

Relationships

Related Places

Place

City

Havana

Country

Cuba

Region

Caribbean, Central America

Notes

use

Created By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Create Date

July 17, 2026

Updated By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Update Date

July 17, 2026