Rare antique Coca-Cola cast iron bank, “The Sprite Boy” from the 1940’s

Sprite Boy appeared in magazine ads for the first time in January 1942, and
gradually the elf-like cartoon figure became known as the Sprite or the Sprite
Boy.

The idea was developed by Archie Lee of the D’Arcy Advertising Company
and artist Haddon Sundblom, already famous for creating the Coca-Cola
Santa Claus, created the advertising image for Sprite Boy.

Though it is a common misconception that this pixie known as Sprite Boy is
named for The Coca-Cola Company’s Sprite brand, the two are unrelated, 
in fact, the company did not introduce the beverage Sprite until 1961, after
the Sprite Boy was no longer featured in ads.

          
            1945