A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO FUN WORLD STAMPED 'WEEPING' GHOST MASKS
Demand for the 'Weeping' ghost motivated us collectors to distinguish different mask types by their nuanced characteristics. This is particularly difficult among the earliest "Fun World Div" stamped masks because they derive from the same sculpt. This makes their differences intricate and subtle. We hope this guide can help collectors identify their masks and make informed purchases.
Some sculptural markings found on all four early mask types demonstrating their familial relationship.
Early Fun World Div stamped masks derive from the same original sculpt. This is confirmed by markings shared across all four early mask types (Gen 1, Splotch, HN, Gen 2). While they are all excellent vintage masks, collectors prioritize them by age, relevance to the Scream films, quality, and shape. Each are considered highly collectible. Our guide will illustrate the differences using the classic #9206 - Glow-in-Dark Mask with Shroud.
GEN 1
"Gen 1" masks are considered the grail of Scream & Fun World collecting for their superior quality and use in Scream (1996). Their rarity, competition, and franchise significance give them high value. They were the primary masks manufactured during the debut of the 'Weeping' ghost in 1992. There are markings we use to identify Gen 1s that are easy to recognize using unique mouth defects (Multi-Dot, Second Dimple, Small Dot) specific to each production mold. A Gen 1 mask will always have one of these defects, not multiple or all. The three molds share details that make it clear they come from the same master mold compared to other mask types.
MULTI-DOT
SECOND DIMPLE
SMALL DOT
A Gen 1 mask will feature one of these mouth defects (not multiple or all).
Because the three molds were created from the same master mold, they are identical. They should not be considered separate mask types. The mouth defects should only be used to identify a Gen 1. Qualities that do give masks unique appearances may be from production (like the shape the vinyl cured or the shroud was sewn) or era (like vinyl thickness and paint size).
Example of three nearly identical Gen 1s with each mouth defect.
There are other markings you can use to identify Gen 1s, like raised tick marks (opposed to indented) and a specific circular abrasion not found on other Fun World Div stamped mask types.
Raised "tick marks" on temples and forehead of Gen 1.
Circular abrasion pattern on the left side of the mouth on each mold.
Gen 1s went through production differences over the years like vinyl thickness, paint stencils, and shroud material. For this reason, Gen 1 does not refer to an era (as "generation 1" would imply) but a nickname for masks from these specific molds. The styles we've distinguished are Early 90s, Mid-90s, "Scream style", 97, and Poly Shroud.
EARLY 90S
MID 90S
'SCREAM STYLE'
97
POLY SHROUD
Early 90s Gen 1s have thick firm vinyl with large nose and eye paint and cotton shrouds.
Production quality changed in the Mid-90s to have notably tighter nose, eye, and mouth paint and more flexible vinyl.
The quality of Mid-90s masks nicknamed "Scream style" have a thinness and translucency that often create warped irregular foreheads and the mesh visible through the front side. They have been found with glossy and matte vinyl.
In 1997, 'Weeping' ghost masks had distinguishable heart shaped nose stencils and exceptionally thin eye paint. These are traditionally qualities associated with Gen 2 masks, though we've learned this style is specific to the year and includes Gen 1 and Splotch masks.
Gen 1 molds saw their final use with polyester shrouds, vanilla scent, and purple 'bat & moon' themed Fearsome Faces header cards. We believe the transition to polyester occurred in late 1997.
Cotton shroud #9206 masks were packaged with a pink 'party orb' style header tag labeled Fantastic Faces. They were offered from 1992 - 1997.
Polyester shroud #9206 masks were packaged with a purple 'bat & moon' style header tag labeled Fearsome Faces.
*Gen 1 masks have been found as #9206 Glow-in-Dark Ghost Mask with Shroud (white, cotton, poly), #9207 Fluorescent Ghost Mask with Shroud (cotton), #9223 All-in-One Ghost Mask & Gown, #9219 Instant Disguise, #8919 Droop Collar Mask, and #9974 Scream Stalker costume masks with bib.
SPLOTCH
"Splotch" masks are a secondary factory variant named for their splat-like abrasions across the mouth and face. Many consider Splotch to more closely resemble Gen 1s than other factory variants like HNs or Gen 2s. A Splotch was used in a small capacity in Scream (1996). While they were also produced in the early 90s, they have unique characteristics that set them apart from Gen 1s.
-
Matte black paint
-
Flatter broad faces
-
Bloated cheeks
-
Indented tick marks
-
Closer carved perimeter line (thus, closer sewn jawline)
-
Additional and missing markings from Gen 1
-
Not found on all product variants
The "Splotch" mouth defect.
Additional "splotch" abrasions on the mask's face, cheeks, and temples indicate it was likely a effect of the molding process.
Indented tick marks on Splotch (instead of raised Gen 1 marks).
Examples of Splotch masks varying in quality and shape.
Splotch masks have been found in similar Early 90s, Mid-90s, 'Scream style', and 97 qualities but have not been found with a polyester shroud. Though they had a similar trajectory to Gen 1s, they also differ.
EARLY 90S
Early 90s Splotch masks have large nose and eye paint and cotton shrouds. Unlike Gen 1s, they are often thin and floppy.
MID 90S
Production quality changed in the Mid-90s to have notably tighter nose, eye, and mouth paint. Some Mid-90s Splotch masks actually have thicker vinyl than Early 90s.
"SCREAM STYLE"
The quality of Mid-90s masks nicknamed "Scream style" have a thinness and translucency that often create warped irregular foreheads and the mesh visible through the front side.
97
In 1997, 'Weeping' ghost masks had distinguishable heart shaped nose stencils and exceptionally thin eye paint. Splotch masks have not been found with polyester shrouds.
Splotch masks have only been found with cotton shrouds and pink 'party orb' style header tags labeled Fantastic Faces. They were offered from 1992 - 1997.
*Splotch masks have been found as #9206 Glow-in-Dark Ghost Mask with Shroud (white and black cotton), and #9207 Fluorescent Ghost Mask with Shroud (cotton).
HN
"HN" masks are another factory variant with uniquely rectangular eye mesh and more skeletal nose paint. While they are not featured in the Scream franchise, they are collectible for their vintage quality. Though they derive from the original sculpt, they have a unique look from how the master may have been stuffed when molding. They can be identified by a small raised H or HN letters under the chin. The letters signify a particular factory, as do other lettered stamps familiar to Scream collectors (such as MK, T, N, and TD). They have only been found as black and white cotton shrouded masks. We can date them as early as 1995, though they could be older.
Example of masks with "HN" letters.
Rectangular eye mesh on HNs.
Example of mask with raised "H" and no HN.
"HN" seen on barcode of a raised H mask.
All HN masks have the raised "H" near the neckline. However, only some masks have the carved "HN" letters and are usually found above the Fun World Div stamp near the tip of the chin. Here are examples of other HN factory ghost masks:
Examples of other HN ghost masks with the raised "H".
HN masks have only been found as #9206 cotton shroud masks with pink 'party orb' style header tags labeled Fantastic Faces.
*HN masks have been found as #9206 Glow-in-Dark Ghost Mask with Shroud (white and black cotton).
GEN 2
"Gen 2" masks are another popular variant and are seen in Scream 2 (1997). Gen 2 is not a "second generation" of molds, but a nickname given by fans during a time early masks were incorrectly seen as a binary. They have heart shaped nose paint and appear somewhat long faced with pushed out nose bridges, squared jaws, and larger eye shapes. Like HNs, the bloating is likely a result of how the master was stuffed before molding. As former Fun World designer Brigitte Sleiertin-Linden tells us "when the company increased production to meet demand after the mask got popular, they had multiple factories making the same item". The earliest we may be able to date Gen 2s is 1996. Gen 2s of all of the ghost characters became the primary production molds used for the #9206 assortment in the late 90s.
UPPER DIMPLE
CHEEK DENTS
TEXTURED MOUTH
DOT
A Gen 2 mask may feature one of these defects (not multiple or all).
Though we've recognized a few defects to identify Gen 2 masks, there may be additional molds.
'EARLY'
The earliest we can currently date Gen 2s may be 1996. The earlier masks feature larger paint stencils, heart shaped noses, and cotton shrouds sewn closer to the jaw than later masks.
'SCREAM 2 STYLE'
The quality masks nicknamed "Scream 2 style" have floppy vinyl and deep casts with wide sewn jaws that expose the carved perimeter line.
POLY SHROUD
Gen 2 molds saw their final use with polyester shrouds and vanilla scent. We believe the transition to polyester occurred in late 1997.
Cotton shroud Gen 2 masks were packaged with a pink 'party orb' style header tag labeled Fantastic Faces.
Polyester shroud Gen 2s were packaged with three different header cards including Fearsome Faces, purple ASIS (nicknamed "ASIS" for As Seen in Scream), and black ASIS.
Example of exposed perimeter lines on "Scream 2 style" masks. The perimeter line is present on all mask types but are usually covered by the shroud. We believe this line was used as a guide to cut out a raw casting.
On Gen 2s, visible remnants of the previous perimeter line are covered and moved about a half inch.
Gen 2 molds were made to increase production of all Fun World's ghost characters in the #9206 assortment. They also exhibit a similar long face and stuffed look with deeper jawlines.
Wide jaw on a Gen 2 'Happy' ghost with exposed perimeter lines.
*Gen 2 masks have been found as #9206 Glow-in-Dark Ghost Mask with Shroud (cotton, poly), #9207 Fluorescent Ghost Mask with Shroud (cotton, poly), #9223 All-in-One Ghost Mask & Gown, #9219 Instant Disguise, #8919 Droop Collar Mask, and #9974 Scream Stalker costume masks with bib.
ODDBALLS
ODDBALL 1
ODDBALL 2
"Oddballs" are late 90s poly shroud masks that do not derive from the original sculpt. They get their name (not only for their odd faces) but because late 90s masks are always stamped with the parent company "Easter Unlimited Inc". It's peculiar that these sculpts ended up with a Fun World stamp and share no relation with the four early mask types covered in our guide. They are not featured in a Scream film and are significantly less sought after.
Oddball masks featured a purple 'bat & moon' style header tag with Scream branding (nicknamed "ASIS" for As Seen in Scream).
*Oddball masks have been found as #S9206 Glow-in-Dark Scream Masks with Shroud.