Beatles Insect Repellent Mothball

Advertising card featuring 12 individual packets of mothballs affixed under clear plastic film (12 balls per package)

A Philippine reissue of a common industrial product, but marketed with unauthorized use of the Beatles’ name and image—a perfect example of the widespread pirate merchandising in Asia

The Philippines was one of the most enthusiastic markets for the Beatles in 1964–66. After their infamous and disastrous 1966 tour in Manila (when the Beatles were attacked and forced to leave the country following a diplomatic incident with Imelda Marcos), their image remained highly popular among local merchants. Numerous local companies began exploiting the name “Beatles” to attract commercial attention, even for products completely unrelated to music—such as soaps, shoe polish, or, indeed, moth repellents.

The “Beatles” trademark was not legally protected in the Philippines, so this is not official merchandise, but rather an example of the popular appropriation of the “Beatles” brand as a symbol of modernity and success.

Repacked from the Philippines by Charles Vincent Commercial

Binondo, Metro Manila