Desilu was a powerhouse in the television industry by the late 1950’s. Thus, a department called Desilu Sales Inc. was created to handle the sales, marketing and distribution of its shows and productions to markets across the country. Promotional items were created as gifts that were not available to the general public, such as this rare pencil cup.
Measuring 4 1/4 inches high and just over 3 inches in diameter, the ceramic cup with cork bottom features a gold rim and the Desilu Sales logo underneath a large Lucy Ricardo stick figure saying “Hi!” along with Lucille Ball’s signature. A rare addition is the small plate or catch-all that the holder sits on. Other promotional gifts included coffee mugs, ashtrays, letter openers and more.