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Estimated Era: 1990–1995
SKU: VB-FNB-MO-COLUMBIA-ZIP-MIZZOU

Description

This promotional zipper pouch was issued by the First National Bank & Trust Co. of Columbia, Missouri, co-branded with the University of Missouri’s Tigers athletic logo. The bright turquoise-blue vinyl or coated fabric construction features a full top zipper closure and compact shape typical of bank-issued giveaways for students or local customers. The printed bank name and FDIC logo appear on the front, paired with the large bold “M” and Tiger head symbol of the Missouri Tigers, clearly targeting the college market in Columbia.

The style and materials suggest a late-20th to early-21st century origin, aligning with the era when banks intensified campus and youth-oriented marketing and merchandise giveaways. As the bank listed its Columbia roots and included FDIC branding, the pouch served both as functional accessory (e.g., for coins, stationery, small documents) and as a promotional item reinforcing local banking affiliation and university fandom.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The First National Bank & Trust Co. of Columbia traces its lineage to an earlier institution in Columbia that opened in the 19th century. By 1964 it underwent ownership changes and in 1971 adopted the “First National” name. Later in 2009 the holding company re-branded to Landmark Bank amid consolidation of Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas banking interests.
The University of Missouri Tigers (colloquially “Mizzou Tigers”) are the major collegiate sports teams of the University of Missouri in Columbia and have long represented a strong, local brand for co-marketing.

Given the strong campus presence of the Tigers and the bank’s Columbia location, this pouch likely targeted university students, alumni and local-market consumers, offering a branded, functional item that reinforced both bank and team allegiance.

Condition

• Overall very good with minor surface scuffs consistent with age and use.

• Zipper appears functional; pull tab intact.

• Printed graphics remain legible and vibrant though slight wear on edges.

• No major tears or missing hardware noted from available imagery.

Significance

This item exemplifies the mid- to late-20th century trend of banks issuing co-branded merchandise to align with local institutions (in this case university athletics) and to strengthen community-based marketing. It combines financial-institution branding (bank name, FDIC logo) with collegiate allegiance (Missouri Tigers), making it of interest to collectors of banking ephemera, university memorabilia, and local Missouri marketing history.