1934-1936 Diamond Matchbook Cover Collection (412) Including Near-Complete Set of Silver Border Series

Sold For:

$2,640

Year:

1934

Auction:

2021 Spring

Lot #:

731

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

Presented is a tremendous collection of 412 different baseball matchbook covers from the 1930s, issued by The Diamond Matchbook Company. This substantial collection includes near-complete sets of the two primary 1930s matchbook cover sets: 1934 Silver Border series and the 1935-1936 Red, Green, and Blue Border series. These matchbook covers are very scarce compared to gum cards of the era. It is rare to find a substantial collection of these vintage classics, which have largely escaped the radar of most serious collectors in part because of their rarity. This collection has been consigned by the family of an old-time collector. We believe that 1930s matchbook covers represent one of the best collecting values of all 1930s issues. The collection consists of the following: 1) 1934 Silver Border Near-Complete Set (197/200): Missing only #10, 53, and 167 for completion. 2) 1935 Black Border Partial Set (14/24): Allen, Berger, Carey, Chiozza, Hafey (missing striker, otherwise Gd), Hogan, Klein, Lombardi (missing striker, otherwise Gd), Maranville, Mungo, Stengel (missing striker, otherwise Gd), Thevenow, L. Waner, and P. Waner. 3) 1935-1936 Red, Green, and Blue Near-Complete Set (164/181): Missing the following seventeen for completion: #2, 4, 17, 20, 48, 71, 76, 100, 110, 112, 115, 122, 131, 132, 139, 145, and 150. 4) 1936 Chicago Cubs Complete Set (23): Includes Hartnett and Herman. 5) 1936 - Team on Back Complete Set (14): Includes Hubbell and Ott. This is a mixed-grade collection with approximately 60% of the matchbooks displaying no major condition issues, ranging in condition from Vg to Ex (averaging Vg-Ex). The remaining 40% range from Pr to Gd (averaging Fr), including approximately fifty with pencil on the reverse, forty with pen on the reverse, twenty-five with back damage, and fifteen with tape repairs. These are the "unsung heroes" of 1930s collecting! Unusual, substantial, scarce, and (perhaps because they are not traditional cards) somewhat overlooked by most collectors. This is an exceptional comprehensive collection of baseball matchbook covers issued by The Diamond Matchbook Company. Total: 412 covers. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).