1934 Diamond Matchbooks - Silver Border Near-Complete Set (195/200)

Sold For:

$3,120

Year:

1934

Auction:

2022 Fall

Lot #:

737

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

Presented is a rarely offered near-complete set of 195 different baseball matchbook covers from the 1934 Silver Border series issued by The Diamond Matchbook Company. Missing the following five matchbooks for completion: L. Berger, W. Ferrell (the existence of this cover is doubted), Syl Johnson, Perkins, and Spohrer. Included are eleven color variations (Auker, R. Ferrell, Grimm, Hallahan, K. Johnson, Mahaffey, Joe Moore [two], Quigley, Stark, and Stripp) and one duplicate (Mangum). 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 an old-time collector. We believe that 1930s matchbook covers represent one of the best collecting values of all 1930s issues. The grades below are without reference to normal fold lines and staple holes associated with matchbook covers. Condition: 48% range from Vg to Ex-Mt (averaging Vg-Ex/Ex) and 52% in lesser grades (mostly due to marks or other damage on the reverses and including six with missing strikers). One example is graded and encapsulated by PSA (Pytlak - EX 5). 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 near-complete set of baseball matchbook covers issued by The Diamond Matchbook Company. Total: 207 matchbook covers (near set of 195 plus eleven color variations and one duplicate). Reserve $200.