This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/20/2021
In 1932, Diamond produced the first set of movie star matchbooks for the American market. The first 10 stars to adorn these match covers included Katherine Hepburn, Slim Summerville, Richard Arden, Ann Harding, Zazu Pitts, Gloria Stuart, Constance Bennett, Irene Dunne, Frances Dee and George Raft. They were such a success Diamond produced match covers featuring hundreds of celebrities from movies, radio and popular nightlife. Shortly after this success, Diamond went on to produce covers with sports heroes. Football, baseball and hockey players signed releases as their photos and biographies found their way to matchbook covers. Of note to serious, and seriously old, card collectors will be the small paper label that holds the cards. It was handmade by noted collector Frank Nagy in the mid-20th century. The handwritten notation reads “1st Movie Type I, 10 in Set, Test Set, Very Rare.” The offered set presents with no matches, and they have been stored flat for decades. Excellent condition overall.