Matchbooks

onlychild

Should PSA start grading matchbooks and/or matchcovers featuring sports stars. Dating them may be a problem.

Let's see what you have.

goodriddance189

are you talking about Diamond Matchbooks? if closed, they would probably be tough to grade. but it wouldn't be a problem if they were opened and the matches removed (which is how most of them are sold). at least a grade of "authentic" would be a good idea

qualitycards

I'm an advocate that PSA should grade (or at least slab) any kind of card & collectible. In the case of matchbooks, they should use a small holder, perhaps in line of the coin sized ones for the closed ones in tact, and a regular sized holder for the open ones w/o the matches.
They could print "unused" on the complete ones in tact and "disassembled" on the ones w/o the matches...jay

onlychild

The preferred method of displaying/collecting a matchbook is without the matches and pressed flat. This is called a matchcover. Although sports collecting books will give an added value to "intact" matchbooks, many collectors remove them to enhance the viewing area. In all actuality, matchcovers have the same value with or without the matches in them.

There are several sports stars displayed on covers. Mantle, Dimaggio and Dempsey being some of the more notable names. Diamond matchcovers are mentioned in card books and are most common but there are several other brands out there. They are as impressive to look at as any card, some featuring beautiful artwork.

Most are not dated but can be placed to a certain time period. PSA could authenticate and grade them based on common grading standards but probably not give an exact date. They would easily fit inside the holders currently used for tickets.

I could post some pics should anyone care to see them.

Joe, can you see a new business venture in this? Matchcover collecting is gaining in popularity because they are still affordable, tell a story and are very attractive.

Kevin

mikeschmidt

if they do - will they start grading the Ted Williams condom wrapper?

onlychild

Ted Williams condom wrapper?

Well since it's a wrapper...no.

Sportscards are a piece of cardboard with print and a picture(s)
Tickets are a piece of cardboard with print and at times a picture(s)
Matchcovers are a piece cardboard with print and a picture(s)

See the similarities?

Kevin

onlychild

Here are some examples. All are full and unused. The Dempsey is very rare and valuable for a matchbook.





Kevin

Virtualizard

I'd love to see PSA grade them. Here's my contribution:




JEB.