Is the price a bit high? I'm not an avid collector of matches just airline stuff, so I can't comment on the actual value. I'm sure they're worth every penny of the money you are asking. What reels me in, as an auction participant is the chance of getting something at a potentially low price. ("WOW - these are only $4.00!") If the bidding starts high then it will always end high. I'll be looking forward to see how your items sell. I could be totally wrong.

Your point is well taken. As the author of the only book on matchcover prices, most of what I've learned comes from auctions. I've performed hundreds (mail, InterNet & live). Older airline matchcovers bring $2-$5 ea., depending on age and graphics.
For years now, I've had no problems selling them individually to ardent collectors. eBay present a different mind set for the buyer. He/she is "looking" for a good buy, and no doubt, deserves to find one. My problems is I know what matchcovers sell for (to serious matchcover collectors) and when they don't sell on eBay due to price, it is disappointing.
Matchcover collectors are matchcover collectors first, with a category specialty in (i.e., airlines, political, railroad, etc.). I find eBay buyers are category specialists first, (i.e., airline collectors, political collectors, etc.) and are buying an occasional matchcovers to complete a collection or display.
It will be an age long dispute among serious enthusiasts, and one in which I find myself dead center. I hope you can understand my predicament. Maybe I'm "over qualified" to be an eBay matchcover auctioneer. I'm also sure that in time, my viewpoint will change. Don't give up on me yet! Thanks for your interest and I hope this helps. (edlet52f)

Thanks for chance to bid on this great matchcover! If you have any other Swiss Pavilion momentous, let me know. My parents came to USA to work at the Swiss Pavilion in 1939. My father was chef at the Pavilion and Mom was a waitress. They met on the Queen Mary coming over, got married here and then couldn't return to Europe after WWII began. And then I arrived! So the 1939 New York World's Fair and this Pavilion have some sentimental value for me; hence my special interest. Many thanks again for your prompt response! (edlet52g)

I'm starting to imagine how much work you must do and how busy you are. You have made the AMCC bulletin a terrific publication, and I enjoy reading you articles. You may have noticed that I am selling matchbooks on eBay, too. Back in 1992, I tried putting out a catalog but that went no where. I remember an article in Aug. 1992 about an Anaconda matchbook. I don't have it anymore and I would appreciate it if you could tell me the approximate year it was produced. I think it was in the 30s but a fellow who collects A M Co. stuff says it's from the 50s. What do you think? (edlet52h)

I have only three matchbooks. President Clinton gave them to me his first year in office while on a delay at the Daytona Beach Airport (FL). The matchcovers are a light teal blue with the presidential seal in raised gold. The back of the cover has a picture of the jet with the caption Aboard the Presidential Aircraft in white. I would like to sell these and have been researching their value. I have received some very interesting mail from Monica L's fans. Quite entertaining. Thank you so much for your time.

Reports to the hobby indicate that Clinton never actually had matches manufactured for the White House. He may have had some made for other aspects of his Presidential influence. Traditionally, there has been a match book made for Air Force One since Truman (I think), and certainly Eisenhower and forward. (edlet52j)

(From another InterNet Auctioneer) So what are you saying? I am not familiar with what you are talking about. I just described it, not knowing what she is. Please explain! Thanks, Joyce

The pin-up matchcovers of the 1930s & 1940s were what is known as semi-clad, with nothing showing (top or bottom). They were, for the period, sexy, but never topless or nude or whatever. In the hobby, this stock design is known as "girlie" (a hobby term) and most were done by prominent artists of the period (Vargas, Thompson, Elvgren, etc.). With the mild public sensibilities of the period, "topless" probable wasn't even a commonly used word. This was sent in the spirit of collecting. (edlet51a)

(From an InterNet Auction) Thanks for replying. I realize everything can't get in. I meant if paying $27.00 for this matchbook as pictured/described has a higher/lesser value than I paid. I recently got the 12 set of 1939 Golden Gate Expo Match matchcovers listed in your book $150-$250 (I paid $32.00) How would I differentiate what makes them $150 vs. $250? I'm new to this...thanks! Spen

As an author, I am not the price guardian of the hobby. I reported auction prices as I saw them. Like the M-16 rifle, my book was out of date the day it came off the press, so I make no claims as to why? what? etc. I've purchased $75 matchcovers for pennies and sold them for $150. It is the nature of commerce.

You are asking about an absolute relativity, a concept that isn't within this hobby's collecting genre. If there had been other books, other experts, other debates . . . the hobby wouldn't be so one-sided. My contributions were challenged at every turn, but Columbus was thrown into chains and died a pauper. Pioneers don't get rich and aren't usually popular, but like Mrs. Truman might have said, the buck has to start somewhere. Take from this what you wish. It is all philosophical, and with a buck now-a-days, you can still get a cup of coffee. Remember, something is worth only what you are willing to pay for it.)

Several members have ordered matchcovers as a result of my ad in FSB. They also congratulated me on being selected as a "lifetime member." I'm very pleased to be a lifetime member, in fact, I consider it an honor, so to speak. I've been spreading the word about our hobby whenever and wherever I can. Now that I'm retired, I will be able to devote more time to our hobby. Happy collecting to you. Ron (edlet51b)

When I joined AMCC last year, I had a shoe box full of casinos. I now have over 100,000 with another 20,000 in doubles. I guess you could say I caught the bug. I am also a trader and go to a lot of flea markets and antique stores. Steven (edlet50a)

Is there a device that cleanly and easily removes the staple from a book of matches, so that you can keep the cover and discard the matches? If I do separate the matches from the cover, does that affect the value? Larry

This is an ongoing kind of debate. I use a specially grooved pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the staple and twist it out. Older matchcovers are more difficult and require practice. Some members use a dull, smooth, thin knife. Others use similar types of smooth, flat shims to loosen the staple. It's a kind of "show me" activity. At any rate, with newer matchcovers, it is relatively easy. Practice makes perfect!) (edlet50b)

(In regard to the FSB Auctions) It would be helpful it you could give a rough indication of the extent that a matchcover has been used. Maybe utilize a U1, U2, or U3 to express the degree to which it has been used, or use a system as with coins, XF, F, VF or G. Bryan

In my last book, I believe I published a grading system for matchcovers. Few have expressed interest in a system probably insofar as there are still plethoras of unused matchcovers to be found. I think your idea is a good one. Any suggestion from the members?) (edlet50c)

I knew you could do it, especially if Cindy was involved. What I received was outstanding. I can't thank you enough; you're a real pal. Is there any chance of the rematch logo going up soon? Back to my writing, I've got a deadline by September. John Clarke. P.S. Slang term of the day is: fowl ball: chicken croquettes!

I sent John several hundred 40's & 50's stock art designs relating to diners for his new book.) (edlet50d)

Bill, thanks for responding. Dean had a list to bid on the auction on the 27th and 28th to be mailed by 9/1/98 but the prices seem to be too high. He may send in a couple to see but he has no way of knowing what things are really selling for. If these are a reflection of high and low pricing, we just can't afford to get into the auctions. Thanks for changing our e-mail address. Dean will be looking forward to the approval list. Carol & Dean

Admittedly, the approvals may tend to run a little more, but they are hand selected from stock and I try to reflect current values. I also offer generous discounts for volume. Regarding auctions. There again, I use estimated values from previous auctions but don't have any set "musts!" If a lot is valued (estimated value) at $5.00, and I receive a top bid of $3.00, it sells for that. However, if you check the Auction Update page in each issue of FSB, you'll see that a good percentage of lots continue to sell for over the estimated value. I guess what I'm saying is that I throw out the price and see what happens. I believe in the auction method and the current market. Hope this helps.) (edlet50e)

I purchased some salesman samples in a group of other covers. They are flats with advertising but have never held any matches, both in 30s and 40s sizes. Are they tradable? Thanks. Mike

Glad to hear from you. At present, nothing has been written and nothing has been valued for flats. They remain in that gray area of the hobby not yet explored or studied. I have several thousand and am holding them as a futures investment, insofar as flats were the most perfect color and design balance of the matchcover printer's art.
The match book salesmen as displays for enticing potential customers to place a match book order used flats. In many other hobbies, the equivalent of flats is valued at the highest level. It is only in the hobby of matchcover collecting that the most beautiful and pristine example of the art is considered almost worthless. But have patience. You may see articles and more information on flats in coming months and years . . especially from AMCC.) (edlet50f)