Posted By:
RichardOk, I've noticed quite a bit of interest in the Diamond Match issues. They are also an interest of mine, although my own collection is rather meager at the moment.
I did find, on ebay, a time ago, an example of Edgar Manske from what I believe to be the U16 set (Sports Collectors Bible designation). Anyway it was listed as a "salesman sample". I was curious so I bid a meager amount and got it. The scan is below (I hope).
The matchcover has the striker still attached but the black that was used to strike the match on is completely gone. Also, there is are no folds or creases where a normal cover would fold into a matchbook. The back is as clean as can be and there are no staple holes. Is this a salesman sample? Could it be a single cut from an unused sheet? Has anyone else heard of anything like it? Any other "samples"?