PRESIDENTIAL MATCHBOOKS

Q: I own the following unused politically inspired matchbooks made by the Diamond Match Co.: The Inaugural Ball, January 20, 1969; Salute to Eisenhower Dinner, January 20, 1956; and John F. Kennedy with a color Presidential Seal. Can you tell me their value?

A: Bookmatches were invented in America by Joshua Pusey, a Philadelphia patent lawyer, in 1892. He called his invention "Flexible Matches," but they were unreliable, even dangerous. He held the patent for two years, then sold it to the Diamond Match Co. of America for $4,000. Soon they were made more safe and usable. At the end of the 19th century, the striking surface was put on the outside of the book instead of inside the flap. A match salesman is said to be the first to suggest using the covers for advertising. The first political matchbook was handed out in 1900 by a Congressional candidate from Pennsylvania. Every time a smoker used a match, he saw the candidate's picture and message. Every president of the United States since William Howard Taft has had matchbooks printed, but in recent years with smoking less popular, fewer matches are giveaways.

Collectors look for matchbooks that have not been used and are in mint or excellent condition. The abrasive sections should be intact. If the matchbook is going to be pressed and displayed in an album, the staples can be removed. As for your matchbooks' values: the John F. Kennedy matchbook with the Presidential Seal is worth about $75; the Eisenhower Dinner matchbook, about $20; and the 1969 Inaugural Ball, $2 to $5.