1934,1935,1936,1937 Diamond
Football Matchbooks

Matchbook collecting was sweeping the nation back in the 1930's with most sports matchbooks issued by Diamond Match Company out of New York. The football matchbooks were printed over a period of several years in assortment of colors and included both professional and collegiate football players.

1930's matchbooks are huge bargains for collectors as their values are fractions of that of Goudey and other issues from the 1930's.

Diamond also produced several issues of Hockey and Baseball Matchbooks.

Click for complete 1935-1936 Diamond Baseball Matchbook Checklist and Prices

Click for complete 1934-1938 Diamond Football Matchbook Checklist and Prices
Note: You may be on that page right now.

In 1961 Topps issued a similar item called "Magic Rub-Offs". There were 36 different in that set. Topps went way much further with their 1966 issue containing 120 different rub-offs (100 players & 20 team pennants). The rub-offs were released as inserts with one in each 1966 Topps wax pack. Each rub-off measures 2-1/6 inch by 3 inch and were printed in rolls with each roll containing numerous groups of 20 different.

A favorite use of the rub-offs for kids was to place one of the images on your bat. It was supposed to help you hit like the player. I tried it and it worked ! Unfortunately the image I used was Sandy Koufax who ended up batting .076 with no home runs in 1966.

SET DETAILS:
(5) Hall-of-Famers: Sandy Koufax, Juan Marichal, Joe Morgan, Frank Robinson & Ron Santo
(3) Team pennants: Astros, Cubs, Giants

Also: John O'Donoghue, Mickey Lolich, Pete Ward, Ed Kranepool, Cookie Rojas, Sam McDowell
        Denis Menke, Tim McCarver, Mel Stottlemyre, Tony Oliva, Pete Richert & Bobby Knoop