Name/Title
Matchbook, oversize: Venus Velvet [Pencils], American Pencil Co., N.Y.; Hoboken, N.J.; Fred Maison, Jr. N.d., ca. 1933-1940.Entry/Object ID
2011.005.0002Description
Oversize advertising matchbook: Venus Velvet [Pencils], American Pencil Co., New York, N.Y.; Hoboken, N.J.; Fred Maison, Jr. No date, circa 1933-1940. Printed card stock, 3-3/8" wide x 4-3/16" high (closed); single row of eleven matches printed as pencils with "eraser" matchheads.
A promotional advertising novelty.
Company was also known as the American Lead Pencil Company (which is stated inside behind the matches.) Its offices and manufacturing were based in Hoboken at this time although, typically as with some large companies located here, it had a presence in New York City (probably a showroom.) The pencil matches are individually labeled in the five degrees (hardnesses) that they were offered. The Venus brand was also used for a line of pens.
Imprinted on the back of this promotional advertising item is the name "Fred Maison, Jr." and while no other information about him has been found, it is likely he was a salesperson and/or executive with the company or a product distributor.
The matchbook maker was Lion Match Co., Inc, New York. This item was in a line stated as 'Giant "Feature" Match Books' with three patents listed, the latest being a 1932 patent which establishes the early date.Acquisition
Accession
2011.005Source or Donor
Lukacs, ClaireAcquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
Museum Collections. Gift of a friend of the Museum.Made/Created
Date made
1933 - 1940Notes
Date: 1933-1940General Notes
Note
Status: OK
Status By: dw
Status Date: 2011-02-10
