According to the eBay seller's "best guess," this paper matchbook
is the first commercially printed all-paper match cover. It was produced by the Binghamton Match Co. in 1893 or 1894, based on Joshua Pusey's invention.
The seller says, "Earlier book matches are known from the 1850-80's, but these were substantially different from Pusey's patent. Diamond Match Co. sued Binghamton for patent infringement in 1894 and won."
The auction includes the matchbook itself, which is card stock, quite similar to those made today.
According to the listing, It is printed card stock with advertising on each face and the paper matchsticks. Cover with Wholesale/& Retail/Dealer In/Cigars/Tobacco/Snuff & C/Cor. Front & Locust Sts./Columbia, PA., reverse with John Fendrich/Wholesale/Dealer In/Leaf Tobacco/And Manufacturer/Of/Fine Cigars, top fold has manufacturer's label with front portion missing printed surface, but originally reading Binghamton Match Co./Binghamton, N.Y.. Interior of each match has printed Smoke The Tilly and it has an inked inscription reading "Given to Grandpa/Purple by John/Fendrich", with seven yellow-tipped matches remaining. The auction includes a cabinet card portrait of Elisha J. Purple with imprint of C.A. Sweet, Wellsboro, Pa.
