"Omar N. Bradley" Matchbook.
"The G.I.s General," beloved American Army general active during World War II and the last five-star general; from 1949-53 served as first permanent chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Matchbook with facsimile "Omar N. Bradley" signature embossed in silver below five silver stars on front cover (3" X 1 3/4"), 3" X 4½" (unfolded, with matches removed for safety's sake), n.p., n.y. (pre-1973). Very good. Mild edgewear; small staple holes from removal of matches. Glazed white card stock. This unusual matchbook was produced in a small quantity strictly for Bradley's personal use and distribution in later years. This attractive example was acquired directly from Ralph G. Newman, founder of Chicago's noted Abraham Lincoln Book Shop. Newman was a friend of Bradley's and served as his literary agent later in life, when the second edition of Bradley's 1951 memoir "A Soldier's Story" was reissued in 1978. Most unusual. Though not dated, it's a "front striker," which dates it prior to 1973 -- post-1973, a federal mandate placed the striker on the rear cover for safety's sake. Matchbook spine ("saddle" to matchbook collectors) and back cover are blank. Item #23328
Price: $25.00