Cuban Baseball Matchbox Octavio Rupert Questions

[aelefson]

Hi-

I recently acquired the Cuban matchbox pictured below. It has a picture of Octavio Rupert on one side and Duke (spelled Dukt on the box) Williams on the other side. I am guessing this dates to the late 1940s/early 1950s, is that accurate? Were these issued as part of a series with other baseball players? Does anyone have any similar ones? Sorry for the poor quality pictures. I will try to scan it over the weekend and post clearer images. Any information about this matchbox or the series would be greatly appreciated.

Alan

[Jason19th]

I have never seen either this matchbox or cards that match the images. I would actually guess that this is homemade (not a fantasy piece) from magazine photo’s. The quality is very different from mass produced items coming out of Cuba at the time. Very cool

These are the only Cuban Matchboxes that I have seen. This one I purchased in the early 90's at a Flea Market in NJ with the tax stamp still attached

[aelefson]

Thank you both! I agree with you Jason that it is homemade. I took better scans (see below) and it does look like the picture fits poorly to the box but as you pointed out, it was probably done innocently long ago. Rgpete, that is a really cool box and I love that you found it at a flea market!

Alan

[kitsula]

These are called Fosforos and are a Cuban issue from either 1951 or 1952. They are exceedingly rare. I travel to Cuba often and have only found them once: a lot of 60 or so. Hoyt Wilhelm is in the set and this makes it his "rookie" card. He played for Havana.

[aelefson]

Interesting. Thank you Kitsula! Do you have any pictures of others from the series?

Alan

[Exhibitman]

Matchboxes were adorned with images of celebrities for decades. Here are a few Cuban boxers on matchbox panels from the 1920s:




Here's one of silent movie stars: