When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Rare Antique October 1929 Prohibition-Era Newspaper Matrix Flong & Leather Folk Art Book Cover
Item Overview:
Up for sale is a truly unique piece of American history and vintage craftsmanship. This is an authentic, unfinished folk art leather book cover (or protective wrap jacket) measuring approximately 8 1/4" x 6 1/2".
What makes this piece extraordinary is its structural backing board. The maker expertly repurposed a piece of vintage Newspaper Matrix Board (Flong)—a heavy-duty, canvas-core material used in the industrial printing process to cast metal cylinders. The newspaper print is laminated directly to both sides of the canvas core and remains amazingly sturdy yet flexible after nearly a century.
Historical Highlights Visible on the Board (Dated October 22, 1929):
* Prohibition History: Features a bold, prominent headline "HOLDS RUM BUYER GUILTY" detailing Federal Judge Albert L. Reeves' historic Volstead Act ruling to a Missouri grand jury.
* Presidential History: Mentions the Ohio River lock and dam system jubilee and notes that "Hoover will deliver an address" (President Herbert Hoover's Louisville address on Oct 23, 1929).
* World History: A text column details a medical visit to aging former French Premier Georges Clemenceau, just one month before his death.
Craftsmanship Details:
* Front Design: Beautifully hand-laced brown leather spine wrap featuring an open cutout star window stitched right through the center to mechanically anchor the piece without any glue.
* Closures: Features original leather thong/tie cords extending from the corners, originally intended to wrap around and tie the book shut.
* Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The leather is soft and clean with a gorgeous natural sheen (any white spots in photos are just a reflection/glare from the glossy thread!). The historical printing matrix board has been wonderfully preserved in a stable environment and retains its unique, supple flexibility, although some of the newspaper has worn off.
This is a phenomenal crossover piece perfect for collectors of Prohibition ephemera, newspaper/printing history, Herbert Hoover era memorabilia, or unique rustic folk art.
Dimensions: 8.25 inches x 6.5 inches
Shipping: Ships carefully packed to preserve the edges of the historic board. Please look closely at all photos to determine condition.
