DescriptionOversize 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.