| This beautiful apple crate label, featuring a real photo of a Western Electric dial candlestick (with a dial blank), is pictured in a 1992 book entitled, "Once Upon a Telephone," by Ellen Stern and Emily Gwathmey. The book is a "must" for those interested in telephone history or telephone collectibles. It is out of print and not easy to find. I own two of these labels, both mint, one framed and on display. I will sell the other one. The last one I saw at a paper show about ten years ago was in fairly nice condition, for $80. I also had the pleasure of talking with with Mr. Matson at that time, when in his 80's, to learn about the history of the label. It was used beginning in the thirties on all the Matson Packing House apple crates (wood). At the time we talked, Mr. Matson said he had three of the labels in his safe. I have no idea what happened to them and was unsuccessful a few years ago in contacting the packing house. There were very few fruit and vegetable labels featuring telephones. |
