Is It a Find?

Dear Dan, My Great Grandfather once owned a painting business in Maine. I found this bookmark dated 1902 in one of his ledgers. It is for Benjamin Moore paints, it looks to be made of plastic, and is in amazing shape. Is it worth anything, I have doubts, but because of the condition I thought I should ask. Thank you for your time, P.L , Stoddard, NH Greetings P.L, Well, interesting inquiry you have made. First off what you have there is an original celluloid bookmark from 1902 for Benjamin Moore paints and secondly it is one of the rarest antique advertising bookmarks out there. Yes, believe it or not, there are actually people who collect bookmarks. It is very seldom to see this bookmark complete, as its celluloid composition is quite brittle and often the center tab is broken off from even very light use. To a collector I could see this bookmark bringing upwards to $300. It is hard to believe that such an item can fetch such a monetary sum. It is best to find a hard plastic sleeve case to store it in and to keep it away from direct light or heat. What a great find you have made and thank you for taking the time to share it with us.