This auction is for an amazing piece of Marvel history: a 1965 "Official Swingin' Stationery" set advertised in Marvel comic books from 1965 until 1967. These sets do not come up for sale often, and when they do, they rarely include all five parts of the kit. According to The Full-Color Guide to Marvel Silver Age Collectibles, a full set includes the folder featuring Jack Kirby art; the large multi-character notepad; the Thing envelopes; the original mailer featuring a return address to the Marvel Comics office; and the bonus Dr. Doom notepad given exclusively to members of the Merry Marvel Marching Society fan club.
A 1965 ad for this kit is pictured in this auction for reference, but it is not for sale or included in the auction.
The following are descriptions and notes on the conditions of each of these five items included in this auction:
Stationery folder: The folder is complete with no tears but there are numerous bends from handling and from being mailed in just an envelope back in 1965. About 7.0 fine to very fine condition. Cover and interior pockets feature Jack Kirby art that pictures a nearly-full cast of the Marvel characters at that time.
Notepad: No loose pages, and it includes the yellow re-order page as the last page of the pad. According to the collectibles guide, these pads did not have a cardboard backing. Light bump to the top-right corner.
Thing envelopes: Set comes with ten Thing envelopes. Envelopes are near mint and none of the envelopes are sealed closed. Often moist environments cause the glue on the envelopes to seal over time, but these are all near mint and unsealed.
Original fan club mailer: The original mailer for this club set is rare and features an awesome M.M.M.S. return address imprint. This mailer is further distinguished by a clear 1965 postmark which establishes its authenticity, and it also lists that two notepads were included in this set.
Bonus notepad: Regarding the second notepad, it was not included in all sets but was sent as a "bonus" exclusively to M.M.M.S. members. See the 1965 ad pictured (but not included) in this auction for a complete explanation of this rare notepad's origins. Notepad is in excellent shape. No loose pages.