valve oil seals were missing

Just ordering parts and noticed valve oil seals for sale. Thought that's funny, I didn't remove any when I dismantled. It was a rebuilt 1600 engine probably 9 or 10 years ago. Do people sometimes not use these seals or was this a blunder?
Anyway I suppose i'll order some and have everything present and correct!

 

I think Vw stopped using them on later engines later being late 60,s early seventies.

 

Thanks Borninabug. That makes sense then.

 

They do not make as much sense when the valve stems are basically horizontal.
I believe they are mostly sold to keep the OG fetishists happy and to provide the new owner with mild concern over the hard black lumps found in the oil strainer when they change the oil on their new bus, as a distraction from the hardened fuel pipes.

 

Yep, leave them off. They serve no purpose.