Yes, some people do collect old matchbooks as a hobby. From ones from restaurants, hotels, airlines, and gas stations, to promotional matchbooks from various events. They often have unique artwork and historic significance.
The oldest matchbooks date back to the late 19th century and can now be found in many antique stores, flea markets, and even online. Some more dedicated collectors look specifically for matchbooks from certain regions, particular companies, memorable holidays, or during particular eras.
They can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars for rare and hard to find examples. Matchbook collecting is a nostalgic and interesting hobby, sure to be interesting for many generations to come.
What do you call someone who collects matchbooks?
Someone who collects matchbooks is known as a “phillumenist. ” This type of collector specializes in the collection and study of matchbooks, match labels, matchboxes, and other matchbox related items such as advertisements and promotional items.
As such, they specialize in researching the history and origins of popular and unique matchbox products, in addition to the design, manufacture, and marketing of these items. Phillumenists enjoy exploring how the matchbox has been used throughout the years in various different forms, and how it has changed over time.
They spend their time accumulating specific matchbooks, often in large collections, and they often hold auctions or exhibitions to share their collection with other collectors. Phillumeny is considered to be an exciting and ever-evolving hobby, and these collectors develop an extensive knowledge of matchbox production, as well as a variety of related areas.
What do I do with old matchbook collections?
If you’re looking to get rid of old matchbook collections, there are a few options available to you. First, you might consider selling them on online auction sites like Ebay or Etsy. This can be a great way to make some cash while simultaneously clearing out clutter.
Alternatively, you could donate your matchbooks to a local charity or antiques shop. Finally, if you really want to keep your matchbook collection, you could repurpose them by turning them into artwork or decorative frames.
With just a bit of creativity, you can turn your matchbook collection into a work of art that you can be proud to display in your home.
Do matchbooks have value?
Yes, matchbooks do have value, both as collectibles and as practical items. As a collector’s item, matchbooks can reach rare prices if they feature limited edition designs, popular logos, or art deco-style prints.
For practical use, matchbooks can be used to light candles, grills, and campfires. They also provide a handy way to store matches, if travel or outdoor activities are on the agenda. Matchbooks also have a nostalgic value for those that remember the days when you could find them in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments.
Similarly, they can add a unique touch to any home or kitchen, as their colourful designs bring a certain novelty witticism to any space.
What happened to matchbooks?
Matchbooks were once a very common item found in almost any establishment that served food or drinks, providing a convenient and easily accessible way to light a stove or cigarette. However, the matchbook has become less and less popular as lighters have become the more popular means of igniting a flame.
With the rise of the plastic disposable lighter in the 1970s, the demand for matchbooks began to drastically decline, as they could not compete with the convenience of the lighter.
The matchbook served many important roles in our culture, being a collectible item, an advertising tool and as an iconic reminder of diners and other restaurants that immediately transport us back in time.
The matchbook also served as a form of safety, as matches were often used in the event of an emergency. While matchbooks are still produced and sold for novelty purposes, their use has become quite uncommon.
How do you collect matchbox labels?
Collecting matchbox labels is a great way to explore vintage design and display artwork from all around the world. To begin collecting matchbox labels, you will need to source out labels from all sorts of different places.
You can look for matchboxes in vintage stores, thrift stores, flea markets, antique shops, and estate sales. The internet is another great resource for sourcing out matchbox labels. Online stores, like eBay and Etsy, are great places to find old vintage matchboxes with unique labels.
You can also find a variety of matchbox labels from people who specialize in vintage paper ephemera.
Once you have found some labels to begin collecting, you should look for certain qualities in a label. Colors, patterns, shape, size, and the topic of the label all contribute to the overall uniqueness and collectability of the label.
Labels created in rare colors and shapes, or with captivating artwork, will likely be quite rare and valuable. It is also important to make sure the labels are in good condition, without rips or folds.
To properly preserve your matchbox labels, it is important to place them in an acid-free photo album or scrapbook. This will allow you to appropriately display your labels and enjoy them for many years.
For larger sets of labels, or if you are looking to trade labels with other collectors, you will want to store them in plastic pages. Including separating them by date released, region of origin, theme, and artwork.
The best approach is to use the collection method that works best for you. In most cases, the best way to collect matchbox labels is to simply have fun and explore all the unique labels from around the world.
With a little bit of patience, and a passion for vintage design, you can create an impressive and diverse collection of matchbox labels that can be enjoyed for years to come.
What is a collector of matchboxes called?
A collector of matchboxes is called a phillumenist. Phillumeny is the hobby of collecting matchboxes, matchbox labels, matchbox covers, matchbooklet covers, and related material. These items have been collected since the early 1900s and can now be found in many collections around the world.
Including those produced for advertising, military, and religious purposes. Phillumenists often specialize in specific types of matchboxes and related items and some collectors search for rare and unusual items to add to their collection.
Matchboxes are sometimes associated with historical events, such as wars, public figures, and other important matters, which makes them even more desirable to collectors. Collecting matchboxes is a fun and interesting hobby, and one that can provide a look into the past and what different cultures used to use for packaging and personal decorative pieces.
Do they still make strike anywhere matches?
Yes, strike anywhere matches are still available today. They are made in limited quantity and some may be hard to find. Strike anywhere matches contain phosphorus so they can be ignited by striking on almost any surface.
However, due to their dangerous nature, they are not commonly sold and they usually must be purchased from a specialty store or online. It is important to remember to use them safely and responsibly, as they can be very dangerous.
Are matches Hazmat?
No, matches are not considered to be Hazmat, or Hazardous Materials. Hazmat can include materials such as dangerous chemicals, radioactive materials, and explosives, all of which are very dangerous and require special handling and storage.
Matches, while they can be flammable, are not considered to be hazardous materials and can be safely used and stored without needing any special handling.
What are the most collectible matchbooks?
The most collectible matchbooks vary greatly depending on the collector’s interests and preferences. Many collectors are interested in matchbooks from specific brands, locations, or eras, while others look for unique designs, colors, and shapes.
There are numerous matchbook categories and subcategories, however, some of the top most collectible matchbooks include those from the 1920s and 1930s, which often featured bright colors and detailed artwork on the covers.
Another sought-after type of matchbook is the advertising matchbook. These were produced with the intention of advertising a business or organization, and featured images and text related to the entity.
Vintage matchbooks from well-known establishments, particularly from heavily trafficked or popular destinations, are among the most collectible. Examples of highly desired businesses include drive-ins, motels, restaurants, stadiums, and tourist attractions.
Matchbooks from specific cities and states, especially those from the mid-1900s in the United States, are also highly collectible.
In terms of shape and size, novelty matchbooks are popular among collectors. These often contained unique shapes, such as oval, hexagonal, square, and those that featured covers that would open in a zig-zag fashion.
Other specific matchbook types of interest may include those related to political campaigns, military branches, illustrations of celebrities, and a particularly popular subset known as “girlie matchbooks”.
These feature pin-up style pictures of women on the cover.
Finally, another type of highly collectible matchbook is the ‘foreign’ variety, namely those from other countries that have artwork, writing, and designs that differ from American matchbooks. These can often be quite rare and sought after by their respective collectors.
Are vintage matchbooks valuable?
Vintage matchbooks can be incredibly valuable, depending on their rarity and condition. Generally, the rarer a matchbook and the better its condition, the more valuable it is. Some matchbooks from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s can fetch up to $50 on the collector’s market.
Factors like the type of artwork printed, the city or state the matchbook is from, and the condition of the printing can affect the value. Collectors may be willing to pay higher prices for matchbooks from famous restaurants, bars, or companies and those with typography, graphic designs, and illustrations considered to be appealing and iconic.
Certain printed slogans also have the ability to increase the value of a matchbook. Additionally, since these matchbooks have been around for decades, it is increasingly difficult to find matchbooks in good condition, making them more valuable to collectors.
Are there any matchbook collectors?
Yes, there are matchbook collectors. Matchbook collecting, also known as chimney sweep collecting, is a hobby enjoyed by many. Collectors of matchbooks may search for vintage covers, types of covers, the artwork on the cover, the colors and other variations.
Some sets are highly sought after, while others may be more commonly found. Some matchbook collectors search for complete sets which include the matchbook and the strike box, while other collectors only search for the matchbook covers.
In addition, some collectors may focus their collections on certain themes, such as those featuring hotels, airlines, or other specific interests. Collecting matchbooks is a fun and fascinating hobby that can lead to some unique finds, and can be quite lucrative for those who are avid collectors.
What are matchbook collectors called?
Matchbook collectors are traditionally known as “strikerodians”, which is derived from the phrase “strike pocket odes”. This term is used to describe people who collect matchbooks both as a form of entertainment and/or as an investment.
Many people enjoy the hobby simply because it’s fun to collect different kinds of matchbooks and to learn more about the history behind them. Some collectors may even go on to form large displays of their finds or try to sell them on eBay or other sites to make a profit.
Strikerodians tend to focus on collecting vintage matchbooks, as they are often hard to come by and highly desired. Additionally, many collectors will look for rare or limited-edition designs and even those with pop culture themes.
While collecting matchbooks is mainly seen as a hobby these days, it can also be an investment if done correctly and with the right matchbooks.
How do you dispose of old matchbooks?
The proper way to dispose of old matchbooks is to put them in the trash. You should not try to recycle them as that is difficult due to the combustible nature of matchbooks. When putting them in the trash, make sure the matches are completely snuffed out and the matchbook is put in a covered container or bag.
This helps to avoid any potential fire hazard, as the materials in matchbooks can still ignite if they come in contact with open flames. Be aware that if you live in an area with a water shortage, you should avoid throwing matchbooks in the toilet as they can clog the pipes.