No products in the cart.
The first matches and matchboxes began selling to the public in 1826. Since that time, individuals have made a point to collect these small, but unique, marketing pieces. These box matches have become a snapshot of history, allowing people to go back in time with their unique designs and artistic endeavors.
Throughout history, people would bring home matchboxes as souvenirs from their travels or other adventures, thus increasing their popularity for collectors. With just a small space in your suitcase, you could bring home plenty of memories. Plus, these matchboxes are a great way to memorialize your experiences at many points of interest or historical businesses.
The hobby of collecting matches, matchboxes, matchbooks, and labels is known as phillumeny. Collectors are referred to as phillumenists. Read on to learn how matchboxes continue to serve both as a unique collectible and great marketing item.
The Art of Matchbox Collecting
A matchbox or matchbook’s packaging has value for its unique artwork and detailing. Many collectors take pride in amassing large collections of rare labels. They provide an interesting conversation starter, as well as a great way to bring back memories of places, people, and events. Plus, older box matches from clubs and businesses that no longer exist may be even rarer, making them valuable to these unique collectors. A matchbox collection can take up a small amount of space, while providing hours of conversation and reminiscing.
If you are looking to get into collecting these small works of art, then you can start by collecting them during your own travels. You might be amazed at what you can come across, simply by keeping your eyes open.
Matchbook collecting is a fun and easy way to create a visual record of your travels, as well as appreciating their artistic designs. World famous artists, such as George Petty, Alberto Vargas, and Ed Moran, would draw pictures of women that found their way on matchbook covers. A fun fact is Marilyn Monroe was an early model for matchbook designs!
Vintage Matchbox Label Types
For a collector, one of the first things to know is the different types of matchbox labels that you can collect. As you get more experienced in the options available, you will discover the type and style in which to specialize. Therefore, you can build a collection that appeals to your taste, style, and interests. Every collection is unique, simply because of the various memories connected to your special collection. Here are a few of the options you have to consider if you decide to start collecting.
Single Top Labels
These labels are a single square glued to the top of a matchbox. It is pretty easy to remove them for mounting in an album. They tend to be the most popular label for collectors and could be a great way for you to get started.
Simply find a few and then gather the necessary supplies for mounting them into a scrapbook. You can check with other collectors regarding the best mounting supplies or contact a local hobby store.
All-Round Labels
An all-round label is wrapped around the entire outside of the matchbox. These labels need to be in one piece for them to be worth anything. That means your display options might be more limited than a single top label, which can be mounted. Studying the different display options available before you start working with your own all-round label collection.
They are quite rare since these all round labels went out of use in the 1970’s. An even more rare version is one from a cylindrical box. If you have these in your collection, then it will likely have a positive impact on your collection’s value. Make sure that any display option you choose does not damage or otherwise negatively impact the value of these unique pieces that are no longer being made.
Skillets
Skillets are the modern matchbox that we all know today. They are the small boxes with the label printed onto the box. Plus, as a marketing tool, they continue to remain valuable both to businesses and collectors. These box matches can be unique artistically. Today’s printing techniques offer more options to make these box matches one of a kind. That uniqueness can be a great way to grab the attention of newer collectors and those who are just starting out.
They are the least popular item with traditional collectors, as they do not offer the same unique flair as the others. These traditionalists tend to look for the rarer box matches, particularly because they may no longer be produced. If you choose to collect these, then open the boxes to lay them flat but never cut them apart into panels.
Packet-Size Labels
These are rare, and most collectors tend to ignore them because of how hard they are to find. If you do find one, they are worth more than a box sized label. Keep in mind, however, that if you are trying to build a collection of just these packet size labels, your collection is going to be rather small. Therefore, it is important to consider a collection that involves multiple types of matchbooks and their covers.
Packet labels are from a packet, which holds 10 to 12 boxes. They are often referred to as a dozen or gross label. Again, if you choose to specialize in these, your community of collectors is going to be much smaller.
However, the treasure that you have found will be extremely unique. It is important that you are versed in the proper mounting techniques, to avoid any damage to the artwork on this packet size label.
Matchbook Covers
Many collectors choose to collect the covers from matchbooks. Usually, the matches get removed from the inside and not saved.
The only time the matches remain is when they have a design printed on them. Otherwise, the stripped covers get pressed flat and mounted for display.
Throughout the mounting process, it is important to make sure that you do not damage the covers, especially their artwork. Once the matchbook has been torn or otherwise damaged, it can reduce the overall value of the matchbook in the eyes of collectors.
Collectors can choose from hundreds of categories of matchbooks to build a collection. You could collect certain years, manufacturers, themes, subjects or trademarks. The options are endless. It is a hobby that can continue to teach you new things about the history of box matches and their marketing potential throughout the ages.
Make Phillumeny Your New Hobby and Marketing Tool
Getting started in phillumeny is easier when you find other like-minded collectors. They can help guide you in the many different ways to build your collection. Consider connecting with a group of collectors through social media. The community can give you tips to help you get started in this new collecting world. Once you are familiar with the different types of options available, you can start to focus on building your collection. That involves narrowing down your specific interests and then looking for options to add to it over time, through meetings with other collectors, and through your own travels.
There could be a certain manufacturer or industry will interest you or a specific type of label. Whatever you decide, getting active in the community is the best way to grow your collection. Many different communities exist that are based on the different collecting options available. Be open to checking out several of these groups to maximize your chances to learn and grow in the world of box matches collecting.
Furthermore, if you’re a business owner, what better way to advertise than with this walking billboard for your company. It’s a cost-effective tool that has been used successfully for decades to get the word out. The hospitality industry, for one, has enjoyed the benefits of marketing with matches.
Why have matchboxes lasted so long? Keep reading for our take on why they are perfect for marketing.