Vintage Matchbooks | Collectors Weekly (2024)

FAQs

What are the most sought after matchbooks? ›

The famous Charles Lindbergh matchcover, dated June 14, 1927, is the most coveted in the hobby. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the valuable matchcover in the world, selling for a record $6,000 in 2015. In 1952 the listed value was $100...at the time more than a Honus Wagner baseball card.

Matchbooks from notable establishments or individuals: Covers associated with famous hotels, restaurants, bars, or other establishments can command high prices. Matchbooks linked to notable individuals, such as celebrities, politicians, or historical figures, are also sought after by collectors.

Not many old collections appear on the market, but when they do they are relatively inexpensive and well worth any trouble that you may have had to track them down. Advertise the fact that you collect matchbox labels by telling all your friends and relations.

Collectors, known as phillumenists, remove the flammable matchsticks from inside the covers and display them flat. "I was young, but I didn't play with matches," said Eadie (who has also never smoked) of his early fascination.

In 2015, the most valuable matchbook cover, featuring Charles Lindbergh, sold for $6,000.

Charles Lindbergh Matchbook

Interestingly, it landed a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as most valuable in the world after one sold for $6,000 in 2015.

Contacting local collectors in your area to see if they might be interested in what you have. This is the easiest, quickest way.

Can I ship matches with USPS: Yes, you can ship matches with the United States Postal Service (USPS), but there are some restrictions and guidelines you need to follow. In general, matches are considered a hazardous material, and they must be properly packaged and labeled when they are shipped through the mail.

“Matchbooks are the one item that can uncover all the layers of history,” he says, “because every business — and especially restaurants — always had matchbooks, even if the businesses didn't last, so I can actually take the address of a matchbook and go through the last 100 years of what businesses were at various ...

Do places still give out matchbooks? ›

They bring back memories, but they don't have any monetary value — but they're fun, you know?” Today, matchbooks don't have nearly the widespread popularity they once did, but some modern restaurants hold strong to the tradition.

In the mid-1900's, the purpose of being handed a matchbook with your dinner bill was two-fold: It was an advertising play and a tool for your post-meal cigarette. The former is still true, but matchbooks now serve more as decoration—and people are obsessed with showing off their collections.

Matches in books or loose in boxes should be dipped in water then put in the garbage.

For Collectors, the Value of Matchbooks and Matchboxes can vary Widely. For collectors, the value of matchbooks and matchboxes can vary widely, depending on factors such as rarity, age, and condition. Some rare and highly sought-after matchbooks can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

They were often made of brass, china, wood, or silver. They are highly collectable and popular with not only phillumenists. Some people collect complete boxes, not just labels, and many still have their matches inside.

Offer your covers for sale through the auctions conducted by many clubs. Most are conducted by mail, but Pacific Northwest Matchcover Collector's Club runs an auction on their website and Rathkamp Matchcover Society (RMS) runs a live auction at the annual convention. RMS also runs an auction in its bimonthly bulletin.

They bring back memories, but they don't have any monetary value — but they're fun, you know?” Today, matchbooks don't have nearly the widespread popularity they once did, but some modern restaurants hold strong to the tradition.

You could use a box or a tray, but let's be real: matches are meant to be seen. You should purchase a photo album where the matches are somewhat sealed away from moisture and where they can be easily displayed when you want to show your collection off.

Everything is potentially collectible, including matchbooks. However, not every matchbook is worth collecting. Like nearly everything, there are certain important factors to consider: condition, age, availability, uniqueness and desirability help govern whether an item will increase in value or not.