Posted on November 15, 2021 at 12:42 am by Wagner Match / Blog
Did you know that matchbooks are the second most popular collectible behind stamps? There’s more to them than just lighting.
Matchbooks appeal to collectors because of their artwork and history. Often collected as souvenirs, they represent the memories of places collectors have traveled. Some view them as ahistorical, cultural, and political record of U.S. history.
That said, matchbook collections are remarkably fragile, and they are made of paper, and it’s easy to have your matchbook collection get worn out and ruined.
Are you an avid matchbook collector looking for ways to preserve your collection? Here are the supplies you’ll need for storing matchbooks.
Preserving Your Matchbook Collection
To preserve your matchbook, you’ll need to get rid of the matches, clean the book out, flatten out the matchbook, and store them in an airtight dry area.
Step 1: Remove And Store Matches
Before you do anything, you need to take the matches out of the matchbook. Storing and transportation are much easier without the matches. Remove the staple first, and then take the matches out.
Perhaps you’re interested in keeping the matches, so they aren’t wasted. An aluminum container with a screw-on cap is the most efficient method for storing old matches, and this type of storage keeps out moisture which will ruin the matches and keep them from lighting.
Step 2: Clean Out The Matchbook
After removing the matches, you’ll want to get rid of any residue in the matchbook.Tools such as soft bristle brushes, HEPA vacuums, soot sponges, vinyl erasers, or vinyl gloves can be useful in this process. Try to avoid areas with ink, and don’t brush so hard that you damage the paper.
Step 3: Flatten Out The Matchbook
For this step, you’ll need something heavy to really make the matchbook flatten out. Doing this will get rid of any unwanted creases and will make the stamps easier to store.
Perhaps you can use a rolling pin or a paperweight. Don’t press too hard, or you may ruin the cover.
Step 4: Store The Matches
Your final step is to store the matchbooks. You’ll want to do this somewhere indoors where the matchbooks won’t fall victim to the weather.
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. Plus, you won’t risk ruining or bending your matchbooks by digging around in a box.
Add More Matchbooks To Your Collection
Now that you have these tips on how to preserve your matchbook collection, you can start protecting your collection today. Follow these tips and keep these keepsakes safe and beautiful.
Are you interested in adding to your collection? At Wagner Match, we sell book matches with beautiful designs that you can add to your collection. You can also visit our blog to learn more about the wonderful art of matchbook collecting.
Visit us today.
Wagner Match has specialized in providing impeccable service to the hospitality, entertainment, and service industries since 1981.
Certainly! Matchbooks, as collectibles, possess a rich history and cultural significance that transcends mere functionality. Their appeal lies in the intricate artwork, serving as souvenirs encapsulating memories and even functioning as historical artifacts representing various cultural and political nuances.
Preserving matchbook collections demands meticulous care due to their fragile nature. Matchbooks, primarily made of paper, are susceptible to wear and tear, making preservation techniques crucial for maintaining their integrity and historical value.
Let's break down the concepts and techniques discussed in the article:
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Collectibility and Appeal: Matchbooks rank high in collectibility, trailing only stamps in popularity. The appeal stems from their artwork, serving as souvenirs and symbolic representations of places visited. They are also regarded as historical, cultural, and political artifacts reflecting the history of the U.S.
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Fragility and Material: Matchbooks are delicate due to their paper construction, making them vulnerable to damage over time. Preserving them necessitates careful handling and storage.
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Preservation Techniques:
- Removing Matches: Separating the matches from the matchbook is the initial step. It eases storage and transportation.
- Cleaning: Eliminating residue from the matchbook using gentle tools like soft bristle brushes, vacuums, erasers, or gloves. Care is essential to avoid damaging the paper.
- Flattening: Employing weighty objects like rolling pins or paperweights to flatten matchbooks, removing creases for easier storage.
- Storage: Selecting a suitable storage location indoors, away from weather elements, and utilizing photo albums for display and protection against moisture while allowing easy viewing.
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Expansion of Collection: The article concludes by encouraging collectors to start preserving their matchbook collections using these techniques and suggests acquiring more matchbooks. Wagner Match, a company established in 1981, is highlighted as a source for purchasing beautifully designed book matches.
These instructions not only cater to preserving existing collections but also encourage collectors to expand their assortments. They aim to ensure the longevity and aesthetic appeal of matchbook collections, making them both safeguarded and visually accessible for enthusiasts and potential buyers alike.
