Matchbook Collecting: The Poor Man's Coin Collecting

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Joe2007, Feb 8, 2016.

  1. Joe2007

    Joe2007 Collector

    I thought that this article (article below) on matchbook collecting was interesting. It states that some matchbook collectors view the hobby as a poor man's coin collecting.

    I go to estate auctions regularly and every once in a while you will come across a matchbook collector. I even got a few accumulations grouped in with items I did want. There usually isn't much interest in them and they are sold in large lots for a few dollars each. Seems like a hobby, somewhat like stamps, that is on the verge of dying out. I never knew there were matchbook collectors conventions, I guess its not something that you don't hear about if you aren't a matchbook collector.

    Joe Blundo commentary: A man with 250,000 matchbooks
    http://www.dispatch.com/content/sto...undo-column-a-man-with-250000-matchbooks.html
     
    Joe2007, Feb 8, 2016
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  2. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    Back in the day, every business had a bowl of matchbooks on the counter for advertising. Now that smoking is dying out, it's hard to find matches. We use candles a lot and I have to resort to those long lighters.
     
    Bev aka thelmasstuff, Feb 8, 2016
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  3. 42Skeezix

    42Skeezix Moderator Moderator

    Way back when I was lucky enough to stumble upon a nice little cache of old matchbooks. It was a large beer flat type box with rows and rows of matchbooks neatly in place. At least 400 books. A quick inspection revealed they were all pre WWII. Got the box for 40 bucks. Diners, Whiskey, comics, quack medicines, hotels, restaurants REALLY good stuff. NO DUPLICATES, at least very very few. There were numerous novelty packs, pin ups, trick packs, and figural matchsticks. EVERY ONE had full matches. Two that stood out. One pack advertised a dairy in Lancaster Pa.. When opened the matchsticks were shaped like cream top milk bottles. I got $45 for this ONE match book.(From a Lancaster Co. collector of course.) The other standout was an early pack from The Roycrofters Inn, East Aurora NY.. Got $40 for this pack. That's outrageous money for single match books:).

    Many of the others sold for 1 to 5 dollars each. It was a very enjoyable hit. Lots of fun going through them all. GREAT graphics on many.

    This was maybe twenty years ago...at least. I've never seen such a nice collection since.

    I've probably still got a few of those packs floating around here somewhere.
     
    42Skeezix, Feb 8, 2016
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  4. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    There is even matchbox label collectors.
    I have hundreds of boxes, they are full of matches and I cannot be bothered to peel the labels off.
    Matches can`t be shipped in the mail now so I`ll have to sell them at a fair.
     
    daveydempsey, Feb 8, 2016
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  5. gregsglass

    gregsglass Well-Known Member

    Hi,
    I remember years ago. Someone made a collage of original music from "Take me out to the Ballgame" and covered the top, bottom and sides of the music with matchbooks from all of the old ball parks glued to the music. It was wonderful and only 10 bucks but I passed on it. I was not sure someone else might find it attractive. I almost bought it for the frame which was solid oak with acorns carved in it. It was 20" by 36". Every once in a while I want to kick my own ass for not buying it.
    greg
     
    gregsglass, Feb 8, 2016
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  6. silverthwait

    silverthwait Well-Known Member

    Greg, turn around!
     
    silverthwait, Feb 9, 2016
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  7. gregsglass

    gregsglass Well-Known Member

    Hi Silver,
    Turn around? why? Oh you want to kick my butt too.
    greg
     
    gregsglass, Feb 9, 2016
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