How to Start a Matchbook Collection
Do you have drawer full of matchbooks you've brought home from every hotel, resort or restaurant you've ever visited? If someone picks up one of them, do you dive for it and hand them a lighter instead? You may have the beginnings of a matchbook (collectors call them match "covers") collection. Start with a few basics and you could be on your way to a fun and fascinating pursuit.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Start Your Matchbook Collection
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1
Settle on one or two types of matchbooks to collect. You may want to start a general collection at first but eventually you will almost have to specialize due to sheer volume. Believe it or not there are many different groupings, including banks, the military, "dated" (weddings, anniversaries, etc.), tourist attractions, aardvarks and more. For a basic list, go to What Kind of Covers? (see Resources below).
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2
Pick up matchbooks. While they are not always on display as they used to be, ask at almost any public business and you will receive an imprinted matchbook. Encourage friends and relatives to bring you covers from wherever they visit. Put specific matchbooks on your Christmas and birthday lists.
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3
Buy matchbooks. Check newspapers and trade magazines. Or place an ad yourself in a newsletter or on a collectors' site specifying what kind of matchbook you prefer.
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4
Join a collector's club. Club members trade and sell among themselves. Matchcover Club Listings has a list of over 40 clubs (see Resources below).
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5
Trade matchbooks. Network among club members and Internet users to find trading partners. Make sure, especially if trading by mail, that both parties understand and agree on exactly what is being traded. Establish a reputation for fairness and honesty.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Let it be known that you are a collector so that friends and relatives will think of you when they see a matchbook and save it for you.
Don't overlook some unexpected sources for obtaining items for your collection, including swap meets, flea markets, church or school rummage sales and garage sales.
Store and display your collection carefully. A matchbook must be kept dry. Use airtight containers and cases and put moisture absorbing squares or crystals in with them.
Related Searches
Resources
Comments
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I would like to see some clubs of matchbook in scarborough ontario that will be good if we have like the others.
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cbolton
Apr 22, 2008
My father collects matchbook covers (matches out of them) and would like to find a book to store them in - do you have any suggestions? He'd like it to have pockets to view both sides. -
cbolton
Apr 22, 2008
My father collects matchbook covers (matches out of them) and would like to find a book to store them in - do you have any suggestions? He'd like it to have pockets to view both sides.
