Are old matchbook covers worth anything?

Are old matchbook covers worth anything?

Any matchcover that has been used, torn, stained or mutilated would have a much diminished value unless it was extremely rare or important. Also, covers which fall into major collectible categories are worth more than those which do not fall into any particular category.

What are the most valuable matchbook covers?

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.

What are the most valuable vintage matchbooks?

Should You Only Collect Rare or Vintage Matchbooks? The most expensive matchbook is the Charles Lindbergh one, valued at $6,000.

What is a matchbook collection?

Matchbook collecting is a fun and easy way to create a visual record of your favorite local excursions and broader travels. Hold onto matchbooks from your favorite restaurants, hotels, and even the weddings that you attend. The hobby of collecting matchboxes is called phillumeny.

Are matches collectible?

Collectible, yes, but rare? About a billion were produced. Some phillumenists… Matchbooks have been around since 1892, when Joshua Pusey patented the idea of paper matches, whose tips were dipped in a solution of sulphur and phosphorus and then stapled to a piece of cardboard.

What is a matchbook collector called?

Phillumeny (also known as phillumenism) is the hobby of collecting different match-related items: matchboxes, matchbox labels, matchbooks, matchcovers, matchsafes, etc.

What are collectors of matchbooks and match covers called?

How do you collect vintage matchbooks?

Vintage Matchbooks. In most matchbook collections, only the match covers are collected. Phillumenists, as matchbook collectors are known, “shuck” matchbooks by carefully prying open the staple to remove the matches from the inside of the cover. These matches are then discarded and the covers are stored flat.

What happened to matchbook covers?

In 1962, government safety rules decreed that friction strips must be moved from the outside-front of a matchbook to the outside back, thus obviating the need for the famous phrase “Close Cover Before Striking.” For serious phillumenists, this one act signaled the end of the era of vintage matchbook covers.

What is the history of matchbooks?

Matchbooks have been around since 1892, when Joshua Pusey patented the idea of paper matches, whose tips were dipped in a solution of sulphur and phosphorus and then stapled to a piece of cardboard. The Diamond Match Company promptly purchased…

How do you Shuck a matchbook?

In most matchbook collections, only the match covers are collected. Phillumenists, as matchbook collectors are known, “shuck” matchbooks by carefully prying open the staple to remove the matches from the inside of the cover. These matches are then discarded and the covers are stored flat.