Are matchbook collections worth anything?

The value of a set is worth at least $3, according to Shedlow, while other covers are worth from a penny and up. According to Shedlow, the true value of any matchbook cover depends on the value to the collector.

How do matches work?

When you rub the match on the box, you get friction, which means you get heat. This heat causes a small amount of the red phosphorus chain to be broken apart. When that happens, some of the red phosphorous changes into another chemical called “white phosphorus”.

How many matches are in a matchbook?

20 matches
Matchcovers: Sizes. Matchcover sizes are normally spoken of in terms of how many matches that matchbook carries. Hence, a “20-stick” is a matchbook that carries 20 matches. There are some special cases that will be referred to later, however.

How do I store my match book collection?

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.

What is the side of a matchbox called?

striking surface
Safety matches are the kind that light only when struck on the striking surface on the side of a matchbox. A striking surface consists of sand, powdered glass, and a chemical called red phosphorus.

What are the parts of a match?

A match consists of three basic parts: a head, which initiates combustion; a tinder substance to pick up and transmit the flame; and a handle. There are two main types of modern friction matches: (1) strike-anywhere matches and (2) safety matches.

What’s the difference between a matchbox and a box of matches?

Senior Member. I would say that a matchbox is a small rectangular box between about one inch and four inches on one side, that may contain matches–or anything else that might fit–or might be empty. A box of matches has matches in it.

Are matchbooks still made?

Bean and the Diamond Match Company are still in business, but both mostly make matches for the retail sales market — they also make the free matchbooks given out at large-scale businesses like convenience stories. Most match and related packaging manufacturing has moved overseas to Japan, China, and India.

What is a collector of matches called?

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

What is a matchbook fold?

A “matchcover”, or “matchbook cover”, is a thin cardboard covering that folds over match sticks in a “book” or “pack” of matches. Covers have been used as a form of advertising since 1894, two years after they were patented, and since then, have attracted people who enjoy the hobby of collecting.

What is the red part of a match called?

The side of the box contains red phosphorus, binder and powdered glass. The heat generated by friction when the match is struck causes a minute amount of red phosphorus to be converted to white phosphorus, which ignites spontaneously in air.

How do you make a matchbook out of Pretty Paper?

Trace the template onto the back of the pretty paper you want to use for the cover. Cut out the pretty paper cover and then use the scoring blade to score the folds along the lines indicated on the template. 4. Fold the cover into the matchbook shape. 5. Cut the paper for the inside into 3 1/2″ squares.

What is a matchbook?

A matchbook is a small paperboard folder (known as a matchcover) enclosing a quantity of matches and having a coarse striking surface on the exterior.

Why did they stop making matchbooks?

Manufacturing of matchbooks peaked during the 1940s and 1950s, then steadily declined because of the availability of disposable lighters and various anti-smoking health campaigns. Recently, matchbooks have begun to regain some of their popularity as a “retro” advertising item, particularly in high-end restaurants.

What is a supersonic matchbook?

Supersonic Matchbook (1985-1986 given on Concorde) A matchbook is a small paperboard folder (matchcover) enclosing a quantity of matches and having a coarse striking surface on the exterior.