What is a collector of matchboxes called?

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

Are matchboxes valuable?

The top 10 vehicles, by value, are: (1961) Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox (tan/orange): $11,822. (1966) Opel Diplomat, Matchbox (sea foam green): $6,682. (1965) Dodge Wreck Truck, Matchbox (green/yellow): $5,911. (1968) Mercury Station Wagon, Matchbox (yellow): $3,700.

Where can I collect matches?

Today, matches are distributed for free as “functional business cards” by your favorite restaurants, hotels, as well as candle retailers and cigar and men’s gift shops.

How do I display matchbox labels?

All-round Labels This type of label wrapped around the entirety of the matchbox and, when collected, should always be kept intact. Never, ever cut the label into sections like the old-time collectors used to do; such a practice renders the label worthless, especially when compared to a complete, uncut specimen.

Are old matchbooks worth any money?

A cover of Charles Lindbergh from the dinner commemorating his famous flight in 1927 can be worth as much as $300. Any matchcover that has been used, torn, stained or mutilated would have a much diminished value unless it was extremely rare or important.

What are fun things to collect?

The 8 Most Popular Collecting Hobbies

1. Stamps. Stamps are one of the most popular collectibles in the world thanks to their long history and huge variety.
2. Coins. Coin collections are similar to stamp collections as they often have items from all over the world.
3. Baseball Pins.
4. Vinyl.
5. Comic Books.
6. Wine.
7. Trading Cards.
8. Toys.

What matchboxes are worth money?

The 10 Most Expensive Matchbox Cars

• Superfast 8d Rover 3500 Police Car. Estimated Value: $750.
• Ford Mustang. Estimated Value: $2,700.
• Mercury Station Wagon (1969-1973) Estimated Value: $3,700.
• Mercury Cougar (1968-1970)
• Ford Kennel Truck (1969-1972)
• Mercedes Benz 230SL (1967)
• BP Dodge Wreck Truck (1965)
• ERF Dropside Lorry.

Are old matches safe?

Coleman said the old matchbooks are chemically very stable, and as long as they are kept in a cool, dry place, they will be fine. He said it’s better to store them in some kind of spark-proof container, and definitely make sure they are out of children’s reach.

How do you store collectible matches?

Never write on the outside of covers, and, if you do have to make any marks, only use light pencil on the inside. Don’t wrap them tightly in rubber banded stacks. Don’t store them in damp areas or areas where they will be directly exposed to sunlight for extended periods.

How do I keep my Matchbox collection?

Avoid rubber bands, sunlight, and humidity to keep your custom matchboxes preserved well. You should also not store them in garages, floors, or anywhere else they may get wet or damaged. If you are keeping the matches inside, then you need to worry about fire as well.

What are the most valuable matchbooks?

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. In 1952 the listed value was $100…at the time more than a Honus Wagner baseball card.

How do I get rid of matchbooks?

Too Many Matches Visiting a restaurant, bar or nightclub used to involve taking home a souvenir matchbook. If you’re one of those people who amassed a collection of matches and don’t really need or want them, simply soak them in water and then throw them out.

Where did the word ” Matchbox ” come from?

The word, derived from Greek phil- [loving] + Latin lumen- [light], was introduced by the British collector Marjorie S. Evans in 1943 (who later became president of the British Matchbox Label & Booklet Society, now renamed the British Matchbox Label and Bookmatch Society).

What did they use to advertise matchboxes?

Matchbox advertising quickly spread through every industry imaginable—from soap and shoelaces to fashion labels and fancy restaurants. The household commodity was also perfect for advertising public-health initiatives, sporting events, or political campaigns.

How are match books collected in a collection?

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 are the different categories of vintage matchbooks?

Other categories of vintage matchbooks include the ever-popular “girlies,” matchbooks printed for all 242 Playboy clubs, and covers featuring different railroad lines and national parks.