Matchbook

Matchbook
"Book of matches" redirects here. For the book, see Book of Matches.
Matchbook (open)
Supersonic Matchbox (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. The folder is opened to access the matches, which are attached in a comb-like arrangement and must be torn away before use in contrast to a matchbox where the matches are loosely packed in the interior tray.

The exterior of the matchcover is usually imprinted with a producer's logo, often with artistic decorations, or serves as an advertising/promotional media for the undertaking it is sold or handed off in. The ease of making matchcovers of different shapes also made them quite a popular cheap promotional item or anniversary souvenir.

Manufacturing of matchbooks peaked during the 1940s and 50s, 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.[1]

Although paper matches were patented in the 1880s, an early paper match "folder" was patented in September 1892 by Philadelphia patent attorney American Joshua Pusey, however the matchbook as we know it was patented a few weeks later by Charles Bowman of Lebanon, PA. Pusey challenged Bowman's patent, but Bowman's patent was upheld. Pusey sold his patent to the Diamond Match Trust in 1896 and then served as the company's patent attorney. Bowman's company, the American Safety Head Match Company of Lebanon, PA did not last long, and Diamond Match Co. adapted his design into their product, becoming the first mass-producer of paper matchbooks.

Collecting of matchboxes, matchbooks, match labels and other match-related items is called phillumeny.

Contents

Matchcover

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.

Collectors are known as phillumenists, or "lovers of light", and include people who have a shoe box or fish bowl filled with packs from local stores and restaurants, to serious collectors with covers organized in hundreds of different topics. In 2005, there were over 1800 active collectors in The Rathkamp Matchcover Society (The Voice of the Hobby Since 1941), spread over 20 countries worldwide.

Patents

US patent 483,166 Flexible Match patent, 27 September 1892 - set of 2 match combs shown enclosed folding paper match cover.

See also

  • Phillumeny - The hobby of collecting matchbooks, matchboxes, and other match related items.
  • Matchbox - another method of delivering matches (and advertising).

References

  1. ^ Heron, Katrina (October 20, 2009). "A New Old Freebie: Restaurant Matches Return". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/dining/21match.html?8dpc. Retrieved 31 July 2010. 
  • Prero, Mike (2005). "2005 Demographics".RMS Bulletin No. 512, January/February, pp. 1–4.
  • Steele, H. Thomas; Hiemann, Jim; Dyer, Rod (1987). Close Cover Before Striking: The Golden Age of Matchbook Art NY: Abbeville Press, ISBN 0-89659-695-8

External links

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