We had our oldest granddaughter with us over the holidays and she was a big help in organizing our basement. Quite a task I might add! While she was going through box after box of what-not, she came across a large container filled with old matches. She just stared at them and knowing that we did not smoke, and she asked her Papa “what are these for?” He smiled and told her that grandma had bought them at an auction and that some were definitely collectible.
So, we dragged some out and tried to understand just what the mystery was all about. The first ones made this young lady go “EWWWW” because they are rather sexist. The pictures are suggestive, scantily clad young ladies, very mild by today’s standards, but still ‘girlies.’ These are match covers given to ‘good customers’ of various establishments. One was from a Hotel Mack Cocktail Lounge in Milwaukee, another from the K-R Bar and Bowling Alleys, and another from Arthur Hyle (perhaps an insurance rep), all from many years ago. Our favorite was the one with the Halloween theme – with a cute witch with ultra-long legs and high heels. This was advertising for Hudson Service that offered “Gas for Less.” From the phone number of ’5101′ we confirm it is an oldie too.
Many others we found were souvenirs from vacations. A trip to the Grand Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, another from Dallas, Texas, Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee, and even one from the Hotel Ambassador in Seoul, Korea!
The national parks even offered matches to visitors. In light of the horrendous forest fires of late, we doubt these were given in recent years! One from the Milwaukee County Parks, another from a restaurant in the Smokies, a colorful book from the Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, all most likely vintage.
Lots of companies got in on the ‘cheap advertising’ these offered. Coors Beer had some, as did Budweiser. Also food products such as Hunts Tomato Sauce and a real biggie was S&H Green Stamps!
Banks and other lending institutions actually had bowls of match books in their lobby. We found some from some local banks as well as a Brewery Workers Credit Union. These may have been from the days when Milwaukee truly was ‘the beer capitol.’ Even trade unions passed these out. This one is from the AFL-CIO and it brags of ’50 years of Solidarity.’
Others were also very popular in restaurants – boy wish we could get a good 5 cent cup of coffee today.
Fans of transportation items would probably consider these to be a cross-over collectible. This one from the American Export Lines shows a ship with a large “E” on its flag and was out of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. We also discovered two with an ‘airplane theme.’ One is from Green Bay Aviation, the other from Walston Aviation.
We found one to be quite unusual. It was from the Bakery, Confectionery & Tobacco Workers International Union. You know, the folks that would make cigarettes. They are asking folks to NOT purchase cigarettes. But just the ones who were made by non-union companies such as Winston-Vantage and Salem. What an irony.
If you want to get into an inexpensive collection, here it is! Many of these sell for $3 or less and you can often find groupings or ‘lots’ that go for less per book. Some people like them ‘full’ of matches, others just spread them out so you can view the entire book and show off the graphics. They are small too, so you do not need a lot of room.
Tags: advertising, matchbook, matches
Permalink | 62 Comments »
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Just moving house and have several hundred new unused match books I picked up traveling the US and Europe in the 1970s and 1980′s, mostly from restaurants but others too.
Anyone interested in making an offer?
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Hans, there’s no way to contact you… If you list them in the community here as for sale, someone might make an offer or message you with a deal
August 12th, 2008 at 1:57 PM
Does anyone have a cash value for a complete set of National Football League matchbooks printed by Universal Printing in St. Louis with helmet logos on cover, name of team on bottom front and nothing inside approximately 1975?
August 30th, 2008 at 6:07 PM
My mother had a picture of her Eyes used on uk bookmatches / box matches in the late 50′s / early 60′s… does anyone have any books / boxes of matches with pictures of eyes on from these era’s ?
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I found matches that were very old – American Folklore Matches – Davy Crockett etc. Do you know anyting about them. They are really in good shape and I feel like I found a treasure!! Charlene
November 24th, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Have a bucket of matchbooks that were collected by my father pre-1979. I have a list if someone is interested in buying them. Send me your email address and I’ll send the PDF file. elliotjc@sbcglobal.net
February 11th, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Anyone interested in 4 large matchbooks..2 BoB Adamicks rest…with Neuman on back..good condition..and two from Imported Patrician Amaretto…
Let us know..Thanks
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I have 2 amtch books with Ronald Reagan and the presidential seal, does anyone know what their value would be?
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:07 PM
John,
Thank you for your interest in my match book posting. While my collection is extensive, I don’t have any political matches of value to compare to yours. I would think they would have a cross-over interest both to match book collectors and political collectors. Might I suggest a search for “Match Books – Ronald Reagan” in your favorite search engine and also selling sites like Ebay, I Collect 24-7 and ohers to see if any are for sale. Our Market Place above has a whats it worth feature to also try.
Good luck, and visit back often.
Val
April 30th, 2009 at 12:59 PM
I have a matchbook with Jerry Garcia and I believe Merl Saunders on the cover inside says, Live at Keystone Merl Saunders, Jerry Garcia, John Kahn, Bill Vitt anyone know anything about this matchbook? thanks
August 4th, 2009 at 1:42 PM
My dad had a very large collection of old match books dating during WWII. Some over seas and of diners throughout the country. My dad has passed away and mom would love to find someone interested in buying the collection. I also have some of them here with me. Please e-mail me for more information. riso@garlic.com
Thank you
Karen
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:57 PM
People that are collecting matches. Or if you are trying to get rid of your collection there are clubs out there that would be able to help you. If you need any more info please contact me. I would be glad to help you out. Maybe you could get bit by the collecting bug and keep your collection.
Thanks
Linda
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:59 PM
This is my email address to contact me from 8/23/09. clavette324@aol.com
October 24th, 2009 at 12:53 PM
A friend has a large collections and a lot of them seem pretty amazing to me, but neither of us has a clue about their worth or even how to market them.
Is there anything like a ‘Price Guide’ for vintage match books and boxes? Or are there reputable consignment dealers I could contact for him? I’m at a loss.
If anyone could guide me in the right direction, I would be very grateful!!! If anyone can help, please e-mail me.
Thank You,
Lisa lisa95959@sbcglobal.net
October 24th, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Hi Lisa, thanks for the interest in my blog and CQ! I wish I could be helpful. We’ve taken boxes of them to a flea market and they get picked over pretty quickly. We try to sell them as a ‘lot’ vs. one at a time. Folks really like anything to do with railroads, brewery or other such advertising, the older the better. Some like them complete, with all matches, others spread them out and display that way. The internet might be a solution – it is hard to say – you might even consider using the Marketplace at CQ. Good luck to you. Val
November 15th, 2009 at 6:12 PM
I have over a thousand matchbooks collected by my grandfather. He traveled the country and they are from all over the US. They have been stored in cigar boxes standing upright in the boxes. They are all sizes, small, standard and then some large ones. There is even one with a little bag of beach sand attached. I would like to have someone take them that would display them or use them in a collection, they are interesting to look through. I can send pictures if anyone would like to make an offer. Thank You, Stan Summers
November 17th, 2009 at 11:26 AM
have millions of old matchbook covers anyone interrested
November 18th, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Hi, thanks for your interest in CQ~and my blog. Why not try selling the collection in CQ’s marketplace? Good luck to you.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Hi Stan, sound like an awesome collection. Why not try to sell them through CQ’s marketplace? That just might work. Val
November 30th, 2009 at 10:30 AM
My father has several hundred old matchbooks from around the world. How can I verify value and/or sell them?
November 30th, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Hi Michael, this is a tough one. I do not know any books on matchbooks with values. In my travels, I have seen them in thrift stores and antique malls and the ones that seem to have value are those that advertise items (Coke, breweries, etc.) not just the name of a location. However, old Las Vegas items might be of interest too – hotels and casinos that are long-gone. You might try listing them on CQ’s marketplace – perhaps 10 at a time with a similar theme. As with any collectible, condition is important. Good luck to you. Val
December 19th, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Yes, do come back – you never know what the community will dig up.
December 28th, 2009 at 11:40 PM
I was in the Panama Canal Zone 1979 during the treaty transition and came home with some of the CZ treaty matches. Are they worth anything?
January 5th, 2010 at 8:25 PM
Hi Myra, I did a little checking with a friend who is into matchbooks and advertising, but he had to plead ignorance. Sorry, maybe another reader can help. Please keep reading CQ – you never know what we’ll find.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:45 PM
I have a world war 2 era wimbley stadium match book. Each match is in the design of an athlete. all of the matches are there. anyone interested.
February 8th, 2010 at 4:53 PM
Hello, I hope you have some luck with this – it sounds so neat! Thanks for reading my blog – hope you continue to enjoy CQ. Val
February 9th, 2010 at 2:20 PM
i just started my collection. i was passed down a lot of matchbooks and would like to know how to figure out there value. can any one help? with maybe a name of a book or something i could get.
February 12th, 2010 at 7:53 AM
Hi, we have not found any books on matchbooks – if there is a CQ reader who can help, we’d appreciate hearing from you. Thanks for reading my blogs and good luck in your search! Val
February 13th, 2010 at 2:36 PM
Just found a back with hundreds of matchbooks that were my dad’s. They date from WWII into early 50′s. Most are either national brands (Valvoline, Vick’s Cough Drops, etc.) or local places central to the Midwest (Nebraska/Iowa mainly). They are in good condition, though a bit dusty after 60 years. Anyone interested? sbrighton@yahoo.com
February 13th, 2010 at 9:42 PM
Hi, sounds like a hidden treasure to me! You might want to list them on our Marketplace. I am not sure of the value, but some are certainly of interest. Good luck! Val
April 30th, 2010 at 9:25 AM
Can you provide a link to your Marketplace, mentioned on Feb 13? I’m new to all of this and can’t seem to find a place to determine the value of some matchbooks. Thanks!!
May 28th, 2010 at 5:47 PM
Hi I have matchbooks about 85 That are very old like wriglys sperement gum and a very very small match book that has gold clored tips. the matches most of them have never been used. some of them or most of them are 80years to 100 years or 20 years older. willing to sell them if price is wright .
June 8th, 2010 at 8:16 AM
Hi – thanks for the interest in CQ! Hopefully, some of our readers will email and help you out – good luck. Val
June 9th, 2010 at 7:44 PM
I came across two big bags of old matchbooks and wanted to sell them . Any one interested in buying them . I can send pics .
June 21st, 2010 at 7:10 AM
My late father also had a large collection of vintage matchbooks around up to 70 yrs old I have sorted most of them so if your interested in particular subjects let me know. I have triangular large boxes with sliding parts also Values anyone????? ta.
June 23rd, 2010 at 3:54 PM
Perhaps one of our readers can help out – these do have value, it is just finding the right buyer that’s the trick. Thanks for reading CQ’s blogs and we hope you keep coming back. Val
June 25th, 2010 at 11:10 PM
Don’t throw those old matchbooks! I’m a collector and am always looking for 1950′s and older full unused (unstruck) matchbooks, matchbook covers, match boxes, match labels, crates, etc… Only USA made for me. Send a picture if you can. Thanks, -=Steve=- Steve.Carlson@usa.net
July 21st, 2010 at 11:12 PM
I recently acquired 600 Matchbooks. !940s and 1950s…most are hotels that have long since been demolished and many old restaurants…they are in good condition. I’d part with all of them if someone made a decent offer…anybody interested?
Jim
July 25th, 2010 at 6:21 PM
I have a pack of hard rock cafe matches form 1971 from London England does any one know how much they are worth
August 10th, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Giuseppe,
Thanks for viewing and return often.
Val
August 11th, 2010 at 11:02 PM
Hi – Nice write up and photos of the old matchbooks. Here’s a link to my display of vintage matchbooks, mostly from So. Cal.
http://vintagematches.webs.com/
Nick
August 29th, 2010 at 6:47 PM
i have an empire state building matchbook that is kinda large . how much would this be worth ?
September 6th, 2010 at 6:53 PM
I have approximately 150 vintage matchbook’s, minus the matches, as mentioned previously here.
They range from war-time girlie, early business advertisements, cartoon style comics usually of Hitler, or Germany getting their butt kicked, request’s for metal’s during war time, restaurants bars ect, and others.I can supply pics, and am interested in selling.
I’m no collector, and am open to offers.
Cheers,
James.
jamesandkaren@live.ca
September 24th, 2010 at 12:06 AM
Hello Val
You are the first I have tried to get this answer from. Background first. My grandfather gave my father, who is a retired art teacher and artist, several hundred 30′s,40′s, and 50′s matchbooks. My dad thought it would be fun to reproduce them in 3D art form. So he builds and paints 12X16 3D versions of the matchbook down to the strike plate, staple, and you even see the matches on the side. He has well over a 100 replicas. He has a website but get very little view and I think he needs a better way to get these out there. You can see them at shuleart.com under the matchbook section of the site. or go to this link for a quick view.
http://www.shuleart.com/Art/Matchbook-Photo-Prints/7089442_6GvNe#495717098_Fv2zj
Any advice or anyone you think may be a good contact would be greatly appreciated.
Greg
December 23rd, 2010 at 6:45 PM
anyone interested in a 1972 Hubert Humphrey campaign match book.
January 8th, 2011 at 1:07 AM
I HAVE ABOUT 25,000 OR MORE THEY NEED A GOOD HOME I DONT COLLECT MATCHBOOKS.MAKE ME A OFFER. I HAVE 8 BOXES 30X14 FULL TO THE TOP.YOU CAN REACH ME AT vwgabe@yahoo.com THANKS
January 16th, 2011 at 12:20 PM
I have over 6000 matches in albums by States, in Illinois sorted by hotels,resturants,political etc.,also have specials pope john,air force one matches,playboy,many others that any collector would want. contact me at my e-mail address chetthejet37@aol.com, i live in Chicago area..
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:52 PM
I first want to say, WOWZA! I had no idea there was such a craze for vintage matchbooks. I have only 2 that I acquired through the years. I have had them for at least 15 yrs and only kept them because they were so interesting and different, before vintage was cool. In trying to find some history about one in particular, I stumbled onto this site. I have searched and searched all over for even a picture of what I have and have come up empty. So maybe someone here can help. I have a t.edwards matchbook. on the front cover a picture of 3 faces of the same lady. With one red blotch on the first and largest face. The matches are stapled to the inside with on the bottom says, MADE EXCLUSIVELY BY LION MATCH CORP. OF AMERICA. NEW YORK 212-867-4080. Does anyone have any info about this and where it came from or why I cant find anything out about it. I would greatly appreciate your help! thanks-sally
February 28th, 2011 at 9:05 PM
Anybody interested in vintage matchbook? We just found a collection that took 80 years to collect; we will be listing on e-bay with no reserve. Thanks take a look.
June 8th, 2011 at 12:28 PM
HI THERE ! I HAVE AROUND 25 2 GALLON ZIP LOCK BAGS FILLED WITH MATCHES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA 98% UN STRUCK WOULD LIKE TO SELL THEM ! YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT DUSTINFREELY@YAHOO.COM ! HOPE TO HERE FROM SOMEONE !
June 19th, 2011 at 10:06 AM
I´m from Denmark and I am collecting everything connecting to matchboxes, labels, skillets, books.
Please take a look at my website.
August 4th, 2011 at 1:02 AM
Hello, everyone. I have a lot of old matches here and i’m not sure what they are worth I’d say they are in mid-condition. I have ones with restraunts, channel 8 news, cushman and marden, drinks, stores, and some I’m not even sure of. if you are interested email me and i will send you pictures
@ tayahd@comcast.net
-Thanks, Tayah.
September 28th, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Hi. I have russian matches of USSR. Interest anybody?
email me admin@polezno.net
October 27th, 2011 at 7:54 PM
I have a bunch of old matchbooks dating back to the 20′s and would like to sell them if your are interested please let me no…..
November 1st, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Hi there, came across a 2 and 1/2 foot tall vintage match box. the matches actually work. The name on the box cover is Union Match Company from Brussels. The match box also has it’s own metal stand. Was wondering what it could possibly be worth? Guessing it was a display for the company. Have never seen anything like it and could find no information on the web. Does anyone know if it is a collectable and how much it could be worth??????
January 2nd, 2012 at 4:35 PM
I have a collection of matchbooks that I would like to sale. Most of them are over 30 years old. I have several hundreds of them. Let me know if anyone is interested. I would sell them all for $75.00 plus you pay shipping costs.
January 24th, 2012 at 5:50 PM
I have a “Re-Elect Congressman George A. Dondero” Republican Michigan 17th District matchbook that is intact and in beautiful condition. The inside cover has the 1940 Univerity of Michigan football schedule. I’m wondering what it is worth
March 7th, 2012 at 12:19 AM
I have a matchbook from ww1 or some earlier war. It has a solider on the back side and 728th Military Police Battalion is on the strike side with two guns crossing each other.On the inside it is a post card so the solider can write a note and mail it. can anyone please help me find out what this is all about and maybe the value?
March 7th, 2012 at 6:25 PM
Does anyone have a 1940s Rolscreens of Pella matchbook? This is a must have of mine. The matchbook says “the modern window screens.” Please let me know. Thanks!
March 31st, 2012 at 11:12 AM
Hi
I have been given a collection of 55 match boxes from my grandad. He is quite wealthy and over many years he has travelled all over the world and collected match boxes from many different countries.
What I have that may be of particular interest to you or some collectors are 4 boxes (in perfect condition) of matches from the Windows On The World Restaurant/Cellar In The Sky Restaurant that were situated on the 107th Floor of the New York World Trade Center.
I found the following passage on the internet:
New York City
In 1976, the elegant Windows on the World restaurant opened at the top of the north tower, followed by Cellar in the Sky. The top floor restaurants attracted such performers as Frank Sinatra, John Lennon, Liza Minnelli, and Mick Jagger. Far below, restaurants in the basement concourse served 30,000 cups of coffee each day, while 87 tons of food was delivered to the towers daily.
(http://www.werismyki.com/artcls/wtc_history.html. 30/03/2012)
Do these items hold much value and would these items be something you would be interested in purchasing?
Other match boxes among the collection include:
• Eden Seafood Village – Penang, Malaysia – Good/Fair Condition
• The Royal Garden – Kowloon, Hong Kong – Excellent Condition
• Bali Sol – Bali, Indonesia – Excellent Condition
• Hoteles La Pinta – Baja California, Mexico – Good Condition
• Ricky’s – San Diego, California (X2) – Good Condition
• Alpenhof Lakes – Mammoth Lakes, California – Fair Condition
• Hyatt Regency Hotel Manila – Philippines (X2 Boxes) – Excellent Condition
• Jade Hotel – Kowloon, Hong Kong – Excellent Condition
• Hacienda Resort Hotel and Casino – Las Vegas (X4 Boxes) – Excellent Condition
• Ramada – North Carolina – Excellent Condition
• Hotel Eleano – Acapulco, Mexico (X3 Boxes) – Perfect Condition
• The Excelsior – Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (X2 Boxes) – Excellent/Good Condition
• Hoteles Dubin – Mexico – Fair Condition
• The Brasserie on the hill – London – Good Condition
• Cunard -Fifth Avenue, New York (X2 Boxes) – Excellent/Good Condition
• El Cortjo Holandes – Benalmadena, Malaga – Fair Condition
• Bardelli’s Ristorante Italiano – San Francisco – Excellent Condition
I would be looking to sell these items. Please take time to have a look and let me know what you think and prices for desirable items.
Many Thanks
Nicholas Maisey
April 1st, 2012 at 9:24 PM
I read through the messages. I too have inherited hundreds of matchbooks. Most of them are from the U.S.A. and some international. I checked out ebay, but they don’t seem to be selling. So what do you suggest? How do I price these?
Some sites suggest removing the matches, some say to leave them alone. Things are confusing, not helpful! Help PLEASE!
April 21st, 2012 at 1:00 PM
I have a lot of old matchbooks I got from my grandmother who used to collect them. I am interested in selling them if anyone is interested!
marylambrecht09@augustana.edu