Post #24614 by SugarCaddyDaddy on Thu, Feb 27, 2003 9:09 AM

Hey guys and doll(TikiFish),
I thought I'd add a little info for those who aren't matchbook collectors, and as to why your books are "matchless":

If you have some matchbook covers without matches in them or if the matches have been "shucked", its ok! I (use to) tell new collectors looking at the matchbooks at my (old) store not to let potential buyers/traders make you think matchbooks aren't a good trade value if your books are matchless. In the matchbook trading world, most buyers/traders actually shuck the matches (by prying up the staple or separating the gluepoint where the matches are joined to the cover and tossing or 'shucking' the matches). In other trading arenas, modifying the collectible is a no-no, but is ok in matchbook collecting.

There are, however, some hardcore collectors that want EVERYTHING mint and intact, including the matches. Most though, prefer clean, crisp covers, a clean striker, and don't care about the matches since they shuck them later. Also, if you have ever smelled a collection of matchbooks with all the matches, you'll know that the sulfur-like aroma is not that pleasing. I liken it to the smell of a collection of old Avon perfume bottles with perfume still in them...YUCK! The exception to that are the matches that had actual messages or advertisment printing right on the matches, which is not the case for the matchbooks that all of you have.

Pardon my rambling. I'm on a caffeine overload this morning, and thought some people would like some info on matchbook collecting.

Kahuna. GREAT COLLECTION! Sometimes it IS good to be the owner of an antiques/collectibles store, right? You get the prime pickin's of the lot!

SugarCaddyDaddy