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 The Rathkamp Matchcover Society (The Voice of the Hobby Since 1941), spread over 20 countries worldwide.

Patents

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

References

• 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