In the course of scouring the web for decorative matchboxes, I stumbled upon the thriving subculture of collectors focused on vintage matchbox labels: I love the graphics, the colors, the passion of these collectors and I’m sure you will too. Here is a selection of my favorites — but this is literally the tip of the iceburg.
Via (Prik, Rocket). I think the lion is somewhere on Ebay. The bike label and lobster are in collections posted online but I can’t seem to find them again! If I find the links I’ll post them.
I love that a matchbook from a fancy hotel or restaurant is saved for 40 years, as a memento, as proof you were there, as a signifier trying to indicate you are of a certain class. Or, an”exotic”label from India might be saved by an boy in England in the 194os, and for him, it represents the world outside his immediate view.
If you are as fascinated by these labels and how people “use” them as I am check out this book from Amazon.
Finally, if you’re interested in making your OWN decorative matches boxes (yes, please!) my mom noticed that the great site ForYourParty.com does custom matches relatively inexpensively. I love these shapes they offer. Note that you don’t need to do monograms — you can do phrases, images (I think!) and really anything you’d want…
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I am so impressed with the designs you have found. The present day is not the height of matchbox design. There have been great designs in many countries since the turn of the century (1900) and I hope that we will see a resurgence of interest in matchbox design. Since Americans have stopped smoking, there is a dearth of matchboxes. I hope that the emergence of romantic candle light for bathes and dinners will bring back a demand for decorative matchboxes. Until then thanks for the ones you have found.
Love the custom matches!
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