My Other (Sometimes) Car Related Hobby

[gwolf]

So a rare or valuable matchbook cover would be worth about the same as the same matchbook with all the matches still in it? I know that with stamp collecting, most stamps are worth a lot more if they are unused vs. used... so maybe matches/no matches also affects value?

BTW... those bowling ball matches are pretty cool.

I found this online... pretty interesting:

http://www.titanicitems.com/matchbooks.htm

Well, there really aren't many rare or very valuable matchbooks out there, except for the Lindbergh one or some of the very early 1880's ones, but those are extreme ends of the spectrum. Most of us collect not for value, but for fun.

Used condition is always less preferable to like new condition but you really have to have something special for it to be worth more than a few dollars. I've been a dealer for more than a few years and usually bring 10,000+ matchcovers with me that I sell for a dime each. Affordability makes the hobby really practical.

[Harry P.]

You are correct for the most part... but there are stamps that are more valuable used!

I know. That's why I said most stamps are worth more unused.

Well, there really aren't many rare or very valuable matchbooks out there, except for the Lindbergh one or some of the very early 1880's ones, but those are extreme ends of the spectrum. Most of us collect not for value, but for fun.

Used condition is always less preferable to like new condition but you really have to have something special for it to be worth more than a few dollars. I've been a dealer for more than a few years and usually bring 10,000+ matchcovers with me that I sell for a dime each. Affordability makes the hobby really practical.

I guess it's only a matter of time before some of them start getting pretty valuable.