Alexei Volkov
Matchboxes have historically been made from a variety of materials, including cardboard, thin wood, metal, rubber, mother of pearl, ivory, bone, and celluloid. The earliest matchboxes were simple and plain, featuring only the manufacturing date and brand name. Over time, companies began to manufacture more attractive and colourful matchboxes, which became popular collectibles. Matchbox labels were influenced by the fashion trends of the time, with popular typefaces such as Bodoni and Didot being incorporated into the designs. Early matchsticks were made of wood or stiff paper, coated with a phosphorus mixture, and ignited on the striking surface of the matchbox. The invention of the light-bringing slave in 577 AD by the women of the Northern Qi is believed to be the first friction match, later improved upon by Hennig Brandt in 1669. The matchbox industry faced significant disruption with the introduction of lighters in the early 20th century, leading to a decline in the number of match factories. Today, matchboxes are still collected and displayed as a hobby, with special albums and display frames available for storage and presentation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of transition | The transition started in the 1980s and continued in the 1990s. By 2030, Matchbox aims to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic. |
| Reason for transition | To become more environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly. |
| Materials used | Early Matchbox models were made entirely of metal. Now, Matchbox cars are made using a minimum of 51% plastic and 99% recycled metal. The company aims to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic by 2030. |
| Packaging | Matchbox has reintroduced box-style packaging for the collectors' market. The company has also started using plastic-free and Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper and wood pulp for packaging. |
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What You'll Learn
The rise of lighters
The development of lighters has come a long way, from the first lighters being converted flintlock pistols that used gunpowder to modern disposable lighters. One of the first lighters was invented by German chemist Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner in 1823 and was called Döbereiner's lamp. This lighter used a chemical reaction to pass flammable hydrogen gas over a platinum metal catalyst, causing it to ignite and emit heat and light.
In 1903, Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach invented ferrocerium, a synthetic alloy that produces hot and bright sparks when struck. This invention revolutionized the lighter, making it easy to create the necessary sparks for ignition and affordable. Companies like Ronson used this innovation to develop practical lighters. In 1910, Ronson released the Pist-O-Liter, a long-barrelled pistol-shaped lighter with a trigger that released a file-like component that rubbed against a flint-like surface to produce sparks.
During World War I, soldiers began making lighters out of empty cartridge cases, even adding a holed chimney cap to protect the flame from the wind. Ronson refined these designs with the Banjo lighter in 1926, which was a huge success due to its usability and attractive design. Zippo lighters, introduced in 1932, became symbols of the American armed forces during the Vietnam War, often engraved with personal mottos and icons.
In the 1950s, a shift occurred from naphtha to butane fuel, as butane offered a more controllable flame and less odour. This also led to the use of piezoelectric spark ignition, which replaced the flint wheel. The piezoelectric lighter was introduced in the 1960s as an alternative to fuel-burning lighters, using a small, spring-loaded hammer to strike a quartz crystal and create a spark.
Disposable lighters were introduced in 1973 by Bic to rival the popular but expensive Zippo lighters. These disposable lighters were cheap, convenient, and perfect for a fast-paced society as they didn't require refills. Despite a decrease in smoking rates, lighters have maintained their popularity as fashion accessories, with Zippo expanding its brand to include apparel and accessories.
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Matchbox consolidation
Matchbox is a toy brand introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, and is now owned by Mattel, Inc, which purchased the brand in 1997. The brand was given its name because the original die-cast "Matchbox" toys were sold in boxes similar in size to matchboxes.
The early years of Matchbox were marked by a focus on British vehicles. From the classic Routemaster double-decker bus to the Austin FX3 London Taxi, these models reflected Britain's streetscape. However, as the brand's popularity grew internationally, so did the diversity of its models. During the 1970s, Matchbox faced competition from Hot Wheels, an American brand known for its flashy designs and high-speed track sets. In response, Matchbox introduced Superfast wheels for speed and playsets for added fun. Despite these efforts, the brand struggled financially, leading to its acquisition by Universal Toys in 1982.
Under new ownership, Matchbox underwent a revival, returning to its focus on realism and detail. This strategy proved successful, and Matchbox regained its market position. In the 1980s, Matchbox began using plastic and cardboard "blister packs", similar to those used by other die-cast toy brands. By the 2000s, the box-style packaging was reintroduced for the collectors' market, such as the 35th Anniversary of Superfast series in 2004 and the 50th Anniversary of Superfast in 2019.
Today, Matchbox continues to produce scale model plastic and die-cast vehicles and toy garages. The brand has also expanded its product line to include the Moving Parts line, which incorporates opening features such as bonnets and doors. In recent years, Mattel has opted to use plastic bodies for many Matchbox models to reduce costs, a decision that has been met with criticism from collectors. Additionally, Mattel has retooled some models to have plastic bodies, replacing the original metal ones.
In 2021, Matchbox announced its commitment to environmental sustainability, pledging to use 100% recycled materials for its cars and packaging by 2030. This initiative began with the production of a 1:64 scale Tesla Roadster, made from 99% recycled materials and classified as carbon neutral.
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Matchbox design evolution
Matchbox is a toy brand introduced by Lesney Products in 1953 and is now owned by Mattel, Inc, which purchased the brand in 1997. The brand was named Matchbox because the original die-cast "Matchbox" toys were sold in boxes similar in size to matchboxes. Over the years, Matchbox has expanded its product line to include a wide range of toys, including larger-scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, slot car racing toys, and action figures.
In the early years of the brand, Matchbox toys were made entirely of metal, including the tyres/wheels. However, within the first few years of production, Lesney switched to plastic wheels, which were initially silver, then grey, and eventually black. By 1968, Matchbox had become the biggest-selling brand of small die-cast model cars worldwide. The average model in their collection at this time featured plastic windows, interiors, tyres, and occasional accessories; spring suspensions; and opening parts.
During the 1980s, Matchbox introduced plastic and cardboard "blister packs" for their toys, similar to those used by other die-cast toy brands such as Hot Wheels. However, by the 2000s, the box-style packaging was re-introduced for the collectors' market, such as the 35th Anniversary of the Superfast series in 2004 and the 50th Anniversary in 2019. Today, products marketed under the Matchbox name include scale model plastic and die-cast vehicles and toy garages.
More recently, in 2021, Matchbox announced its commitment to sustainability and plans to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics in all its toys and packaging by 2030. The company has already started this transition with its Power Grabs line, opting for Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper and wood pulp for packaging and water-based paints. Matchbox has also introduced an EV-themed pack with various electric vehicles and EV charging stations in playsets to encourage environmental consciousness among children.
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The Matchbox brand
During the 1980s, Matchbox began using plastic and cardboard "blister packs" similar to those used by other die-cast toy brands. In the late 1980s and mid-1990s, the brand produced the Motor City series, Matchbox PK series, and many plastic components. By 1992, the brand was seeking a buyer, and in May of that year, it was sold to Tyco Toys. In 1997, Matchbox was purchased by Mattel, uniting the brand with its longtime rival, Hot Wheels.
In recent years, Matchbox has been revamping its brand to become more environmentally friendly, with a focus on sustainability and the use of recycled materials. The company has set a goal to make all of its cars and packaging out of 100% recycled materials by 2030. As part of this initiative, Matchbox has introduced EV-themed packs and announced that EV charging stations will be featured in playsets to encourage environmental consciousness among children. The first Matchbox car to be made from 99% recycled materials was the Tesla Roadster, which was launched in 2022.
In addition to its sustainability efforts, Matchbox has also expanded its product line to include a broad range of toys, including larger-scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, slot car racing toys, and action figures. The brand has also re-introduced box-style packaging for the collectors' market, such as the 35th Anniversary of Superfast series in 2004 and the 50th Anniversary of Superfast in 2019. Today, products marketed under the Matchbox name include scale model plastic and die-cast vehicles and toy garages.
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Collecting matchboxes
History of Matchboxes
Matchboxes, introduced in the mid-19th century alongside friction matches, have a rich history. Early matchboxes were made entirely of metal, including the tyres/wheels, but Lesney, the original producer of Matchbox toys, transitioned to plastic wheels within the first few years of production. By the 1980s, Matchbox toys were packaged in plastic and cardboard "blister packs", though box-style packaging was reintroduced in the 2000s to cater to the collectors' market.
Types of Matchboxes to Collect
The variety of matchboxes available provides collectors with numerous options to focus their collections. Here are some types of matchboxes to consider:
- Label Matchboxes: Early matchboxes often featured labels glued onto the box. The most common type is the single-top label, which is affixed to the top of the matchbox and is usually blue or yellow. These labels are popular among collectors as they are easy to remove and mount into albums for storage and display.
- All-Round Labels (ARTB): These labels wrapped around the entirety of the matchbox and are considered obsolete today. Collectors should refrain from cutting these labels, as this practice reduces their value.
- Pillbox Labels: Found on cylindrical matchboxes, mainly from Austria, Australia, and New Zealand, in the early 20th century. These labels are scarce and worth collecting.
- Skillets: The most common type of matchbox today, skillets are not technically labels but rather designs printed directly onto the cardboard outer surface of the matchbox. Like ARTBs, skillets should not be cut into panels but can be opened out at their join and flattened.
- Packet-Size Labels: These labels were affixed to packets containing multiple matchboxes and are often larger and more challenging to come by, making them valuable to collectors.
Where to Find Matchboxes
Matchboxes can be found through various means, including receiving them as hand-me-downs from relatives, purchasing them from groups that buy and sell matchboxes, or finding them in vintage stores or antique shops. Online platforms like eBay may also offer opportunities to buy matchboxes, and specialist collector communities on Reddit, such as r/matchbookcollectors, can provide insights and guidance.
Displaying Your Collection
When it comes to displaying your matchbox collection, consider creative ways to showcase your items. Proper display techniques will not only make your collection aesthetically pleasing but also help preserve the matchboxes over time. You can store and display your matchboxes in albums or frames, either individually or in groups, depending on your preference and the available space.
Environmental Considerations
As you build your matchbox collection, it's important to be mindful of sustainability practices. Matchbox has committed to sustainability initiatives, with plans to make all cars and packaging from 100% recycled materials by 2030. As a collector, you can support these efforts by seeking out recycled and eco-conscious options when acquiring matchboxes and their accessories.
In conclusion, collecting matchboxes is a captivating hobby that combines history, art, and culture. Whether you're attracted to the nostalgic designs, the affordability of the items, or the opportunity to connect with other collectors, building a matchbox collection can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Matchboxes are typically made of cardboard, thin wood, or metal, and generally have a separate drawer inside for matches.
Matchboxes have not switched from metal to plastic. However, some matchboxes have plastic components, and some matchboxes have plastic wheels.
Matchbooks are small cardboard folders that contain matches joined at the base and have a striking surface on the outside.
Phillumeny is the hobby of collecting match-related items, such as matchboxes, matchbooks, matchcovers, and matchsticks.
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