Wedding Accessories Knowledge Base - What is a Matchbook?
A matchbook is a small cardboard folder
(matchcover) enclosing a quantity of matches and having
a coarse striking surface on the exterior. The folder is
opened to access the matches, which are attached in a comb-like
arrangement and must be torn away before use in contrast
to a matchbox where the matches are loosely packed in the
interior tray.
The exterior of the matchcover is usually
imprinted with a producer's logo, often with artistic decorations,
or serves as an advertising/promotional media for the undertaking
it is sold or handed off in. The ease of making matchcovers
of different shapes also made them quite a popular cheap
promotional item or anniversary souvenir.
Manufacturing of matchbooks peaked during
the 1940s and 50s, then steadily declined because of the
availability of disposable lighters and various anti-smoking
health campaigns.
