Look at these! I love these old advertising matchbooks with the printed matches. I picked these up at a flea market many moons ago.
Madsen's, where shrimp is king! Long Beach, CA
From Bob Feagan's Coffee Shops, Los Angeles
The lost art of matchboxes
I'm glad we're all quitting smoking these days (or trying), but I do miss the proliferation of matches and their cover art that used to be found everywhere from smoke shops to restaurants. Here are some nice examples of early to mid- twentieth century Indian matchbox covers from the flickr set of Agence Eureka.
1957 Russian matchbooks
Matchbooks from famous designers
Designed by the legendary Saul Bass for the Hunt-Wesson/Ohio Match Company circa 1964. Can be had for a mere $15 on etsy.
Another by Saul Bass from the same period. I found these and more on the excellent etsy store Designcollects
Saul Bass
Saul Bass
Alvin Lustig via etsy
Alexander Girard. Designed for the La Fonda del Sol restaurant in New York City. $45.
