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The collecting of match boxes and also matchbox labels matchbook covers or matchbooks. The collecting of matchboxes is known as Phillumeny.

Popularity
Matchbox labels, matchboxes, matchbook covers or matchbooks all come under the umbrella of matchbox collecting. Many collectors will tend to specialise in certain types due to the diversity of items available.

Location
Without doubt the best way to increase the number of your collection is to join one of the many collectors' clubs. You will be able to swap with other members. It is also possible to buy from dealers or even from auctions.

Age
Collectors can be of all ages and you are never too young or old to start a collection.

Ability
Consideration should be paid to the collecting of match boxes, particularly if they are still full of matches. They could be a potential fire risk if you have a large collection. This is why many collectors collect the labels only.

Description
Matchbox and match label collecting, also known as phillumeny, has been a hobby since pre-Edwardian times. Match boxes come with many different types of labels such as the single top, which is a label which is affixed to the top of the box only. All round labels wrap around the entirety of the box. Skillets which are similar to all round labels but the design is printed onto the box. There are also match-covers which are not so popular in the UK but very popular in the US.

Dedication
As a newcomer to the hobby of phillumeny, you will almost certainly be confronted with a baffling selection of matchbox labels, and matchbook covers. Complete boxes of matches, especially if they are very old, can make a very interesting specialist subject and can be used to display and demonstrate the many different varieties of match that people once used in years gone by.

Cost
Matchboxes can be bought for as little as a few pence. Buying from dealers is more expensive. Some rare items may cost hundreds of pounds.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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