What an interesting snapshot of the 1960's, captured in the form of matchbox marketing. Of course most of these herald from a different era, when smoking was a social norm and butane lighters had not yet entered the scene.
I stumbled upon a bag full of match boxes at a flea market in Stanthorpe, Australia. It was fascinating rummaging through the collection. It is amazing how many different types of businesses adopted this marketing strategy; restaurants, hotels, mechanics, dry cleaners, tailors, locksmiths, appliance stores, shoe stores, car dealers, construction companies and entertainment venues. Most of the match boxes are Australian but in the mix is ones from USA, Kenya, Singapore, New Zealand, China, Indonesia, to name but a few.
I put the matchboxes out in my Recycled Gallery shop. Almost every box I sold was to an international traveller visiting Australia. I asked my customers why they wanted one and interestingly it was always the same reply. A little gift to send home to family as a sort of travel souvenir.
Until next time,
xx Isabella