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  • 1.  Matchbook Covers

    Posted 11-15-2024 13:15
    We have a number of matchbook covers in our collection. Some are stand-alone items, and others have been pasted into a scrapbook. All contain unused matches. My question concerns what to do with the matches (whether to remove them or not, clip off the heads, etc.). Do they present a fire hazard, or perhaps more important, are the chemicals they contain a long-term detriment to preservation of the covers?


    Vernon Weckbacher
    Archivist/Curator
    Mission Historical Museum
    956-580-8646


  • 2.  RE: Matchbook Covers

    Posted 11-17-2024 10:09

    In the conservation literature, there is not much discussion of matches or matchbooks in archives and libraries. However, Angela Stanford, an Independent Registrar and Collections Specialist at Advanced Museum Services, Indianola, Iowa writes: "You can remove just the heads from the matches to eliminate the ignition risk entirely.  It feels very strange to "damage" an artifact, to cause irreversible changes to it, but the actual ignition source is not the most significant part of the matchbook; typically, it's the cover portion that represents a business or person.  It also feels similar to removing the kerosene from a kerosene lamp to prevent leaking or fire risk, though the obvious difference there is the ability to remove the risk without damaging or changing the object itself.  I've erred on the side of safety first, even if that's simply storing them in a container that is at least semi-fire proof."

    There is also this from The Smithsonian:

    Off with their Heads?: Matchbooks in Archives 

    Then there is also this from the AIC Health & Safety, September 2022:

    Meet Your Match: Storage of Matches in Collections



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    Craig Deller
    FAIC
    FIIC
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  • 3.  RE: Matchbook Covers

    Posted 11-18-2024 08:47

    Dear Vernon,

    The AIC Health and Safety blog post, "Meet Your Match," (linked) offers detailed insights on managing hazards posed by unused matches, such as fire potential. They contain chemicals like potassium chlorate and phosphorus compounds, which can be reactive. For older matches, particularly those made before the bans on white phosphorus, the risks are even greater due to their potential for spontaneous ignition under certain conditions. 

    Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the chemicals in match heads can off-gas over time and may harm nearby materials. Sulfur, for example, can cause damage to sensitive items such as silver. Managing these risks often involves carefully balancing preservation goals with safety measures. Like others mentioned on the thread, options include removing or clipping match heads where possible but also treating them with an adhesive, such as Golden Matte Medium, to reduce their flammability while retaining their appearance.

    Storage is another important consideration for long term preservation and safety. Matches should ideally be housed in non-flammable, tightly sealed containers labeled with safety warnings. Climate control is key, particularly for older matches containing red or white phosphorus, which are sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. If climate control isn't feasible, even simple steps like storing matches in a cool, dry, and dark environment can help mitigate risks.

    This topic came up in a C2CC discussion post in June 2022, where you may find additional practical suggestions that were shared (link here).

    Thank you C2CC experts Susan Barger and Shannon Zachary, whose expertise has helped inform this response.

    All my best,

    Luisa Casella

    C2CC Monitor

    ----------------------------------

    Luisa Casella
    Photograph Conservator
    MAC, Fellow of AIC
    PMG Chair (2023-25)
    CommComm Chair (2023-25)
    T: 585 281 3747






    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Matchbook Covers

    Posted 11-19-2024 21:20

    ​We have some very old matches and matchbooks in our collection. I decided the simplest, cheapest, and easiest way to store them is in a glass jar with a screw top lid, in cold storage. That way, they are still visually accessible, without disturbing the storage environment. Minimizing the size of the jar minimizes the air volume (and therefore the amount of oxygen) in contact with the matches and helps reduce the fire risk, gives protection against dust and pests, and protects any adjacent artifacts from any offgassing chemicals.




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Matchbook Covers

    Posted 11-17-2024 10:09

    At a previous institution, we always removed the heads from the matches. There were typically easy enough to cut off with a decent pair of scissors.



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    Jan Masterson
    Curator of Collections & Exhibits
    Historic Mesquite, Inc.
    Mesquite TX
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  • 6.  RE: Matchbook Covers

    Posted 11-18-2024 14:39

    Hello!
    A previous conservator here at NUL faced a similar project and wrote about it here: https://sites.northwestern.edu/northwesternlibrary/2018/02/20/match/
    The solution was consolidating with acrylic coatings.

     

    Lindsey K Williams (she/her)
    Conservation Technician
    Northwestern University Libraries

    Northwestern University

    lindsey.williams@northwestern.edu

    847.467.0488

     

    ----------------------
    In the spirit of healing, I acknowledge and honor the Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi), Odawak (Odawa) and Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe) Nations, the original people, past and present, of the land Northwestern University occupies.

     






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