Nostalgia Sunday – Matchboxes

May 17, 2009 - 5:42 PM by

israeliana_matchboxe_nurBefore the electronic sparker and the electric stove-top, kids, there were matches and matchboxes, some so decorative they became collectible items.

My parents, like many others, had two huge glass vases filled with matchbooks amassed from trips across the US, Europe and Israel. These served as a conversation pieces — and of course, as firepower for social smokers at cocktail parties.

The rise of the cheap lighter, cheaper imports, and the decline in smoking has put many match-makers out of business. Veteran Israeli manufacturer Nur still exists, but mainly as an importer and repackager of safety matches; their website is sadly disappointing — no gallery, no history.

We present, therefore, a few memorable “tobacciana” relics, (many available for sale on Ebay), starting on the left with the classic Nur deer logo, and a mod version done in the go-go Eighties.

Ebay seller Avi has some really good examples of classic matchbook graphics, including the Tribes of Israel…
israeliana_matchboxes

…and this series of Israel Air Force aircraft.
israeliana_matchboxes_iaf_cu

El Al commissioned artist Jean David to create this series of historic cities in Israel.
israeliana_matchboxes_el-al

I think my parents had one of this series of long boxes made for tourists. I seem to recall a picture of Jaffa…israeliana_matchboxes_long

A nice, inexpensive, if flammable, hobby!

Tags: , , , , , , , • Category: General, History and Culture, Israeliness, Nostalgia Sunday, Pop Culture 

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