The American Matchcover Archive


A digital repository dedicated to the conservation and celebration of the American matchbook cover — a pocket-sized canvas that once served as the primary advertising medium for 20th century commerce. 

We hope to honor this everyday, utilitarian item not merely as ephemera, but as a significant artifact of graphic design history. 

Explore the Archive





Black Silver Foils

A selection of shadowy strikers with an embossed silver finish.
Charlotte’s Beauty Studio
Haverhill, Massachusetts
Bob’s Liquor Store
Rochester, Minnesota
Barry Bros. Used Cars
Corinth, Mississippi
Aggie’s Motel
Port Angeles, Washington
Cortese Restaurant
Binghampton, New York
Van Monroe Service
Dearborn, Michigan
Ruby’s Flower Shoppe
Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky
Holiday Lodge Motor Hotel & Restaurant
Spokane, Washington
First National Bank
Crookston, Minnesota
Log Cabin Cafe
Cascade Locks, Oregon
Stoll’s Bar & Restaurant
New York, New York

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