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  • Matchbox labels: Various Countries


    #matchbox
    These matchbox labels are collectible items that represent a fascinating part of cultural and advertising history. Here’s an overview of what they might signify based on their origins:

    Germany:

    The first page features various labels from Germany, showcasing advertisements for supermarkets, cigars, and other products. These labels were likely used as marketing tools during the mid-20th century, highlighting consumer goods and services.
    Poland (Zoo Series):

    The second page is a beautifully designed series of labels promoting Polish zoos, featuring animals such as elephants, lions, zebras, and flamingos. These are likely from the mid-20th century and were designed to raise awareness and attract visitors to zoos.
    Poland, Slovenia, Singapore, Switzerland, Trinidad, Venezuela:

    The third page shows a mix of countries. These labels include products like safety matches (e.g., “Three Plumes” and “Comet”) and others advertising local specialties. Each label reflects the design and advertising styles of the respective country, adding to their historical and artistic value.
    Poland (Mushroom Series):

    The fourth page focuses on mushrooms, labeled “Grzyby Jadalne” (edible mushrooms) and “Grzyby Trujące” (poisonous mushrooms). This educational series likely aimed to inform the public about different mushroom species, highlighting which ones are safe to consume.
    Lithuania (USSR Era):

    The last page features Lithuanian labels from the USSR period. These include illustrations of iconic buildings in Kaunas, Lithuania, and labels advertising insurance or promoting various civic responsibilities. The Soviet influence is evident in the design and themes.

  • Matchbox Labels: Classic Movies

    #Matchbox #Labels

    1. Historical Significance: Matchbox labels were widely used in the early to mid-20th century as a form of advertising and art. They were small, colorful, and designed to catch the eye, making them an effective medium for promotion.
    2. Themes: This collection showcases vintage Hollywood movie posters, a popular theme among matchbox labels. These labels pay tribute to classic films, actors, and directors, appealing to both cinephiles and collectors.
    3. Art and Design: The labels replicate original movie posters in miniature form, capturing the vibrant colors, bold fonts, and dramatic imagery typical of movie marketing during the golden age of cinema.

    The Movies Represented

    The matchbox labels in this collection feature iconic movies such as:

    • Citizen Kane: Often hailed as one of the greatest films of all time, directed by Orson Welles.
    • Casablanca: A timeless romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
    • Gone with the Wind: A historical epic renowned for its production scale and storytelling.
    • The Wizard of Oz: A family favorite with its memorable characters and technicolor magic.
    • Vertigo: A suspense masterpiece by Alfred Hitchcock.
    • Laurel & Hardy Films: Highlighting the comedic genius of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.
    • Tarzan Series: Featuring Johnny Weissmuller, who became synonymous with the role of Tarzan.

  • These images show collections of vintage matchbox labels from various themes, regions, and historical periods. Matchbox labels were popular collectibles during the 20th century and are a significant part of philumeny (the hobby of collecting match-related items). Here’s a breakdown of what is visible:

    1. Sports-Themed Labels (HEMA, Series 1-20):

    • These colorful labels depict various sports, such as hockey, swimming, skiing, and cycling.
    • Likely produced by HEMA, a Dutch retail chain, as promotional or collectible items.
    • The vibrant design and cartoon-like illustrations indicate they might date from the 1970s or earlier.

    2. Inventors and Inventions (SPAR):

    • These labels feature portraits of famous inventors (e.g., Thomas Edison) and their inventions (e.g., light bulb, steam engine).
    • SPAR, a multinational grocery retailer, appears to have issued these labels.
    • They celebrate technological and scientific achievements, making them both educational and collectible.

    3. Aircraft History (Russian):

    • This set focuses on aviation history, likely from a Russian perspective, given the Cyrillic text.
    • The illustrations include early aviation designs and notable airplanes, with a focus on Soviet-era contributions.
    • These labels would appeal to enthusiasts of aviation history.

    4. Czechoslovakian Heraldry (Czech Coats of Arms):

    • These labels depict coats of arms from cities and regions in former Czechoslovakia.
    • Likely issued to promote national heritage and regional pride, possibly in the mid-20th century.
    • The text in Czech provides descriptions of the heraldic symbols.

    5. Cultural Costumes (Japanese Text):

    • Labels show traditional costumes from different countries, with Japanese text suggesting these were made for the Japanese market.
    • They highlight the cultural diversity of the world through clothing.
    • These are likely educational, promoting international understanding.

    6. Portuguese Zodiac Series:

    • Labels depicting zodiac signs (e.g., Leo, Gemini), possibly from Portugal.
    • Simple, artistic designs indicate they might be promotional items from a match manufacturer.
    • The additional labels include other promotional or thematic content.

    7. Russian Scientists and Mathematicians:

    • Portraits of notable Russian scientists and mathematicians, with accompanying diagrams or formulas representing their contributions.
    • This set honors figures such as Mikhail Lomonosov (scientist) and Sofia Kovalevskaya (mathematician).
    • These likely originate from the Soviet era, reflecting a focus on scientific achievements.

    Historical and Collectible Value:

    • These labels are excellent examples of mid-20th-century advertising and cultural promotion.
    • They represent themes like sports, science, national pride, and global cultures.
    • Collectors value them for their historical significance, artistic merit, and rarity.

  • Currency Note: Saar

    Featured: A note from a country that does not exist any more.

    A 1 Mark note from the Saar region, issued in 1947, as certified by PMG (Paper Money Guaranty). The following details are evident:

    Issuer: Saar Treasury
    The Saar region had a unique political status after World War II, being under French administration from 1947 until it rejoined West Germany in 1957. Special currency notes were issued during this period.

    Year: 1947
    This note was printed during the early years of Saar’s autonomy under French administration. However, the Saar mark notes were soon replaced following the integration of the Saar into the French currency area.

    Saar ceased to be a separate political entity in 1957 when it rejoined Germany. However, the region maintained some economic integration with France, such as the use of the French franc, until July 6, 1959—known as “Saar Economic Reunion Day.”

    A highly collectible note.

  • Brooke Bond Labels and Books

    Do you have a faint memory of these? I recall we used to have these even in India, in those days. Each book would have a space for the Brooke Bond card, and, a nice description of the related person/animal/thing.

    rooke Bond, originally a tea company, distributed collectible picture cards in their tea products starting in the 1950s. These albums were created to house the cards and educate collectors about various topics.

    These albums were both educational and collectible, combining colorful illustrations with informative descriptions. They were especially popular among children and families in the mid-20th century, fostering learning through a fun and engaging hobby.

    Now, they are eminently collectible, since Brooke Bond do not bring out these any more.

    What joy it must have been, to complete each book, in those days when there were no ebays or amazons.

  • Stamps: Miniature Sheet:Legendary singers and musicians

    ❤️ A beautiful miniature sheet of legendary Indian singers and musicians.

    The image shows two sheets of commemorative postage stamps from India:

    1. Legendary Singers of India:
      This sheet features prominent Indian playback singers who have significantly contributed to Indian music across various languages. The stamps honor iconic figures, including:

    Male singers like Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh, Hemant Kumar, and Manna Dey.

    Female singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Geeta Dutt.

    1. Indian Musicians:
      This sheet highlights eminent Indian classical musicians, both vocalists and instrumentalists, known for their mastery of various forms of classical music:

    Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar.

    Vocalists like Bhimsen Joshi, Kumar Gandharva, and Gangubai Hangal.

    Violinist Lalgudi Jayaraman.

    Sarod player Ali Akbar Khan.

  • Currency Note: Commemorative


    Featured today: Bank of Guyana 2000 Dollars Commemorative note:

    PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) graded as 68 Superb Gem Uncirculated with Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ)

    Design Features:

    Front Side:

    Displays vibrant colors and patterns.

    Includes the text “55th Independence Anniversary” and “One Guyana” logos.

    Depicts a jaguar head in a window for enhanced security features.
    The slogan “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” is prominently displayed.

    Back Side:

    Shows a detailed map of Guyana.

    Features a depiction of the lotus flower, representing the country’s culture and heritage.

    Includes security features like transparent windows and raised printing.

  • Matchboxes, not just labels

    These are a few from a collection of matchboxes we found on ebay… they are so unique- old movies, circuses, Laurel And Hardy, Chaplin, Tarzan and so many other themes.

    Top Row (Primarily Elvis Presley Films):

    1. Elvis Presley Movie Posters – Several matchboxes show famous Elvis Presley films like Loving You, Jailhouse Rock, G.I. Blues, and Girls! Girls! Girls!. These posters are iconic of the mid-20th century pop culture era, showcasing Elvis’s dual career as a musician and actor.

    Middle Rows (Primarily Charlie Chaplin and Classic Cinema):

    1. Charlie Chaplin Classics – Multiple matchboxes depict posters from Charlie Chaplin’s famous silent films, including The Kid, The Rink, The Champion, The Gold Rush, Behind the Screen, The Cure, and A Dog’s Life. These films were hugely influential in the early 20th century and remain beloved for Chaplin’s unique blend of humor and social commentary.
    2. Classic Thrillers – The matchbox featuring The 39 Steps references Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1935 British spy thriller, known for its suspense and intrigue.

    Bottom Row (Circus Themes):

    1. Circus Advertisements – Several matchboxes feature vintage circus posters from famous troupes like:
      • Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – Known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
      • Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus – Famous for its wild animal performances.
      • Russell Bros. Circus – Advertised as one of the largest motorized circuses.
      • Kar-Mi Troupe – Highlighting illusionists and performers from an earlier era.
      • Tom Mix Circus – Featuring Tom Mix, a legendary early 20th-century cowboy film star who later started a traveling circus.

    Interestingly, they arrived as boxes, with matches in them.

    I asked the seller why they don’t have any address on them, or country of manufacturing. He replied that they are handmade by him. Amazing skill, indeed. Will post more , some other day.

    #matchbox

  • Currency: Transnitria

    Currency:

    Transnistria 2014 Set of 4 Composite Plastic Coins 1 3 5 10 Roubles .

    .. These plastic coins are unique and very different from regular coins but still amazing because they are composite plastic coins and very collectible with great features.

    Each denomination has a distinct color and shape:

    1 Ruble – Yellow (round)

    3 Rubles – Green (square with rounded edges)

    5 Rubles – Blue (pentagon-shaped)

    10 Rubles – Red or orange (hexagon-shaped)

    They feature portraits of important historical figures, likely tied to Transnistrian or Russian history.

  • Currency Note: French Indochina 1 piastre

    This banknote is from French Indochina, specifically issued by the Institut d’Émission des États du Cambodge, du Laos et du Vietnam. It represents 1 piastre, the official currency of French Indochina before these countries gained independence.

    French Indochina was a federation of French colonial territories in Southeast Asia, including modern-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

    The piastre was introduced in the late 19th century and remained in circulation until the dissolution of French Indochina in the mid-20th century.After the independence of these countries, new currencies were introduced: the riel in Cambodia, the kip in Laos, and the dong in Vietnam.

    Key details about the note:

    1. Design Elements: The note features tropical trees and foliage, reflecting the natural environment of the region.