Copyright © 2003-2008 British Matchbox Label and Booklet Society (BML&BS), all rights reserved - Page updated: 2008-06-13 - Site updated: 2008-06-13  
PHILLUMENY is the hobby of PHILLUMENISTS. Phillumenists collect matchbox labels, printed matchbox outers, matchboxes, matchbook covers, matchbooks, and other forms of match packaging as well as match strikers, match holders, matchbox holders and matchbook holders. (See our Glossary). Many phillumenists are interested in other aspects of the match industry and match trade. This web site intends to serve all these interests. THE FRICTION MATCH WAS INVENTED IN 1826, NOT 1827! Many references wrongly state that John Walker, a pharmacist in Stockton-on-Tees invented the Friction Match in 1827. This appears in so many references that researchers blindly repeat this error and fail to research the source material. The erroneous 1827 date is based on an entry in John Walker's day book dated 7th April (1827-04-07) recording No. 30th Sulphurata Hyper-Oxygenata Frict. 100. as a sale to Mr Hixon, a local solicitor. Analysis of his day books shows this was not the first but the thirtieth sale of friction matches. There is some dispute as to whether or not the sale to Mr Hixon was the first recorded sale. What is now beyond dispute is JOHN WALKER INVENTED THE FRICTION MATCH IN 1826. However, not until 7th September 1827 (1827-09-07), in a sale to Mr Fenwick, recorded in his day book, does John Walker name his invention Friction Lights. This web site is brought to you by the BRITISH MATCHBOX LABEL AND BOOKLET SOCIETY (BML&BS). Founded in 1945, the BML&BS is an international organisation with members in 39 countries.                                         The BML&BS is dedicated to serving the needs of Phillumeny and Phillumenists throughout the World. THE BML&BS IS PROUD TO HAVE  AS THEIR PATRON. If you are not a Phillumenist but just want to find out about that old matchbox you found under the floorboards or you want to dispose of a collection or find out its value before you sell then feel free to browse this site but you might find the advice you are looking for in the Information pages.  site visitors since 2003-06-20 [We use the YYYY-MM-DD date format throughout this site - Why this date format?] | 
