The Rathkamp Matchcover Society

The Oldest Phillumenic Organization In The World!

Celebrating our 81st year!

        Join us in a truly great hobby! Matchcover collecting
        is a truly worldwide hobby, with collectors and collecting clubs
        or societies in almost every country in the world. Collectors
        share a common bond - their love of matchcovers and matchboxes. 

RMS Membership

Membership in RMS is open to all matchcover and matchbox collectors who are interested in increasing their knowledge of our hobby and developing trading friendships. Dues are $20 the first year+ $2 entry fee, $20 thereafter, and $4 per year for each additional family member living at the same address. Family members have full privileges but receive no extra bulletin(s). For Canada and Mexico, the dues are $25, and for all other international members, the dues are $35 (hard copy bulletins)/$20 (e-mailed bulletins).

As a member of RMS you will receive:

• A membership card and membership certificate
• A membership roster of some 600 collectors with whom you are encouraged to trade covers, and to collect ideas and other hobby information.
• Six club bulletins per year, 32 pages per issue (hard copies or full-color e-bulletins)
• A copy of the RMS Constitution.
• Tips for newer collectors outlining collecting terms and general hobby information.
• A list of local clubs which you might wish to contact; most have their own bulletins, regular meetings, and some hold swapfests.
• On-line support for your questions and problems.
• Access to advertising on the RMS web page.
• Access to all activities at the annual RMS Convention

The 2023 RMS CONVENTION was held August 20-26, 2023, at the Double Tree by Hilton, 1100 Crocker Road, Westlake, OH 44145 . The 2024 RMS CONVENTION will be held August 25-30, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Cincinnati AP, 1717 Airport Exchange Blvd., Erlanger, KY 41018

. Always the biggest; always the best. Latest convention details can be seen at Convention Central!

Activities at the annual conventions include:

• Meeting fellow collectors that you trade with as well as other RMS members.
• Exhibits of matchcovers and matchboxes. RMS awards trophies in 15 display categories, and clubs and individuals also give out awards for various categories. Participation is open to any RMS member.
• Auctions. Four sessions are held where members may purchase covers and boxes to add to their collections. Each RMS member is allowed to place 15 lots for sale as long as space is available. The host club retains a small percentage of the selling price.
• The Annual Banquet. Achievements for the past year are recognized and trophies awarded to the exhibit display winners.
• Table-hopping (a unique feature of this hobby)--collectors visit other collectors' rooms where covers are set out for the taking.
• overflowing with donated matchcovers where collectors can help themselves.
• Seminars/Information centers on various phases of collecting
• Dealers' tables
• Business meeting

Joining RMS

If you would like to join our Society, print and fill out the RMS application form and mail it, along with your dues, to:

Linda Wolfe

13 Creekstone Drive

Mont Alto, Pa. 17237

We hope to provide you with cover information and helpful collecting hints that will help increase your enjoyment of our mutual hobby. Our bulletin will offer you a wealth of information including how to obtain hobby supplies such as albums and pages. Classified ads with items wanted and for sale are also available to all members.

If you know anyone who you think might like information about our Society, send their names and addresses to the RMS Secretary, below, and a free prospective membership kit will be sent to him or her. RMS also gives an annual award to the member who sponsors the most new members.

Shirley Sayers,

1290 Corporation St.

Beaver, PA 15009

For Further Information

If you have any questions about the Society, collecting in general, or specific items that you aren't sure about, contact US. If we don't know the answer, we'll try and direct you to someone who does. 

 

 

Welcome to a great hobby!