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Basic Procedures - Matchcovers come from matchbooks, but almost all collectors carefully strip the matches out and collect the covers. Normally, the only "full-books" (intact matchbooks} collected are those wherein the matches, themselves, have art work on them (called "Features" if the matchsticks have detailed pictures on them, and "Printed Sticks" if the matchsticks just have text on them). The stripped covers are then pressed flat in a variety of ways in preparation for mounting in albums.
Most collectors house their covers in 3-ring binders, with the covers either on specially cut pages in which the covers can be inserted, or in the newer plastic, see-through pages especially designed for the various sizes of matchcovers (see our Links page for page dealers).
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Things Not To Do - The main rule to keep in mind is not to damage or deface covers in any way. Never cut, glue, or staple covers. Never write on the outside of covers, and, if you do have to make any marks, only use light pencil on the inside. Don't wrap them tightly in rubber banded stacks. Don't store them in damp areas or areas where they will be directly exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
Trading - One of the benefits of joining Sierra-Diablo is receiving its membership roster. With this in hand, you'll be able to pinpoint collectors whose interests in specific types of covers match yours. You'll be able to trade at club meetings, of course, but if you're too far away to attend meetings or simply want to trade more heavily, you'll now be able to contact specific collectors for specific wants.
Traders normally trade on a 1-for-1 basis. Your trader sends you 25 Railroads, for example, because that's what you want, and you send 25 covers in a category that he's working in. Never send struck or damaged covers unless your trader has already indicated he's willing to take them. Also, "Nationals" (covers with no specific business address) are generally unwanted within the hobby. You and your traders decide on how many covers will be exchanged, which types, and how frequently. Even as you read this, there are thousands of trades crisis-crossing the country, continent, and the world!
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