Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Beer Brand Matchbooks

I've seen some pretty impressive collections of vintage beer brand matchbooks in my travels and I have to say this can be a great hobby to get into for several reasons!

There are still a lot of matchbooks out there at yard sales, garage sales and estate sales. They can usually be purchased for a really cheap price, which is one positive aspect of this hobby. It's practically recession proof!
 
Vintage Pabst Blue Ribbon Matchbook
Online auctions like eBay are another good place to find these pieces if you are trying to find specific brands or rare, unusually packaged brands. Even the rarest of beer branded advertisement matches can be found a very reasonable prices these days.

Another is that there were a massive array of brands produced and still out there! Displayed properly, these little collectibles can really spruce up a can display, game room or home bar. Just lay a few of your favorite beer logo matches around the same brand ashtrays and you've just created a time warp into the past!



 Vintage Hamm's beer matchbook front & back 

Storing them is super easy too! They weigh practically nothing and take up very little space, making them easy to transport or store.

I collected matchbooks as a kid. My Uncles and parent's friends used to save them for me in their travels and I had quite a collection, including a lot of beer label covers. Unfortunately, I lost that collection somewhere down the road of life. Most of them were in mint condition too! Grrr!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Hawaiian Beer Shirts

 Vintage beer shirts are a popular hobby, particularly the T-shirts of famous labels. However, a lesser known collectible are tropical or Hawaiian beer shirts. These shirts are usually button ups, not your typical tee, but these tropical patterns can certainly be found on them.

One of the most sought after shirt collectibles is the Primo Hawaiian beer shirt. These shirts from the 1960's - 1970's era are highly collectible and quite the head turner!



 Vintage Primo Hawaiian Beer Shirts are highly collectible!

These shirts are button ups and usually have a collar. Some of the styles have little coconut shells for buttons! The designs are always eye catching and the overall quality of the shirts are generally very good.

"Buy Vintage Hawaiian Beer Shirts at discount prices"

If you are lucky enough to find one of these shirts, chances are you'll have to put out a little cash. They typically sell from $25-$100 on eBay and can go even higher if they are in pristine condition! While that may seem a little steep, it's probably the best chance you'll have at finding one, especially in your size.

1970's Primo Hawaiian Beer Shirt

The best deals on these shirts will be at a thrift store. Although rare, they can be found at these stores and they will be priced low! It pays to run through the Hawaiian shirt rack since you are already there and they are easily spotted. Of course, it's even luckier if you find your size but even if you don't, you can easily sell it on eBay and use the money for one that fits you!

Black Hibiscus Beer & Ale Hawaiian Shirt
If you like garage sales, yard sales etc, that is another place you can find these but again, you are going to need a lot of luck just finding one let alone finding one that fits!
Budweiser Hawaiian Surfer Theme Shirt
Budweiser had a few surf and tropical themed vintage shirts as well as Corona and a few other brands, but without a doubt, it's the old Primo Beer Hawaiian shirts that most collectors seek when looking for a Hawaiian themed beer shirt.