​Phillumenists (matchbox/match label collectors) in India were overjoyed when a premium matchbox manufacturer announced the launch of a special pack commemorating 75 years of India’s Independence with 75 new & old matchboxes, some which were available way back in 1942. While it was a delight to see the three-fold large box (14 x 36 x 3 in), its price tag of Rs. 1947 was a dampener. On another occasion one would have waited for the price to be reduced but for this one, the risk of losing it was high as it was a limited edition box. Out of the 75 match boxes in the special set, eight can be counted as ‘Rare’; twenty five as special editions of the “I Kno” series which are really good; while the rest can be procured either from the current market or with a bit of patience can be bought from collectors. The reprints in this pack include many of ITC and WIMCO’s legacy brands, some of which are still available in the market are, SHIP, Three Mangoes, Kapas, Vaxlit and AIM. Wish the older specimens also had the replica of excise duty stickers which were pasted on each matchbox in earlier years. At the time of Independence matchboxes were available for 3 paisa a box. Even after 75 years a box of 30 or 50 sticks is still reasonably priced between 2 to 3 rupees. This commemorative set is surely expensive (capitalists encash every opportunity), but worth every stick if you are a memorabilia collector and have a large empty drawer. Get it till it is available. The packaging though could have been better. Caution: keep matchsticks and matchboxes away from extreme heat and places in proximity of sparks; away from direct fire and away from the reach of children. As collectors, we empty the box leaving only three or four sticks in the box to keep a record of the wood used, the colour on the mix of potassium chlorate on the tip and a thin film of wax on the stick. The striking surface on the side of the matchbox has a coating of red phosphorus which is highly inflammable. And please, ‘Strike Gently’.