Description

A wonderful little gutta percha/hard rubber matchsafe with great features. Rounded edges with flip top hinged lid and crosshatch striker on the bottom. This is the type for the short match of the period made domestically and also commonly imported from Europe where they were all but exclusive. (known as vestas – about the size of a typical box match today) A few of the original matches are present. The side of the safe sports a small inlaid federal shield. The shield is gray with age and have made no attempt to polish it as the gutta percha/hard rubber may not react well to polish. I believe it to be metal – it is the color of pewter now – if so it is high grade with good silver content and no scratches or blemishes. Nice to see a period composite safe with a motif targeted to the military/patriotic market. Have not seen this matchsafe anywhere before – so likely not a mass-produced item. (No maker or patent mark I could detect) Matchsafes are highly collectible in several genres and are prolific in the personal effects of many CW soldiers and veterans.