Description

This is our latest label for period boxed matches. (previously sold only to museums and at events) A facsimile label and documented maker of the CW era. “SHANGHAI MATCHES” were produced by and through the Maryland Match Co. of Baltimore, making them uniquely appropriate for both Northern and Southern consumption. In addition they had some partial production in Kentucky and even possibly Atlanta, Georgia. The original label was a bit more crudely printed than the height of the art of the day – nearly resembling a woodcut – and we have faithfully reproduced that with our effort here. A rather amusing depiction of a Rooster smoking a “segar”. Our Southern friends have been after us to produce a match box equally appropriate for them and here it is, although our imported “POLLAK’S FUER-STIKS” are also appropriate as blockade run goods. Nearly all of the smaller vintage match boxes we have examined were made of very thin blue tissue paper covered wood, with the “drawer” either the same or made of folded cardstock. In addition, strikers were a separately applied solid black material, not the telltale honeycomb printed on modern cardstock boxes sold by many sutlers today. (again not a criticism, just an observation – if you don’t mind the anachronism, ok) Our box is made of thin wood with the blue thin tissue paper cover, applied solid black striker, with the folded cardstock drawer per the originals in our collection. PLEASE NOTE: Our Post Office has advised that this item MUST BE SHIPPED by ground transport regardless of priority chosen. (per new USPO policies – for certain destinations only Priority Mail pricing is available but the package will not be shipped by air regardless. The PO advises current average transit time for ground required delivery, regardless of distance, is now 14+ days. All items shipped thusly must go to their ground facility in Des Moines first, regardless of final destination, and arrival at destination Post Office depends on number of stops and how long it takes for them to fill a container truck before it leaves each stop. If you must have other items more quickly please order matches separately. We apologize for any inconvenience but we must comply with this rule. (We have also had many inquiries on our popular paper packaged Barber Friction Matches, due to shipping regulations they are available at events only.)