It was 1680 when an instant burst of flames by rubbing phosphorus and sulphur together was discovered by an Irish national named Robert Boyel He discovered the modem match. Later a pharmacist John walker in 1827, “Sulphuretted Peroxide Srikeables” which later was sold as “Lucifer.”
In 1828, a dangerous match was invented known as “Promethean.” It had a small glass blub. To hit it glass bulb was broken with teeth. It was dangerous as a small glass was wrapped in paper, its bulb was full of acid of sulphur, and it was coated with Chlorate, gum and sugar. In 1830’s, small phosphorus matches with small size were manufactured and they were tremendously risky. During 1836, rubbing matches called “Loco Focos: were manufactured by the United States.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, match safes invented, as men carried them in their coat pockets. Craftsmen created safes with lids and few as open holders made up from tin, gold and platinum. In the mid-19th and early 2oth century, the most valuable pocket match safes were created from precious metals and stones. Renowned jewelers signed these safes. These accessories were often excessive decorated than their pocket watches or their wives jewelry.
Match safes come in various varieties. This antique piece used various materials. It uses materials such as wood, cast iron and different kind of metals that includes in brass, nickel, zinc, copper, silver, gold and bronze. Match safe are made of metal adorned with carvings and other embossed features that add to its visual appeal such as pocket safes with pretty girls and enameled pictures of god and goddess from mythology. Most common was slaying the dragon by the god. Rare pieces of match safes are made up with porcelain decorated with precious and semi precious stones.
These match safes at time drilled on the wall made up of either wood or cast iron and different metals. It would be best to choose match safes made up of metals as situated near lamps, fireplaces and the kitchen. The Antique match safes designed according to use such as for personal or for specific place like inside the house. It depends on how the collectors want to display their little treasures. Few serious antique collectors display them in glass boxes placed in their particular room for antiques. Many choose to display them on their wall, while others like to place them on their tabletop as a decoration.
Just like purchasing any kind of antique, the age of antique match safes matters. It would be ideal to look for the manufacture date and do investigate about a before buying it. The condition of the match safe is also a matter of consideration; it should be in its original finishing. A lot people use match safes for their cigars and cigarettes, others used them as wall-hung planters. There are a lot more uses of match safes made up of brass, iron, glass and china.
These antique match safes are rare to find only few flea markets or garage sales sell this small compact antique.
