Title: 19th-century Antique Agate Stone Pocket Match Safe Box Holder
Shipping: $29.00
Artist: N/A
Period: N/A
History: N/A
Origin: Northern Europe > England
Condition: Excellent
Item Date: N/A
Item ID: 421
A beautiful and functional Antique 19th-century agate match safe box holder. An antique match safe, also known as a match holder or matchbox holder, is a small container used to store matches in the 19th century. These containers were often made of metal or agate and were used to protect matches from the elements and prevent them from being accidentally ignited. Match safes were particularly popular during the Victorian era when they were often made of precious materials such as gold, silver, and agate. Agate, a type of quartz with distinctive bands of color, was a popular material for match safes due to its durability and beauty. Some antique match safes were designed to be carried in a pocket or purse, while others were intended to be placed on a tabletop or mantelpiece as decorative objects. Many match safes were intricately designed and decorated with engravings, enamel work, or other decorative elements. In addition to serving as a practical tool, antique match safes were also collected as decorative objects and are now highly sought after by collectors. If you have an antique agate match safe, it could be worth a significant amount due to its rarity and historical value. It is always a good idea to have the value of any antique item professionally appraised by a qualified expert.
The first match safes were made in the early 19th century, shortly after the invention of the friction match in 1826. Friction matches, which could be ignited by striking them against a rough surface, made it easier to start fires and provided a more reliable source of light than traditional methods such as tinderboxes or flint and steel. Match safes were invented as a way to protect matches from the elements and prevent them from being accidentally ignited. These early match safes were often made of metal and were designed to be carried in a pocket or purse. As the popularity of matches grew, so did the demand for match safes. Many people began to collect these small containers as decorative objects, and they became popular gifts during the Victorian era. Antique match safes from this period are now highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and the craftsmanship that went into their production.
