Antique silver matchbox Birmingham 1920/21

Ancient silver matchbox holder Birmingham 1920-21. A pocket-sized silver matchbox case made of 925 sterling silver, richly decorated with engravings of scrolls and phytomorphic motifs, featuring a tableau with the initials “P S”. It bears Birmingham city marks from 1920/21 and weighs 20 g. Excellent condition. Equipped with a snap-on lid and a abrasive strip on the bottom.

The history of matchboxes as collectible smoking accessories begins with the “brilliant intuition” of the Englishman John Walker, who invented the match in 1840; the idea was immediate—to gather these fires into a case to keep it handy for lighting a pipe or cigar in a club. No gentleman would leave the house without this essential accessory in his waistcoat.

Such importance also influenced fashion; tailors of that era began designing and creating men's suits with a special inside pocket for a matchbox. An incredible variety of models emerged, rapidly succeeding each other from the second half of the 19th century through the 1920s, when they were replaced by mechanical lighters. They featured snap-on lids and abrasive strips, made from various materials. Those made of gold and silver had a feature that allows us to determine their period of production today. The greatest refinement was engraving your initials.

Back then, matchboxes were considered highly important promotional tools. They quickly became part of World Fairs, the frenzy of the turn of the century, and companies producing alcohol, champagne, and beer, which printed their logos on them.

Elegant antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that have a specific character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

There are many styles characteristic of antique furniture, but a few key ones can be distinguished. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from Napoleon’s reign. This period is characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI style, also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese “barocco”—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. They used exclusive materials selectively to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical era. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. They also drew inspiration from mythology and ancient times, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common sights in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands replicate such furniture inspired by Italian or French creators. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that furniture was perceived differently in each country, so each style had its own distinct character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for the buyer, as the market is flooded with many forgeries. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.