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 matchbox cases of this collectible smoking item 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.

So important that it also influenced fashion; tailors of that era began designing and creating men's suits with a special inside pocket for the matchbox. An incredible variety of models emerged, rapidly succeeding each other from the second half of the 19th century to the 1920s, when they were replaced by mechanical lighters. They were equipped with a snap-on lid and a abrasive strip, made from various materials. Those made of gold and silver had a feature that allows us to determine the production period 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 also 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. Currently, 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 design 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 stand out. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from Napoleon’s reign. This style features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese “barocco”—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the former era. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture-making. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, 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 especially in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture made in this style, drawing inspiration from Italian and French creators. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that in each country, the perception of furniture production differed, 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. This is ultimately crucial from the buyer's perspective, as the market is flooded with many forgeries. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product's compliance with its description and photos. We have at your disposal art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.