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 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 items were so important that they even 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 into the 1920s, when they were replaced by mechanical lighters. They featured snap-on lids and abrasive strips and were 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 regarded as very important promotional tools. They quickly became prominent at World Exhibitions, capturing the spirit of the turn of the century, as well as 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. This is 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, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from the Napoleonic era. This style features significant influence from Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by very ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and serve a luxurious role. Materials were chosen selectively to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style has influenced modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also the Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, moldings, strong 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 in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate furniture crafted in this style, drawing inspiration from Italian and French artisans. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so every style had its distinct character within each nation. This is especially important when searching for the perfect exclusive antique for your interior.

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