Antique silver matchbox from the city of Birmingham 1905/1906

Silver Birmingham 1905-6 matchbox holder. An antique silver matchbox holder from Birmingham, dated 1905/1906, weighing 21.3 grams, in excellent condition. Unique round shape. Perfect condition.

The history of matchboxes as collectible items for lighting begins with the “brilliant intuition” of 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 pocket inside the jacket for the matchbox. An incredible variety of models emerged, rapidly following one after another, 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 friction strip, made from various materials. Those made of gold and silver had features that allow us to determine their period of production today. The greatest refinement was engraving your initials. 

Back then, matchboxes were considered very important advertising tools. They quickly became popular at World Exhibitions, during the turn of the century frenzy, and also among companies producing alcohol, champagne, and beer, which printed their logos on them.

Exquisite 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 design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, marked by the dominant Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By 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, inspired by the reign of Napoleon. This style features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, such as Louis XVI style, also strongly references ancient architecture. Antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles are also interesting and noteworthy. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese “barocco”—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by very ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were chosen selectively to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, which left a significant mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets 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 motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Today, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French artisans. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for luxurious antique pieces suited to your interior.