Pocket matchbox made of 925 silver

Pocket-sized matchbox in silver color. A pocket matchbox made of 925 sterling silver, rectangular with rounded edges, featuring a crest in the center of the front side, inside of which the initials A.R. are engraved.

Of English origin, from Birmingham in 1916/17, crafted by a silversmith with the initials R.R., weighing 25.8 grams, and in excellent condition. 

The history of matchboxes begins with the "brilliant intuition" of Englishman John Walker, who invented matches in 1840; the idea was immediate—to keep these fires in a case at hand 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 started designing and creating men's suits with a special pocket inside the jacket for a 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 friction strip, made from various materials. Those made of gold and silver had a feature that allows us to determine the period of production today. The greatest innovation was engraving your initials. 

Back then, matchboxes were regarded as very important promotional tools. They immediately gained popularity 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. 

Beautiful 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, creating and designing classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.  

There are many different styles characteristic of antique furniture, but we can distinguish a few key ones. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, marked by the dominant 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 dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by Napoleon’s reign. It 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, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the past 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 massive, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These were quite distinctive products, but they also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports and legs often took animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French creators, demonstrating 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 elegant antique pieces suitable for your interior.