Silver matchbox with initials "D M C" Birmingham 1921/22

Silver matchbox holder Birmingham 1921-22, weighing 19 grams, and in excellent condition. Decorated with vertical ribs, it features a plaque with the initials “D M C” equipped with a snap-on lid and a striker strip on the bottom. Inside the lid’s limiter, we find a complete perforation cycle.

The history of matchbox boxes 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 have it 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 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 striker 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, the matchbox was regarded as a very important advertising tool. It immediately caught on at World Exhibitions, the frenzy of the turn of the century, and also among companies producing alcohol, champagne, and beer, which printed their logos on them.

Exceptional 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 defined 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.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture is from the 19th century, during the reign of the 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 Napoleon’s reign. This period features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which 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 irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate 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 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, using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also drew inspiration from mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, showcasing 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 crucial when searching for an exclusive antique that will suit your interior.