What is a match safe?

1 Answer

A match safe is a small portable box that is designed to hold matches and keep them dry. In the early 19th century, these boxes were very popular since matches were known to ignite unexpectedly when carried without a protective cover.

1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021

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Victorian Sterling Etched Match Safe

Located in New York, NY

Lovely Victorian Sterling Etched Match safe from the late 1900's UK. Hand etched with ornate scroll patterns with a cartouche which was added for initials. 2" x 2" x 3/8".

Category

Early 1900s Ashtrays

Victorian Sterling Etched Match Safe

$450

Antique Silver Golfing Match Safe, Vesta Case

Located in Oxfordshire, GB

Golf Vesta case A round antique silver golfing match safe with striker on the bottom. The match holder is embossed with a golfing scene of a male golfer in his back swing watched by...

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Sporting Art Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Silver

Antique Silver Golfing Match Safe, Vesta Case

$928

3 Horn, Wood and Silver Match Safes or Trinket Boxes

Located in Palm Springs, CA

One notable chip to one side of the little horn match safe, pictured.

Category

Antique 19th Century British Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Silver

3 Horn, Wood and Silver Match Safes or Trinket Boxes

$1,200 / set

Antique Sterling Silver Repoussé Vesta / Match Safe

Located in San Diego, CA

#5302 This example has a refined sculptural quality uncommon in standard Victorian match safes, with the decorative relief concentrated to one side in a distinctly Art Nouveau man...

Category