Skip to main content

Match Safe

to
18
146
21
104
70
68
47
24
15
12
10
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
5
3
3
2
Sort By
Antique Tiffany & Co. Figural Sterling Silver Elephant Match Safe or Vesta
Antique Tiffany & Co. Figural Sterling Silver Elephant Match Safe or Vesta

Antique Tiffany & Co. Figural Sterling Silver Elephant Match Safe or Vesta

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique figural match safe or vesta. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with a gilt inner edge.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian novelty silver matchbook cover, chamberstick, match safe
Antique Victorian novelty silver matchbook cover, chamberstick, match safe

Antique Victorian novelty silver matchbook cover, chamberstick, match safe

Located in NEWARK, GB

A fantastic antique novelty silver matchbook cover. Very well made in cool sterling silver, it is large sized matchbook cover, the box of matches sliding into the recess at the fron...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Art Nouveau L & Co. Sterling Silver Enamel Vesta Case Match Safe
Antique Art Nouveau L & Co. Sterling Silver Enamel Vesta Case Match Safe

Antique Art Nouveau L & Co. Sterling Silver Enamel Vesta Case Match Safe

Located in New York, NY

This antique Art Nouveau Vesta Case is a striking example of sterling silver craftsmanship from the mid-20th century. It is made by the renowned British silversmith L & Co. and featu...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Enamel

Cast Solid Brass Hunt Themed Match Holder
Cast Solid Brass Hunt Themed Match Holder

Cast Solid Brass Hunt Themed Match Holder

Located in Elkhart, IN

A gorgeous hunt themed solid cast brass match safe featuring a rabbit and a pheasant, with a match striker just under the horn in the center Circa Mid-20th Century Measures: 4....

Category

Mid-20th Century Black Forest More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Rare Royal Doulton Devil/ Mephistopheles Sterling Mounted Matchsafe, 1926
Rare Royal Doulton Devil/ Mephistopheles Sterling Mounted Matchsafe, 1926

Rare Royal Doulton Devil/ Mephistopheles Sterling Mounted Matchsafe, 1926

By Royal Doulton

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

The match safe caddy measures 2.25 W x 1.25 D x 1 H Devil match safe 5.5 W x 3.5 D x 3.5 H.

Category

20th Century English Art Deco Decorative Bowls

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aggie's little pig
Aggie's little pig

Aggie's little pig

Located in Seattle, WA

engraved match safe/ stash box

Category

Early 20th Century German Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Antique American Cast Iron Frog Box Match Holder
Antique American Cast Iron Frog Box Match Holder

Antique American Cast Iron Frog Box Match Holder

Located in Forney, TX

Antique American cast iron fireplace match safe (or use as a trinket table box - outdoor spare key holder.)

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

19Thc Bronze & Iron Frogs Collection
19Thc Bronze & Iron Frogs Collection

19Thc Bronze & Iron Frogs Collection

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This amazing collection of bronze and iron frogs are all hand made or hand forged.The gilded frog is a advertisement & match safe in one.The others are hand made.

Category

Early 20th Century American Adirondack Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift Smokers
Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift Smokers

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift Smokers

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Antiques dealer Los Angeles CA Beverly Hills West Hollywood La Cienega Melrose Ave. Match box match holder is highly decorated with etched design to both sides Exotic sterling silver...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift Smokers
Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift Smokers

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift Smokers

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Antiques dealer Los Angeles CA Beverly Hills West Hollywood La Cienega Melrose Ave. Match box match holder is highly decorated with etched design to both sides Exotic sterling silver...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Art Nouveau Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift smoker
Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift smoker

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift smoker

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Antiques Dealer Los Angeles CA Beverly Hills West Hollywood La Cienega Melrose Ave. Match box match holder is highly decorated with etched design to both sides Exotic sterling silver...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift Dealer
Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift Dealer

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Match Holder Object Decorative Antique Gift Dealer

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Antiques dealer Los Angeles CA Beverly Hills West Hollywood La Cienega Melrose Ave. Match box match holder is highly decorated with etched design to both sides Exotic sterling silver...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

An Early 20th Century Sterling Silver Vesta Case in the Form of a Devil’s Head
An Early 20th Century Sterling Silver Vesta Case in the Form of a Devil’s Head

An Early 20th Century Sterling Silver Vesta Case in the Form of a Devil’s Head

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

An amusing sterling silver novelty vesta case / match safe in the form of a devil's head. The face having an expressive sardonic grin and eyes inset with red stones.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Other Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Scandinavian Enameled Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Neoclassical Motif
Antique Scandinavian Enameled Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Neoclassical Motif

Antique Scandinavian Enameled Sterling Silver Vesta Case with Neoclassical Motif

Located in Cincinnati, OH

This highly collectible circa 1896 vesta case was made in Oslo, Norway by Arthur David-Andersen. The match safe has a hinged lid and is composed of sterling silver with a vermeil wash.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Norwegian Neoclassical Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique French Silver and Enamel Vesta Case / Box, circa 1895
Antique French Silver and Enamel Vesta Case / Box, circa 1895

Antique French Silver and Enamel Vesta Case / Box, circa 1895

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

There is an integrated textured panel/match striker to the underside. Vesta cases, vesta boxes, or pocket match safes or matchsafes were small portable boxes, made in a great vari...

Category

Antique 1890s French Romantic Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Enamel, Silver

Hunting Dog Setter Golden Retriever Lab Bird Antique Silver Match Box Safe
Hunting Dog Setter Golden Retriever Lab Bird Antique Silver Match Box Safe

Hunting Dog Setter Golden Retriever Lab Bird Antique Silver Match Box Safe

Located in New York, NY

This is a stunning antique Victorian Sterling Silver Match Box Safe decorated with a spectacular and rare image of a hunting dog in the marsh with Cattails and grasses.

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

VESTA CASE 1920 Germany Art Deco Matches Box In 14Kt Gold & Sterling Silver
VESTA CASE 1920 Germany Art Deco Matches Box In 14Kt Gold & Sterling Silver

VESTA CASE 1920 Germany Art Deco Matches Box In 14Kt Gold & Sterling Silver

By Louis Kuppenheim

Located in Miami, FL

Vesta boxes Vesta cases are small portable boxes made to contain matches and keep them dry. They take their name from the Roman goddess of fire and the hearth, although in the Unite...

Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Dutch .833 Silver Figural Three Anchors / Barrel Matchsafe or Vesta
Antique Dutch .833 Silver Figural Three Anchors / Barrel Matchsafe or Vesta

Antique Dutch .833 Silver Figural Three Anchors / Barrel Matchsafe or Vesta

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Simply a wonderful antique Dutch match safe! Date: Late 19th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with some light edge wear, some fi...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Modern Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

Antique Wang Hing Chinese Export Silver Vesta or Matchsafe
Antique Wang Hing Chinese Export Silver Vesta or Matchsafe

Antique Wang Hing Chinese Export Silver Vesta or Matchsafe

By Wang Hing & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Simply a wonderful Chinese silver match safe! Date: Late 19th or Early 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

Dolphin Andirons, Bradley & Hubbard, Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1886-1900
Dolphin Andirons, Bradley & Hubbard, Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1886-1900

Dolphin Andirons, Bradley & Hubbard, Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1886-1900

By Bradley & Hubbard

Located in Downingtown, PA

Bradley and Hubbard was no exception, adding the production of flags, hoop skirts, spring measuring tapes and match safes during the war years.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American American Classical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Grand Tour Marble Model of Scipio's Tomb, circa 1820
Grand Tour Marble Model of Scipio's Tomb, circa 1820

Grand Tour Marble Model of Scipio's Tomb, circa 1820

Located in Kinderhook, NY

Most examples of this form house inkwells, this example quite rare as the interior is hollow, possibly for use as a match safe or quill nib receptacle. Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barba...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Siena Marble

Bradley & Hubbard Bookends-Ancient Greek Temple Columns & Arch
Bradley & Hubbard Bookends-Ancient Greek Temple Columns & Arch

Bradley & Hubbard Bookends-Ancient Greek Temple Columns & Arch

By Bradley & Hubbard

Located in Downingtown, PA

Bradley and Hubbard was no exception, adding the production of flags, hoop skirts, spring measuring tapes and match safes during the war years. The discovery of oil in Pennsylvani...

Category

Early 20th Century American Craftsman Bookends

Materials

Iron

Louis Kuppenheim 1927 Guilloche Green Enamel Vesta Box In 925 Silver Pill Box
Louis Kuppenheim 1927 Guilloche Green Enamel Vesta Box In 925 Silver Pill Box

Louis Kuppenheim 1927 Guilloche Green Enamel Vesta Box In 925 Silver Pill Box

By Louis Kuppenheim

Located in Miami, FL

Vesta boxes Vesta cases are small portable boxes made to contain matches and keep them dry. They take their name from the Roman goddess of fire and the hearth, although in the Unite...

Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Boxes and Cases

Materials

Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Gilded Age Gold Combination Whistle and Match Safe
Gilded Age Gold Combination Whistle and Match Safe

Gilded Age Gold Combination Whistle and Match Safe

Located in New York, NY

An unusual and elegant turn of the century 18K gold carriage whistle, worn by a gentleman as a watch fob or a lady on her chatelaine, with hand engraved flourishes, the match striker...

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Boxes and Cases

Materials

18k Gold

14k Antiques Match Safe
14k Antiques Match Safe

14k Antiques Match Safe

Located in Houston, TX

14k Match Safe

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Boxes and Cases

Chalkware Moon Match Safe
Chalkware Moon Match Safe

Chalkware Moon Match Safe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

CIrca 1900 unusual chalkware 'Man In The Moon' match safe, original surface and condition

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art More Folk Art

Edwardian Hand Decorated Match Safe

Edwardian Hand Decorated Match Safe

Located in New York, NY

An Edwardian match safe with transfer decorated and hand colored hunt scene; marked Carltonware W&R Stoke-on-Trent.

Category

Early 20th Century British Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Art Deco Brass Match Safe
Art Deco Brass Match Safe

Art Deco Brass Match Safe

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Very detailed Deco match safe in the shape of a large house fly. Hinged wings reveal storage and area for striking matches.

Category

Vintage 1930s British More Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Cast Iron House Fly Match Safe

Cast Iron House Fly Match Safe

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Rare fly match safe by the Simpson Iron Co. Hinged wings open to reveal storage.

Category

Early 20th Century American More Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Antique Garnet Sterling Silver Match Safe
Antique Garnet Sterling Silver Match Safe

Antique Garnet Sterling Silver Match Safe

Located in New York, NY

Fine antique sterling silver figural shoe match safe. Set with fifteen faceted garnets. 3" x 1 1/2."

Category

Antique 1890s American Boxes and Cases

Materials

Garnet, Sterling Silver

Fox and Hare Terra Cotta Match Safe
Fox and Hare Terra Cotta Match Safe

Fox and Hare Terra Cotta Match Safe

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Depicts a fox chasing a hare. Possibly a match safe. Unglazed. Signed illegibly on underbelly.

Category

20th Century Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Art Nouveau Sterling and Enamel Match Safe
Art Nouveau Sterling and Enamel Match Safe

Art Nouveau Sterling and Enamel Match Safe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A lovely turn of the century Art Nouveau sterling and enamel match safe with a peacock feather design on the front and gilt interior.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Art Nouveau More Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tiffany & Co. Match Safe and Chatelaine Belt Clip
Tiffany & Co. Match Safe and Chatelaine Belt Clip

Tiffany & Co. Match Safe and Chatelaine Belt Clip

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in St.amford, CT

Antique Tiffany sterling silver match safe chatelaine belt clip. Circa 1870-1903.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American More Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian French Sapphire Diamond Gold Trefoil Match Safe
Victorian French Sapphire Diamond Gold Trefoil Match Safe

Victorian French Sapphire Diamond Gold Trefoil Match Safe

Located in Narberth, PA

An interesting and unusual match safe from the Victorian (ca1880) period! This unique piece is made of 18kt yellow gold and has a rich, hammered surface.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Unger Brothers Sterling Indian Chief Match Safe
Unger Brothers Sterling Indian Chief Match Safe

Unger Brothers Sterling Indian Chief Match Safe

By Unger Brothers

Located in New York, NY

Sterling silver hinged match safe. The front of the case is a figural "Indian Head" in full feather regalia.

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Boxes and Cases

Materials

Sterling Silver

Trompe l'Oeil Porcelain Deck of Cards Match Safe
Trompe l'Oeil Porcelain Deck of Cards Match Safe

Trompe l'Oeil Porcelain Deck of Cards Match Safe

Located in Essex, MA

An amusing, decorative trompe l'oeil painted and transfer printed porcelain covered box in the form of a deck of cards, the lid with domino handle/finial, the interior designed as ...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Decorative Boxes

Very Rare Shiebler Sterling Military Backpack Cigarette Case and Match Safe
Very Rare Shiebler Sterling Military Backpack Cigarette Case and Match Safe

Very Rare Shiebler Sterling Military Backpack Cigarette Case and Match Safe

By Schiebler

Located in New York, NY

A beautifully designed cigarette case and match safe in sterling silver. Very cleverly designed with the backpack straps and the rolled blanket detailing.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Charlton & Co. 1940s Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Match Safe
Charlton & Co. 1940s Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Match Safe

Charlton & Co. 1940s Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Match Safe

Located in Manchester, NH

This incredible match safe by Charlton & Co. hails from an era during which keeping one's cigarettes and matches in bejeweled cases made from precious metals was a sign of class.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Boxes and Cases

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Sterling and Crystal Match Stikers
Sterling and Crystal Match Stikers

Sterling and Crystal Match Stikers

Located in New York, NY

Various crystal and sterling silver topped match safes. Featuring a sterling silver collar and a ribbed crystal body, these were used to hold matches which could be struck on the ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Rare Art Deco German Airplane Cigarette/Cigar Case Combo
Rare Art Deco German Airplane Cigarette/Cigar Case Combo

Rare Art Deco German Airplane Cigarette/Cigar Case Combo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

It is a self contained unit that includes a match safe, cigar container and cigar cutter. The wings are detachable cigarette cases.

Category

20th Century German Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Gold Plate, Brass

Bronze Matchsafe Gator
Bronze Matchsafe Gator

Bronze Matchsafe Gator

Located in Pasadena, CA

Great old cold painted bronze match safe. Very animated for the person wanting something unique.Match strike under lid.

Category

Early 20th Century Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

German Art Deco Silverplated Airplane SMOKERS COMPANION
German Art Deco Silverplated Airplane SMOKERS COMPANION

German Art Deco Silverplated Airplane SMOKERS COMPANION

Located in Coral Gables, FL

The propeller turns to clip a cigar. The cockpit is a match safe. An ashtray slides out in front of the cigar holder.

Category

20th Century German Models and Miniatures

Art Deco 'Aeroplane'  Smoker's Companion.
Art Deco 'Aeroplane'  Smoker's Companion.

Art Deco 'Aeroplane' Smoker's Companion.

By J. A. Henckels

Located in London, GB

Facilities afforded the smoker include a cigar box in the fuselage, a pair of removable cigarette cases in the wings, a set of four ashtrays housed in the cockpit, behind a match saf...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal

Faberge Silver Gold Cigarette Case
Faberge Silver Gold Cigarette Case

Faberge Silver Gold Cigarette Case

By Fabergé

Located in TRYON, NC

In the top is a hinged compartment/match safe whose edges are flush with the surface.

Category

Early 20th Century Russian Art Nouveau Boxes and Cases

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

J.A. Henckels German Art Deco Airplane Smoker's Companion
J.A. Henckels German Art Deco Airplane Smoker's Companion

J.A. Henckels German Art Deco Airplane Smoker's Companion

Located in Coral Gables, FL

The airplane includes a hinged compartment in the center for cigars, two removable cigarette cases as wings, a set of four ashtrays behind the match safe with striker that is the coc...

Category

20th Century German Tobacco Accessories

Brass Dolphin-Form Andirons
Brass Dolphin-Form Andirons

Brass Dolphin-Form Andirons

By Bradley & Hubbard

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

FYI: Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company Fate sold to the Charles Parker Company Founded 1852 Defunct 1940 Headquarters Meriden, Connecticut, United States The Bradley & Hubbard ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Neoclassical Revival Fireplace Tools ...

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Brass Candlesticks
Pair of Brass Candlesticks

Pair of Brass Candlesticks

By Bradley & Hubbard

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

FYI: Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company Fate Sold to the Charles Parker Company Founded 1852 The Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company (1852–1940) was formed in Meriden,...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Candlesticks

Materials

Brass

J.A. Henckels Smokers Aeroplane
J.A. Henckels Smokers Aeroplane

J.A. Henckels Smokers Aeroplane

Located in Northampton, United Kingdom

This wonderfully rare smoker's companion has a cigar box in the fuselage, a pair of removable cigarette cases in the wings, a set of four ashtrays housed in the cockpit, behind a mat...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Tobacco Accessories

Art Deco Pop Up Cocktail, Smoking and Coffee Bar
Art Deco Pop Up Cocktail, Smoking and Coffee Bar

Art Deco Pop Up Cocktail, Smoking and Coffee Bar

Located in Oakland, CA

If that is not enough, there is a smoking section utilizing two silver plated caskets (one for cigarettes and one for cigars) lined in Spanish cedar, with six crystal ash trays store...

Category

Vintage 1930s Argentine Art Deco Dry Bars

Materials

Metal

Sterling Silver Match Safe
Sterling Silver Match Safe

Sterling Silver Match Safe

Located in Cookeville, TN

Offering this gorgeous sterling silver match safe. The main body of the case is done in floral and foliate engraving and the front side has a shield shape but is empty.

Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Meiji Period Shagreen Match Safe
Meiji Period Shagreen Match Safe

Meiji Period Shagreen Match Safe

Located in Chicago, IL

This is an unusual match safe, covered in shagreen with a samurai warrior applied to the body.

Category

Antique 1890s Asian Tobacco Accessories

Antique Sterling Pig Match Safe
Antique Sterling Pig Match Safe

Antique Sterling Pig Match Safe

Located in New York, NY

Antique sterling silver figural pig match safe. Striker on bottom. Perfect condition.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Silver

Hand-Painted Long Match Safe with Icons
Hand-Painted Long Match Safe with Icons

Hand-Painted Long Match Safe with Icons

Located in Cookeville, TN

We are offering a unique long match safe that is hand decorated with icons. The sides are of a lovely green color applied to the hard paper piece.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Hellenistic Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Paint

Antique Japanese Cicada Match Safe Vesta, circa 1890s
Antique Japanese Cicada Match Safe Vesta, circa 1890s

Antique Japanese Cicada Match Safe Vesta, circa 1890s

Located in Stamford, CT

Brass Japanese match safe vesta in the shape of a Cicada circa 1890s.

Category

Antique 1890s Japanese Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Match Safe", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Match Safe For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the match safe you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, silver and sterling silver, every match safe was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer match safe, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A match safe, designed in the Art Nouveau, Victorian or Art Deco style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made match safe has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Gorham Manufacturing Company, Gorham and Joseph Gloster are consistently popular.

How Much is a Match Safe?

Prices for a match safe can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $80 and can go as high as $8,950, while the average can fetch as much as $882.
Questions About Match Safe
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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.