Tavern Scene (late 19th century)Original Source: See this work of art on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum website
The matchsafe was a pocket-sized metal box designed to safely store early friction matches, which had the unfortunate habit of bursting into flames at the slightest touch. They're collectors items today, but between 1850 and 1915, many people would've carried a matchsafe.
Matchsafe (early 20th century) by Whitehead & Hoag CompanyOriginal Source: See this work of art on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum website
These weren't just practical objects, they were artworks in their own right. All sorts of novelty designs were produced, from illustrations and souvenir images, to adverts and erotica. This matchsafe advertises medicinal 'cream of olives', suitable for all sorts of ailments.
Bollinger Champagne Crate (late 19th century) by Tiffany & Company, American, established 1853Original Source: See this work of art on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum website
For centuries, smoking and drinking has been inseparable. Unsurprisingly, many matchsafes advertise alcohol. This late 19th Century example, made by Tiffany & Co., is shaped like a crate of Bollinger champagne.
matchsafe (1881)Original Source: See this work of art on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum website
Speaking of which… this bunch of carousing sweater-wearing scholars seem to have forgotten their books in favour of a couple of flagons.
matchsafe (late 19th century)Original Source: See this work of art on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum website
Here's one way to spark up conversation. Then, as now, risqué images were popular. They offered the carrier a little piece of licentious art in their pocket.
Woman's Leg (late 19th century)Original Source: See this work of art on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum website
In an era where uncovered hair might be considered vulgar, a matchsafe in the form of a woman's thigh would have certainly caused a stir. As smoking was considered an almost-exclusively male pastime, it's not surprising to see designs such as this.
Corsetted Female Torso (late 19th century)Original Source: See this work of art on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum website
We often think of this era as unusually prudish, but the demand for private erotica clearly existed. The worn-down decoration on this one suggests it was handled often.
Cigar Butt (late 19th century)Original Source: See this work of art on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum website
Matchsafes were designed to be passed around, shown off, and admired. We have to imagine these being taken out in bars and billiards rooms. While many were cheap novelties, some, such as this gold imitation cigar butt, were truly exquisite items.
Sword Hilt with Fishing Boats and Water Birds (late 19th century)Original Source: http://collection.cooperhewitt.org/view/objects/asitem/id/179140
This unusual matchsafe from Japan is designed to look like a sword handle. Made of brass with gold details, this would have been a luxurious item for its owner, and it shows how the form varied according to local tastes.
Guilloche Enamel Match Safe (late 19th century) by August Wilhelm Holmström, Finnish, 1829 - 1903Original Source: See this work of art on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum website
The matchsafe may have been snuffed out by the invention of the modern lighter, but it's easy to see how they took inspiration from their predeccessors. If you'd like to learn more, why not take a look at the Cooper Hewitt's extensive matchsafe collection.
