Made by the Gorham Mfg. Co. of Providence, RI. First made in 1904.

During their hundred year history (1840-1940) match safes were constructed in every conceivable material and combination of materials. They were ingeniously made in a spectacular variety of shapes.

Friction matches were hazardous (they could explode in one’s pocket) so they required protection in a fire-proof container that could be easily carried. Early on many of these little cases became jewelry-like and masterfully made though the majority remained utilitarian and commercial. Similar to the evolution of the snuff box, the finest match safes were made from gold, silver or plate in designs characteristic of the period. The late Georgians, and even more so the Victorians, Edwardians, and the fanciers of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, loved the strike-anywhere-match and they constructed ingenious and beautiful boxes in which to keep them. As women picked up the smoking habit they, too, had an effect on the aesthetics of lighting devices.

- www.matchsafe.org

MANUFACTURER: Gorham Mfg. Co.

DATE: 1904 - ca.1910

CONDITION: Good, the hinge is broken in a hairline fracture, this can be repaired by a simple weld.

FEATURES: The design is the same on both sides, clear area for an engraved inscription.

MARKS: 3 Marks (middle is an anchor) STERLING

SIZE: approx 1.5" x 3"