Tags | Collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

We have 40 objects tagged matchsafe and this is page 1 of 2.

In the form of a fish, with incised scale-like decoration on body, finer incised decoration on small upper and lower fins as well as tail. Face plain except for saw-tooth, incised band that wraps from front to back, and applied, raised eyes. Face serves as lid, hinged at top with small hook catch underneath. Textured body likely intended to serve as striker.

Fish Matchsafe, 1907–08
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-1236

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Oblong, curved sides and corners; one side featuring incised and inlaid decoration of trout leaping out of water, situated horizontally on box body, its back a dark, oxidized color, its underside brass, fins and eyes copper, stalk-like vegetation on right, some vegetation on left, fishing line with fly attached suspended in air on upper left; reverse features fisherman, situated vertically on box, with fishing rod line caught in seat of his pants, he wears dark, oxidized jacket and shoes, brass colored hat and shirt, copper colored pants, grassy bank brass color, with brass tipped cattails on right and left. Lid hinged on side. Striker on bottom.

Fishing motif Matchsafe, patented 1871
silver, brass, copper.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-488

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Rectangular, snuff box type container, featuring vertically situated, polychrome enamel image of blond cancan dancer with right leg kicked high. She wears patterned pink dress with low bodice, white petticoats and bloomers, thigh-high black stockings and black shoes. Lid's lip or left edge curved. Lid hinged on right side. Striker on back of same long right side panel.

Cancan Dancer Matchsafe, late 19th century
cast silver, enamel.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-259

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Rectangular, rounded sides and corners, featuring arts and crafts style decoration of a raised Celtic knot motif against a mottled blue/green enameled background in small, irregularly shaped, central reserve. Lid hinged on upper left side. Striker on bottom.

Arts and Crafts Style with Celtic Knot Matchsafe, 1902–03
silver, enamel.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1982-23-122

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Rectangular, curved top and bottom, featuring horizontal, sepia-toned, photographic image of the White House, inscribed below "White House, Washington D.C.", reverse features horizontal, sepia-toned and hand colored photographic image of the Capital, inscribed below "The Capital, Washington, D.C.", side panel beneath White House image inscribed "Washington, D.C." Lid hinged on side. Striker on bottom.

The White House, Washington, D.C. Matchsafe, 1900–10
plated metal, printed celluloid.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-640

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Rectangular, rounded corners and sides, featuring polychrome enamel decoration of kangaroo holding cricket bat with seated lion in background, inscribed above animals "The Sportsman" and below "for Cricket News". Reverse features very worn inscription "SEP 1899". Lid hinged on upper left. Striker on bottom.

"The Sportsman" magazine Matchsafe, 1899–1900
silver, enamel.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1982-23-40

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Rectangular, with rounded corners and sides, featuring raised decoration of cowboy on bucking horse, reins in his left hand, whip in raised right hand, to left is hat flying off his head. Reverse side undecorated. Hinge on side. Striker on bottom.

Cowboy Matchsafe, ca. 1900
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-1320

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

In the form of a scallop shell, ribbed surface, striker on back side. Hinged lid, opens along top edge.

Scallop Shell Matchsafe, ca. 1900
silver plated.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1982-23-147

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Oblong, with undulating curves on lid's uppermost edge, as well as where lid's seam meets the case body. Lid adorned with central, raised shell form, flanked by watery, nautilus-like swirls. Body features highly sculpted, relief work of a nude water nymph riding a horse amid roiling waves. Reverse of lid features same decoration as lid front. Reverse body unadorned except for a sprig of seaweed that falls downward from lid's seam, over left side of box, as well as an elaborate, intertwined monogram (possibly CK). Lid hinged on side. Slightly curved and protruding striker on bottom.

Water Nymph and Horse Matchsafe, ca. 1900
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-201

This object was made by Whiting Manufacturing. Co..
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Oblong, curved top and bottom, featuring raised ornament that simulates fishing line, hook and sinkers wrapped around a reel, line extends from front to reverse of box. Lid hinged on side. Matches most likely intended to be struck on textured side of box

Fishing Reel Matchsafe, late 19th century
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-486

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Rectangular, rounded corners, with transfer printed decoration on lid, inscribed "Tetley's Teas" in large red and black type-face, highlighted in yellow, featuring central image of blue elephant's head with red kerchief, elephant holds at end of curled trunk box on a string, box inscribed "Indian Ceylon," above box inscription reads "Trade Mark," all on off-white ground, edges, sides and underside gold. Lid hinged at back. Striker on underside.

Advertisement for "Tetley's Teas" Matchsafe, late 19th century
plated tin, enamel.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-3

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Rectangular, image/text reads horizontally, featuring raised decoration of British football player in mid-stride on playing field, reaching towards a thrown ball, inscribed below right "Saved", identical on reverse. Link attached to lid top. Lid hinged on long side, thumb catch on opposite side. Striker on bottom.

British Footbal Player, inscribed "Saved" Matchsafe, late 19th century
plated metal.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-349

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

In the form of a round, British football, front ribbed and laced down the center. Reverse ribbed, inscribed "Strike boldly, then your light will shine clear. Affly." Lid (upper section of ball) hinged on left side. Link attached on left side. Striker recessed in bottom

British Football Matchsafe, 1905–06
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-157

This object was made by Sampson Mordan & Company.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Matchsafe (USA), 1905–15
gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-464-a,b

This object was made by Theodore B. Starr.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 4 images of this object.

Elongated oval shape, flat, undecorated front and reverse surfaces, featuring small knife and button hook that swing out from left and right concealed slots on underside. Link attached to end. Lid (box cover on front) hinged on long, button hook side. Striker also on long side beneath hinge.

with Pocket Knife Matchsafe, 1881–82
silver, gilding, metal.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-1267

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Oblong, curved sides and corners, featuring raised decoration of upside-down octopus on body, starfish on lid, monogram "MR" on reverse. Lid hinged on side. Striker on bottom.

Octopus and Sea Star Matchsafe, ca. 1880
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-476

This object was made by George W. Shiebler & Co..
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

This object has not been digitized yet.

Matchsafe
Overall: 6 x 3 x 1.6 cm (2 3/8 x 1 3/16 x 5/8 in.).
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-91

THIS OBJECT IS NOT PUBLIC
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Rectangular, curved top and bottom, featuring printed decoration of man's two-tone ankle boot, with lace and hook closures, inscribed on inside of boot "Stacy Adams & Co.", inscribed on boot loop at top of back "Stacy Adams & Co.", c-scroll motifs to upper left and lower right of boot, inscribed below "Hulbert & Parker, Dealers in Fashionable Footwear, 121 Sixth Street, Pittsburg, PA." Reverse features small red griffon holding banner inscribed "None But The Best" on upper left corner, below inscription reads in various typefaces "Stacy Adams & Co., Makers of Fine Shoes, $5.00 & $6.00," in fine print below inscribed "The Whitehead & Hoag Co., Newark, N.J." Both side panels inscribed "None But The Best." Lid hinged on side. Striker on bottom.

Advertisement for "Hulbert & Parker, Fashionable Footware" Matchsafe, 1900–10
plated metal, printed celluloid.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-785

This object was made by Whitehead & Hoag Company.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Rectangular, curved corners, canted sides, with cover that slides off top of box; cover features beading on right and left edges, with thumb catch on right side, raised frame contains inscription "J. Palmer's, Camberwell London"; inscription inside frame reads "Royal Patent, Wax Vesta Match"; at center is small raised opening to hold single lit match, to left is image of lion, over opening is crown, to right is image of a horse; underside inscribed "Alexander S. Stocker, Patentee" in upper recessed area, striker in central recess, "Brass Battery Works, Wandsworth Surrey" inscribed in bottom recess.

"J. Palmer's Royal Patent Wax Vesta Match" Matchsafe, 1848
gilded brass.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-1309

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Oblong, rounded corners, curved top, with raised curves and counter curves on perimeter and where lid's bottom edge meets the box body. Central reserve features image of a train inside the Wall Street station tunnel, above which "Subway N.Y." is inscribed. Inscribed on reverse reserve is the mongram "WCP" or "WCG". Lid hinged on left. Slightly concave striker on bottom.

"Subway N.Y." Matchsafe, ca. 1904
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-1426

This object was made by T. S. Gilbert.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

In the form of a cicada, with bulging eyes on head, large veined wings, and ribbed body. Reverse features underside of insect, textured belly probably intended as striker. Head serves as lid, hinged on reverse (underside) allowing it to open by flipping back.

Cicada Matchsafe, late 19th century
plated metal.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-1311

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Rectangular, snuff-box type container with transparent glass top and bottom and gold sides. Glass beveled at edges, two gold thumb catches on front side of container. Lid hinged at back. Striker below hinge on back.

Transparent Glass Matchsafe, 1915–16
gold, glass.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1980-14-202

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Cylinder in form, single piece of brown agate with white striations, hollowed out to form box; capped with silver collar, silver lid attached to collar, hinged at back; fine band of twisted silver wire wraps around the perimeter of lid's edge, flower with petals of twisted wire at lid's center. Striker carved into stone on bottom.

Brown Agate Matchsafe, ca. 1900
agate, silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1982-23-1367

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Compliments of National India Rubber Company, Bristol, RI; Patented June 6, 1905

Compliments of National India Rubber Company Matchsafe, ca. 1905
metal, celluloid.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-2

This object was made by Whitehead & Hoag Company.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Rectangle form with bulging sides and flared corners. The front has a plain silver surface with illusionary relief scene of head of hairy dog peering through ripped hole in safe. Dog is smoking with smoke trails off to right side.

Matchsafe (USA), early 20th century
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-217

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Object ID #18494819

Object ID #18494819
cast metal and painted celluloid.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-220

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.

Matchsafe
Overall: 4.7 x 3.6 x 1.1 cm (1 7/8 x 1 7/16 x 7/16 in.).
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-223

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.

Matchsafe
Overall: 4.8 x 3.5 x 0.9 cm (1 7/8 x 1 3/8 x 3/8 in.).
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-348

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.

Rectangular, in book form, featuring incised decoration with brown wash of a gentleman in Top hat standing on diving board requesting a light from a swimmer, who hangs from board's edge while in water below, inscribed "Bitte!" at bottom. Reverse features same gentleman, having received his light, as he is flipped into air after swimmer has released board's edge, inscribed below "Danke!". Two lids at top and bottom, hinged on metal pins. Striker on flat side.

Gentleman and Swimmer Matchsafe, late 19th century
ivory.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1982-23-128

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

In the form of a pistol

Object ID #18494167
plated brass, cut steel, wood.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-121

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.

In the form of four cigars held together with a band inscribed "HAVANA" on both front and reverse. Hinged on side. Striker recessed in top of lid.

Cigars Banded Together Matchsafe, 1891–92
cast and engraved silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-241

This object was made by William Neale & Sons.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Oblong, with long sides curved, covered in a tartan pattern printed paper in red, green, black, and yellow, as well as possible maker's mark and pattern name "Prince Charlie" printed in gold on front. Slip top style lid meets box body at center. Small match socket in ivory on lid top. Striker of sandpaper on bottom.

"Prince Charlie" Matchsafe, late 19th century
wood, printed paper, ivory.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-308

This object was made by William & Andrew Smith.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Object ID #18494843
cast and incised silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-231

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

In the shape of an old shoe, with leather collapsed and folded, featuring a sole and heel with red glass beads along perimeter to simulate raised nail heads, parts of sole and heal also appear worn away. Sole flips open to reveal match compartment. Striker set inside shoe, beneath laces on reverse side.

Worn Shoe Sole Matchsafe, late 19th century
silver, glass.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1982-23-1183

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Rectangular, with curved corners and sides, the front inscribed with the word/picture rebus "Who The [Devil] Are You", the text enameled in dark blue, the devil in red, he holds red handled pitchfork, the prongs of which are white, devil stands on white ground. Reverse undecorated. Lid hinged on side. Striker on bottom.

"WHO THE [DEVIL] ARE YOU" Matchsafe, late 19th century
brass, enamel.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-390

This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.