Matchbox

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This matchbox contained matches made in Flanders in Belgium. It dates from the late 19th century and was probably packaged and marketed in Scotland.

The top of the box has a picture of a man ploughing with two horses pulling a Scottish style of 'swing' plough.

Sulphur matches or 'spunks' have a long history, and may have been used by the Romans. Chemical methods of making fire were developed in the late 18th century and in the 1830s the first phosphorous matches - 'Congreves' - were introduced.

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-376-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MGP 49
• Date: Late 19th century
  
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• Subject: Matches, of all kinds and containers (NMAS Classification)
  
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• Description: Matchbox with a picture of a man ploughing with two horses pulling a Scottish style of swing plough on the top of the box, once contained matches from Flanders, Belgium, late 19th century
  
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