Matchbox

This matchbox was produced in the early 20th century by Bryant and May Ltd of London. It represents how phosphorous matches were packaged in multiples and marketed from the mid or late 19th century.

The box uses the motif of the red precious stone (the ruby) and the cow sacred to Hinduism to market the safer red phosphorous match.

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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