Matchbox

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This matchbox dates from the early 20th century and represents how matches could be packaged as advertising material.

The top of the matchbox has a picture of a steamship at sea and, above, the name 'DUNDEE, PERTH & LONDON SHIPPING CO. LD.' The matchbox would have been used as advertising for the company.

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: 000-100-102-377-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MGP 55
• Date: Early 20th 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 steamship at sea and, above, the name 'DUNDEE, PERTH & LONDON SHIPPING CO. LD.' on the top of the box, early 20th century
  
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