made at Kirkpatrick-Durham, Kirkcudbrightshire
000-100-103-604-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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'Spunk' box
This wooden box for 'spunks' or sulphur matches dates from the early 19th century. It was turned out on a lathe at Kirkpatrick-Durham in Kirkcudbrightshire.
The box is in the form of a barrel which unscrews two-thirds of the way up. It has the initials R.I. (for Robert Innes) on the bottom.
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.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-100-103-604-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland H.MGP 1 |
| Date: |
After 1791
Early 19th century
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| Material: |
Wood. Inscription: On bottom: R.I.
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| Dimensions: |
3.90" H x 1.30" D base
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| What: |
Box, spunk
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| Subject: |
Matches, of all kinds and containers (NMAS Classification)
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| Who: |
Buchanites, Newhouse, Kirkpatrick-Durham (Maker)
Mother Buchan
Robert Innes (Owner)
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| Where: |
Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Kirkpatrick-Durham
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Wooden spunk-box in the form of a barrel which unscrews two-thirds of the way up, with the initials R.I. on the bottom, from Newhouse, Kirkpatrick-Durham, after 1791
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