Matchbox & matches

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This matchbox and safety matches were produced in the early 20th century by Bryant and May Ltd of London. It contains 14 matches, one of which is spent.

The top has a picture of a tiger crouching in some rushes, with 'TIGER MATCHES' printed beneath. The base is of a similar design but the tiger is standing.

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: 000-100-102-367-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MGP 13
• Date: Early 20th century
  
• Material: Cardboard, orange. Inscription: Cover top: TIGER MATCHES beneath a tiger crouching in rushes / base: TRADE MARK and a standing tiger / front face: BRYANT & MAY, LTD / LONDON, / LIVERPOOL & GLASGOW
  Matchbox / match
  
• Dimensions: 2.80" x 1.95" x 0.95" / 2.30" L
  
• What: Matchbox / match
  
• Subject: Matches, of all kinds and containers (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Bryant and May Ltd, London, Liverpool and Glasgow (Maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Matchbox of orange cardboard containing fifteen matches, inserted into a cover bearing a picture of a tiger, with TIGER MATCHES beneath, by Bryant and May Ltd of London, early 20th century
  
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