Matchbox

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This matchbox was produced by the Diamond Match Co. Ltd and contained 'Empire Matches'. It dates from the early 20th century.

The top of the box has a map of the world, with British colonies and dominions marked in red. Above are the words 'WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN'.

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: 000-100-102-375-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MGP 42
• Date: Early 20th century
  
• Material:
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• What:
• Subject: Matches, of all kinds and containers (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Diamond Match Co. (Maker)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Matchbox with a map of the world on the top of the box, the matchbox once contained 'Empire Matches', by the Diamond Match Co., early 20th century
  
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