Fox and Hare Match Safe

deldave

Full Member
Jul 9, 2013
164
292
coastal Delaware
Detector(s) used
Garrett AT PRO, ACE 250, pro-pointer
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I had just said to my partner, as I dug down around 8" after a solid signal, " I have never dug this deep and found anything good". As the words left my mouth I reached into the hole and came out with this fine match safe. I knew right away what it was when I saw the striker on the bottom. He has permission to hunt this 1800's property and was kind enough to ask me along. Just goes to show, patience and good friends go a long way. Anyone have a date or period that may apply to the "fox and hare" theme?
 

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Upvote 18
Cool match safe! I have found two myself so far and they are always a real nice and interesting find. I think these date from the 1870's to early 1900's. There might be a book on them on Amazon.
 

Very nice find
 

I'm gonna guess it dates 1900 - 1910 - what is composed of ? any hallmarks (with good light look at the area where the lid meets the
bottom part on the exterior of that rim - you may find a mark )

(looks like the top is missing - yeah ?)
 

Deldave, you started at least three threads concerning this match safe. I do not see the point in that many threads on the same item.

Moderators?
 

IM GONNA DATE IT A HHELLUVA FIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

I'm gonna guess it dates 1900 - 1910 - what is composed of ? any hallmarks (with good light look at the area where the lid meets the
bottom part on the exterior of that rim - you may find a mark )

(looks like the top is missing - yeah ?)

Agree. I should have added that it appears this one is later in that date range. I agree on your dating. I have one with a top, the other without. Both of mine took a beating after being lost. Last one I found I consider quite a nice local historic find as it is engraved with the name of a man and his business (a bar).
 

Interesting picture on that one, wish I knew which story it was?
 

Here's some additional salient information:

[FONT=&quot]Match holders, also known as matchsafes or vesta cases, date to the mid-19th century, when friction matches were first introduced. While a boon to cigar-puffing fat cats and homemakers alike, early friction matches, which were also called vestas and Lucifers, almost did their job too well, sometimes bursting into flame in a user’s pocket. Matchsafes keep these hair-trigger fire sticks from rubbing together and combusting prematurely.[/FONT]
The golden age of matchsafes was around 1870 until the 1930s.


Antique Match Holders and Match Safes - Collector Information | Collectors Weekly

Mr Vesta's Match Safes, pocket match safe collector, match case

http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Matchs...TF8&qid=1438006845&sr=1-3&keywords=matchsafes
 

I don't normally post more than one thread but since this item relates to several subjects of interest it thought it appropriate. Sorry if you feel that it is a waste of time!
 

I don't normally post more than one thread but since this item relates to several subjects of interest it thought it appropriate. Sorry if you feel that it is a waste of time!

:icon_scratch: What?
 

I guess I was just excited to share with as many folks as possible
 

OK, let the moderators handle that if need be. Your time may be better spent engaging those of us that took to the time out to try and give you more information on your find.
 

Old, not so old, with the lid,without the lid, it doesn't matter to me.I have yet to dig a match safe. Everytime I think I finally found one? Zippo....cool find brother.
 

I'm gonna guess it dates 1900 - 1910 - what is composed of ? any hallmarks (with good light look at the area where the lid meets the
bottom part on the exterior of that rim - you may find a mark )

(looks like the top is missing - yeah ?)
I was unable to find any markings and I believe it is brass with a hint of gold plating still visible, thanks for the info.
 

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