✅ SOLVED Match Case?

[Relicmania]

I really have no idea what this is -- any help is much appreciated! I think it has a 2-digit number printed on the front -- maybe "75" or "73", but can't quite make it out.

 

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[Beeps in my sleep]

It looks like an old cigarette case,

 

[TORRERO]

It looks like an old cigarette case,

Well you know, I smoked for 12 years, that looks like it would be a bit small for cigarettes ... considering the quarter next to it..

 

[Relicmania]

It looks like an old cigarette case,

Sorry, I should have posted the measurements -- 1-3/4" wide, 2-1/4" high, and 3/8" deep (at the deepest part). Were cigarettes ever that small?

 

[Beeps in my sleep]

A cigarette case for elves then?

 

[releventchair]

See if a business card fits in it just right.

 

[Relicmania]

A cigarette case for elves then?

I was thinking a backpack for a hamster

 

[TooManyHobbies]

Pill box? Snuff box?

 

[Relicmania]

See if a business card fits in it just right.

Too small for any business card I have seen.

 

[releventchair]

Too small for any business card I have seen.

Then match case is sounding better.

 

[Relicmania]

Then match case is sounding better.

I don't understand the reason for the two compartments or the angular depth. The smaller compartment has a rectangular insert but the larger one does not. I can't tell if the dividing wall between the two compartments originally went all the way across or if it was meant to be open part of the way, as it is now.

 

[WoodsDigger]

I really have no idea what this is -- any help is much appreciated! I think it has a 2-digit number printed on the front -- maybe "75" or "73", but can't quite make it out.

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Match holder.

 

[pepperj]

Art Deco design
It looks like it has 2 lids.
Thinking a double sided compact of sorts.

 

[Relicmania]

Anyone think it could be for black powder accessories, like caps and patches or something?

 

[Relicmania]

Art Deco design
It looks like it has 2 lids.
Thinking a double sided compact of sorts.

Yes two lids and I would think art deco period. Seems really small for a compact but you could be right. Maybe there was a mirror in the top compartment?

 

[releventchair]

Side view (taper) of this one confirms paper matches. Vs wooden ones.

Antique Engraved Gilt Brass Matchbook Holder Case & Blank Monogram Shield - Hinged Chatelaine Matchbook Holder - Etsy

This Tobacciana item by BUTTERFLYWINGVINTAGE has 59 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Glendale, AZ. Listed on Mar 3, 2025

www.etsy.com

 

[Relicmania]

Side view (taper) of this one confirms paper matches. Vs wooden ones.

Antique Engraved Gilt Brass Matchbook Holder Case & Blank Monogram Shield - Hinged Chatelaine Matchbook Holder - Etsy

This Tobacciana item by BUTTERFLYWINGVINTAGE has 59 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Glendale, AZ. Listed on Mar 3, 2025

www.etsy.com

Awesome, I think you nailed it! I never thought about paper matches. Bottom compartment was to access the friction section.

 

[Relicmania]

I was curious about when matchbooks became a thing and found this: https://vinepair.com/wine-blog/the-history-of-the-matchbook/

 

[Blackfoot58]

First photo, bottom section: appears to have a hunting/outdoor scene.

 

[Relicmania]

First photo, bottom section: appears to have a hunting/outdoor scene.

I think it's just dirt. I didn't want to clean it up too much, at least until it was identified.