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Object Timeline

1978

  • We acquired this object.

2000

2015

2024

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Elephant and Palms Matchsafe

This is a matchsafe. It is dated late 19th century and we acquired it in 1978. Its medium is silver. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The first friction matches, developed in 1826, were popular in the Western world by 1840 but were easily combustible when carried loose. This hazard resulted in the popularization of the matchsafe, a reusable means of storing matches. This small, decorative matchsafe, complete with a striker strip around its perimeter, could be attached to a chain, making it a stylish and functional accessory.

This object was donated by Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener. It is credited Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.

Its dimensions are

5.1 x 2 x 1 cm (2 x 13/16 x 3/8 in. )

It has the following markings

No marks

Cite this object as

Elephant and Palms Matchsafe; India; silver; 5.1 x 2 x 1 cm (2 x 13/16 x 3/8 in. ); Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener; 1978-146-1101

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18493927/ |title=Elephant and Palms Matchsafe |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=24 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>