English Sterling and Glass Match Striker in the Shape of a Mug, Charles Fox and Company, Limited, Chester, 1898-1899
The history of match strikers dates back to the early nineteenth century, emerging alongside the invention of friction matches. Early match designs relied on a simple chemical reaction that could be ignited by striking against a rough surface, which soon evolved into the development of dedicated match striker plates. By the mid-nineteenth century, advances in safety improved these tools, with the creation of strike-anywhere matches and safety matches that required a special surface containing red phosphorus. Match strikers became an essential part of households and were often crafted into decorative shapes or incorporated into match holders. These items not only served a practical purpose but also reflected the style and craftsmanship of the era in which they were made.
1 3/4" height, 1 1/2" top diameter, 2 1/4" width.
