Civil War soldiers match box?

[Fast Ed]

Found at an 1800's Baptist Parsonage. Only 3" deep. My buddy Beepbeepin say's its a "Soldiers Match Box". Inside the shield it say's "Smith.S Patent Jan. 17 - 1860. Looks to be made of brass. Any other info. is greatly appreciated......

 

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[Fast Ed]

Here, that's better

 

[John_Deere]

Well, I can tell you one thing, THIS IS AWESOME!! Really cool find, wish I could be of more help, but I've never seen one of these before. Great find, congrats and HH!

 

[CoilyGirl]

It's very nice but I too have no idea if its a holder for lucifers or what era it is from.theres always helpful people here who know their stuff.

 

[recondigger]

Good going I don't know anything about it but I hope you find out more

Scouts out!

 

[CoilyGirl]

Is ( was) it hinged on both sides and what does it say on the right side?

 

[Old Dude]

First Civil War era matchbox I have seen, if it turns out that is what it is. I hope so! What a wonderful find you've made.

 

[beepbeepin]

(5) Brass match safe, 2.5" x 1.5", cast striking surfaces on both sides, individual match slots within, shield on case reads "Smiths Patent Jan. 17 1860".


Found this on the web Ed

 

[Fast Ed]

That's it exactly....Thanks Chris!

View attachment 796854

(5) Brass match safe, 2.5" x 1.5", cast striking surfaces on both sides, individual match slots within, shield on case reads "Smiths Patent Jan. 17 1860".


Found this on the web Ed

 

[Fast Ed]

I just wish it was in that kind of shape but heck, it is what it is

 

[Erik in NJ]

Very nice find. Looks like there's a cartouche on one side where the owner's initials can be engraved. Any engraving anywhere on it?

 

[Fast Ed]

I've been pouring over this thing but no engraving. Did find the miniature spring and slide mechanism inside but broken.....

Very nice find. Looks like there's a cartouche on one side where the owner's initials can be engraved. Any engraving anywhere on it?

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

Epic win !!
Keep @ it and HH !!

 

[kuger]

Yep,and a dandy,I have dug the same one,but only the one side,without the Patent Date.Great find,I really enjoy digging Vestas/match safe's,even though I only seem to get one every few years!

 

[Papa Bear]

Very nice find. Well done!!

 

[Digs68]

I like it! Really cool find!
Congrats!

 

[CoilyGirl]

Good to know you got a positive ID on this,even unattached it is still a wonderful find.

 

[CMDiamonddawg]

how about that , a CW era match safe

these tin cases show up every now and then here in Jersey , found one lately with something other than match sticks ,

most interesting how many individual match slots within ?

 

[Wildcat1750]

A really cool find, Fast Ed and great ID on it, beepbeepin! An 1860 Patent would put it in the CW era for sure.

 

[Old Dude]

1860 is the patent date, yes? Do we know how long these were actually in production? Would be great to know the actual date of manufacture.