Object Image

Tortoiseshell matchsafe

Oblong, with curved lid and rounded corners, semi-transparent, featuring gold piqué work in cross-like pattern all over box body, small gold shield attached to front. Lid hinged on left side. Gold release button on right side. Striker carved into box bottom.

Credit: Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener...

late 19th century
Tortoiseshell, gold
1978-146-298
Image and text © Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2020

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