Matches had variety of containers in 19th century
ATerry & Kim Kovel
ntique shoppers must be well-versed in the vocabulary of collectibles to read catalogs, make online searches or understand words with double meanings such as commode (dresser) and commode (toilet).
You also need to know that Wedgwood and Wedgewood are two unrelated companies.
What is the difference between a match strike, match safe, match case and match holder? They all were made in the 19th century to hold wooden matches.
A match strike is a small vase kept on a table. It holds matches with the heads up. There is a rough surface used to strike the match and get a flame.
A match safe or case is a rectangular box about the length of the wooden match. The box has a hinged cover that snaps shut to avoid letting the matches be accidentally lit.
The first wooden matches were not the safety matches used today. The match safe was often made of sterling silver with elaborate raised decoration. It was carried in a suit pocket or purse and used to light a cigar or cigarette.
The match holder usually was used in the kitchen. It was kept on a shelf or hung on the wall. An advertisement was sometimes on the front; it held a bunch of wooden matches used to light the stove.
Don’t be surprised if you find that the match names are misused, as many people call them all “match holders.”
This small 2-by-3 ⅝-by2-inch miniature pool table is a match holder for a table. It is made of brass, felt and ivory. The lid slides open, and there is a striking surface on the side.
The item’s unique shape led to a price of $834 at a Wm Morford Antiques auction in New York.
Q: I have a Dick Tracy knife my mother got in 1946. It glows in the dark and has pictures of Dick Tracy and B.O. Plenty, a Crime Stopper Whistle and Clue Detector magnifying glass. The blade is marked “Camco, USA.” What is it worth?
A: The Dick Tracy comic strip started in 1931. He was also featured in movies, a 1940s radio series and a 1950s television series.
This knife was made by Camillus Cutlery Co., which was in business in Camillus, New York, from 1876 to 2007. It was made with red or blue lettering. Another version was made picturing Dick Tracy and Junior Tracy.
The knife originally sold for 98 cents, but today it sells for $18 to $70 depending on its condition.
CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
• Libbey bowl: pedestal, ruffled, clusters of puntes, intaglio flowers, ray cut foot, 4¾ by 9¾ inches, $50
• Cane: convertible, hinged handle, opens to form seat, bamboo, 29 inches, $180
• Parker fountain pen: marbleized white resin, 18-karat gold nib, 5½ inches, $240
• Credenza: rectangular top, compartment, shelf, 6 drawers, 3 sliding doors, ACO Mobler, Denmark, 1950, 31 by 59 by 18 inches, $490
Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel, authorities on collectibles, write for the King Features Syndicate. Visit www.kovels. com.