What is Matchbox striker made of?
A match strike, also called a match safe or a matchbox, was once a common accessory used to store matches for lighting cigars, pipes, fireplaces, and candles. This unique, often sculptural object has a cup to hold matches and a rough surface on which to strike them and ignite them. It works with strike-anywhere matches and can be found in a wide variety of materials, including concrete, porcelain, ceramic, or English sterling silver. Many are now considered collectibles and can add a touch of nostalgia to home décor or bar carts.
Match holders and antique match strike are no longer as common as they once were, but a new generation of artisans is making the classic design stand out again. These match strikers and holder sets offer a modern twist with a minimalist look, while others have a more rustic, vintage feel that can bring the outdoors inside. Whether you’re looking for a match holder to keep in your desk or one that can double as a decorative item for your living room mantel, these items are perfect.
Hand-thrown on the potter’s wheel by Julia Finlayson of Evanston, Illinois, this match striker is crafted from dark clay and finished with a pond green glaze. The organic shape and texture make this a conversation piece, with no two match strikers being exactly the same. Use it with a set of’strike anywhere’ matches (not included) to light candles, or simply stick it in your drawer for toothpicks.
This match striker, or pyrogene, is a reproduction of those found in French bistros throughout late 19th and early 20th century Europe. Embossed in Burgundy red with gold trim, it would be at home on a tabletop in your favorite French restaurant or as a decorative accent on your bar cart.
This match striker is crafted in the USA from solid concrete, with a cylindrical shape that highlights the textures and neutral hues of the material. It can be used as a decorative accent, or filled with small rocks to serve as a holder for your favorite pens or candles. The base provides enough friction to ignite regular safety matches, and can be refilled with new matches for continued use.
