Description

MINT RARE Antique Halloween Skull Match Safe Victoria Carlsbad Austria 1891-1918 This is a very early and ultra-creepy-cool RARE porcelain skull match holder, and it is in DEAD MINT condition! This piece is marked Victoria Carlsbad Austria, and this mark indicates that it was made during the years 1891 to 1918. It is also marked with a hand-painted number 95 The incredible molding and hand-painted details will make this a wonderful addition to your vintage and antique Hallowe'en or tobacianna collection. This decorative match holder measures 3 ¼" long. It could also be used as a candle holder if desired. The striker is on the back of the head. Notice the details here, including his very defined cheek bones, upside-down heart-shaped nose, and hand painted, original missing teeth. There are NO chips, cracks, or repairs, or any indication that this match safe was ever used. The striker is pristine. Match safes or match holders were either ornamental items - like the piece we are offering here - or were also waterproof containers that were carried in the pocket, which were sometimes referred to as pocket vestas. Decorative match safes such as this wonderful skull would have held a small supply of wooden matchsticks, always at the ready on a desk or end table for a gentleman to light his cigar, pipe, or cigarettes. The crisp molding and painting on this rare item would make it fascinating addition to your collection of vintage and antique Hallowe'en memorabilia, Victorian-era porcelain collectibles, or examples of old Tobacianna memorabilia.