Burnell and Rowe

Description

This is a stylish Art Deco Sterling Silver Matchbox Holder. The holder has an engine turned top and bottom, with open sides to enable the tray to be pushed open and for access to the strike on the matchbox.

The matchbox holder was made in Birmingham by D. Bros and dates to 1936, the single year of Edward VIII's reign. The Birmingham D. Bros mark is a bit of a mystery. It is believed to have been used by both Davies Brothers and Dingley Brothers between around 1910 and 1960 but it may belong to neither of these firms, although it was certainly in use during this period. It is most commonly seen on smoking accessories and occasionally on items of tableware.

Condition is very good, with no dings or dents and just the superficial surface wear that you would expect with use and the passage of time. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The holder is for the matchboxes of the 1920s/30s, which were somewhat smaller than modern ones. It measures 4.4cm / 1.7ins by 2.9cm / 1.1ins and is 1.4cm / 0.55ins high. It weighs in at a respectable 14.7g / 0.52oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on one side of the holder, are nice and clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, the date letter M for 1936 and the mysterious D. Bros makers' mark.

Shipping in the UK is £6 by Royal Mail Tracked 24.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.