Mid-20th Century American Cased Sterling Silver Flip Matchbook Cover/Match Holder by Tiffany & Co.

Mid-20th century american cased sterling silver flip matchbook cover/match holder by Tiffany & Co.

By: Tiffany & Co.
Material: metal, silver, silver plate, sterling silver
Technique: metalwork, plated, polished, silvered
Dimensions: 2 in x 2 in x 0.5 in
Date: mid-20th century, circa 1940
Style: Mid-Century Modern, Art Déco
Place of origin: United States

This petite sterling silver matchbook cover exemplifies the clean and minimalist lines of Mid-Century Modern american design. The flip-top lid is attached to the body, allowing it to smoothly open and close to access the matches within. The silversmith’s mark of luxury retailer Tiffany & Co. is engraved on the back along with the word ‘sterling’, attesting to the silver purity and fine craftsmanship.

Coming from Tiffany’s studio, this piece embodies the postwar optimism and sophistication that came to define american Modernism in the mid-20th century. The simple yet elegant form marries functionalism with artistic expression, resulting in an accessory that is both practical and decorative. Sleek, refined, and evocative of its era, this matchbox cover demonstrates the pioneering spirit of american design in the 1940s and 50s.

The matches pictured are not included, they are shown for strictly illustrative purposes.

As can be seen in the photos, the piece exhibits minor marks and scratches, natural in antique objects, due to the passage of time and use.