c1890 Baseball Match Holder

[CarltonHendricks]

Is anyone familiar with this match holder? I know I've seen it before in an auction or somewhere. A guy is selling it for $995.00 here (http://www.jdwahlantiques.com/folkart.php). I used it as my Sports Antique of the Week.
<img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/BBMatchSafe.jpg">

[BrockJacob]

Dont you have the mirror from the set it came from Carlton?

[CarltonHendricks]

Good eye Brock...it actually took a while for it to sink in to me, that the mirror looked similar....Actually though, I don't know that it was part of a set for sure or what. I did post a comparison photo in the feature (http://sportsantiques.com/1890BBMatchHolder.htm) that pretty much confirms them as the same maker...They are both a mystery though...I don't have any solid reference on who or when they were made....only thing I know is I was amoured by the mirror the first time I saw one...and it took 15 or so years to get one....did a trade with Mark Cooper. As much as I liked it, I could never understand why he traded it....only thing I could figure was he had a better example..probably that had the top baseball base cap that mine is missing.
<img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/Mirrorfull.jpg">

[BrockJacob]

Carlton,
Here is one of the mirror frames offered in REA a few years back and this one is dated; "July 11 - 89".
http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/auction/2005/660.html

I think there is also a match holder featuring the pitcher and batter.

[rickybulldog50]

I thought Antique Athlete had an example on their website. Neat pieces!

[perezfan]

Brock is once again correct....

Here is a more typical example of the same Matchstick Holder that Corey Leiby had a while back... it now resides in his on-line "Museum".

http://www.sports-memorabilia-museum.com/baseball-history/antique-baseball-match-holder.shtml


These are normally found with this blackish-grey "gunmetal" type finish or patina. It is rather unusual to find anything from this series painted, as was the case with the one Carlton posted.

I forget what Corey (Antique Athlete) was asking for his when it was for sale, but this current seller's price is rather ambitious. I believe that this painted example is closer to a $500 - $600 piece. But they do not turn up very often, so he may eventually get his price.