The 1864 patented metal self-closing safety match holder is a cast iron “match safe” produced by Davenport, Mallory & Company (D.M. & Co.) of New Haven, Connecticut. U.S. Patent No. 42,414 for a "Match Safe," was issued to G.H. Snow on April 19, 1864, although actual products are embossed with a patent date of December 20, 1864. The match holder (or "match safe") was a practical Victorian-era innovation designed to safely store matches and protect them from sparks or accidental ignition.

It is a wall-mountable or free-standing cast iron box with a hinged lid. The primary safety feature is simply that, due to a raised “pin” on the lid, the lid will always fall closed after a match is removed, preventing the contents from being exposed to spark or fire.

Made of cast iron, with some of its original black paint. Distinctly marked with raised lettering on the lid that reads: “SELF CLOSING / FOR MATCHES & C. / PATENTED DEC. 20, 1864, / D.M. & Co., / NEW HAVEN.” Has a rough striker surface on the bottom for igniting a match. Measures approximately 3.75” x 2.5” x 1.75”. Two screw holes on back plate for wall mounting. [jet][ph:L]

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