Victorian Ribbed Glass Match Striker with Sterling Silver Collar, 1899

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An English Victorian match striker dating to 1899, combining finely ribbed clear glass with a hallmarked sterling silver collar. Distinguished … Read more An English Victorian match striker dating to 1899, combining finely ribbed clear glass with a hallmarked sterling silver collar. Distinguished by its unusual low-domed form, this antique table accessory offers a variation on the more familiar spherical match strikers of the late 19th century. The substantial glass body is formed into a broad, flattened hemisphere, its exterior covered in closely spaced concentric ribs. These provide the textured surface historically used for striking friction matches. A polished sterling silver mount encircles the central opening, contrasting with the finely reeded glass and giving the otherwise utilitarian object a refined finish. Match strikers were familiar accessories in Victorian households, particularly in drawing rooms, libraries and smoking rooms, where they provided a convenient way to store and light matches. While many surviving examples feature globular or spherical bodies, this comparatively shallow dome gives the piece a notably architectural profile. The silver collar bears English hallmarks dating to 1899, together with the maker's mark A.B & Co. Condition: Good antique condition. A small dent to the silver collar, general surface wear and a localised area of minor damage towards the lower edge of the ribbed glass. The imperfections are principally noticeable on close inspection. Dimensions: Height 4.5 cm (1.77 in); diameter 7.7 cm (3.03 in). See less