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for sale/sale is a wonderful piece of early 20th-century Massachusetts industrial history: an original Antique Tin Advertising Wall-Mount Double Match Holder.
This primitive country store style piece features clear, prominent gold-stenciled typography advertising local merchant "R. B. Draper" out of Peabody, Mass., with the catchy period slogan:
"PLAY SAFE. BUY YOUR COAL OF R. B. DRAPER PEABODY MASS."
Designed to hang safely near wood stoves or gaslights, this dual-compartment caddy includes an enclosed left dispenser pocket with a hinged top lid, an open right compartment, and its original riveted, corrugated metal striker ribbon. As a fantastic display bonus, this listing includes a vintage mid-century cardboard A&P (Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company) utility matchbox that fits beautifully into the holder.
CONDITION DETAIL:
This item is in authentic, as-found antique condition with a fantastic rustic patina. The black finish displays beautiful age-appropriate wear, including surface oxidation (rusting), paint chipping, and minor pitting on the metal edges and interior trays, heavily validating its decades of actual utilitarian use. The stenciled gold lettering remains remarkably crisp and highly legible. The companion A&P box shows light shelf wear/rubbing to the edges but remains structurally intact. Please review all high-resolution photos carefully as they form part of the visual description.
Don't miss the chance to add this rare cross-over collectible (Coal Industrial History / Massachusetts Local Memorabilia / Early Tobacciana) to your home, cabin, or collection!
