Opus Antiques

Description

A 19th century lignum vitae wood Go to Bed l6.5cm in height. Nicely turned and in good condition. Top unscrews for storage of matches. These Go to Beds were reputed to have several functions. To insert a wax match to the top which would give enough light to go upstairs to bed and to seal letters by using the max to melt the wax and finally used for lighting all the household candles. C1840/50. A nice piece of antique treen.

A lovely 19th century lignum vitae Go To Bed with original or very old striker paper to bottom. Used for storage of matches which would have been lit from the striker paper on the base and placed in the top. This would give enough light to Go To Bed or for wax sealing of letters. Approximately 9cm in height. A tiny piece missing from top where match is inserted but will still hold the match. C1840/50. A lovely piece of antique treen.

Price £68.00

A Victorian faux tortoiseshell Go to Bed or match protecter box stamped with the Berry patent. For placing a wax match in the lid for light, or for sealing letters. The matches were stored inside with a striker to the base. It was necessary in the early to mid 19th century to store matches in these boxes as a knock or heat would cause a match to light, think what health and safety would say.......