English, Birmingham
Matchbox, late 18th century
Silver, 4.6 x 2.7 x 1 cm (1 13/16 x 1 1/16 x 3/8 in.)
This polished silver, engraved English matchbox has the overall shape of a rectangle that is slightly wider at the top than the bottom. It is hinged on one side and flips open from a sharp, tooth-like catch on the other side. The top is curved and decorated with borders of tiny round punch marks and a stylized star-shaped posy of leaf forms in the center. The body of the matchbox is also outlined with additional tiny circular forms enclosing a polished rectangle with a shield form and four small rosettes. Inside the shield on one side are inscribed the initials A.S. and on the other side the shield is empty. On the bottom are several silver makers Marks: anchor [town mark of Birmingham], King's head [duty mark], IT [maker's mark of John Turner or John Thorton], lion passant [silver standard mark], X [date letter, 1795?]
Little Salon
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.