One of the interesting areas of majolica collecting is in smoking paraphernalia. Although not as popular as it was 20 years ago due to society's changed outlook on smoking, it is still a large and active field as a cross-collectible. Of these smoking related items, humidors would rank as the number one collectible category with smoke stands and match strikers coming in second.
Attributed to Moehling
Continental majolica smoker
Attributed to Moehling
Sarreguemines majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Block majolica match striker
Bernard Bloch tiger match striker
Austrian majolica smoke stand
Attributed to Moehling
Austrian majolica smoke stand
Match strikers come in all sorts of shapes and types. The most popular are the whimsical animal strikers from France, Germany and Austria but they came in a variety of themes. The stands usually comprise at least two small containers: one for matches and one for spent matches. Sometimes they also include holders for cigarettes or an ashtray. There is always a small ridged unglazed area somewhere on the piece for striking the match. Match boxes and holders are usually self contained, with only a ridged area somewhere on them for striking matches. There are also candlesticks that come with attached match containers and smokers, which act as a novel way of showcasing their use as an ashtray.
Continental smoke stand marked HH.
Attributed to Moehling
Majolica smoke stand Attributed to Moehling
Wedgwood fly match box
George Jones majolica candle stand
George Jones majolica match box
George Jones majolica match box
Mintons majolica match box
Wardle majolica Fan match box
The prices on these run the full gamut from inexpensive ($30-$50) to very expensive in the hundreds of dollars.
I can't tell you how often I've picked these up at flea markets and yard sales for practically nothing. Many people have no idea what they are, but if you keep out a keen eye you too may find one of these amusing little treasures.
Austrian majolica smoke stand Attributed to Moehling
As is the case for humidors the more sought after strikers are those with animals dressed in clothes and those of cats and dogs. These will usually command a premium price. Regardless of price, these merry little majolica survivors of a different age will liven any collection.
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