One of the recent Estate Sales I attended had a vast collection of WWII era clothing, equipment and ephemera. There were three little cardboard boxes which made a fascinating collection. This is the first item. Diamond International Corporation Independence Safety Matches with a green and tan paper label. Produced by the Diamond Match Division New York NY 10017.

The green label seems to be unique. Most others I found have a red, white and blue label. I do not know if this was maybe a military issue packaging? The box is is fine shape for the age and includes 33 or the 34 original matches with wooden sticks and bring red lighting tips. The art work on the front is charming and even the matches are cute enough to display. It is additionally charming that the manufacturing QC process did not require each match to be identical in size!

I do not know if these matches will light and did not want to waste one trying it out. They appear to be in usable condition with no apparent water or other liquid contamination. There are quite a few nicks and scratches on the box and a few strike marks on both sides. The paper label is glued on the top and is slightly wrinkly. Everything is made of cardboard and the base slides in and out nicely. Amazing engineering for such a day to day product.

Dimensions:
Box - 2" x 1 1/2" x 3/4"
Each Match - 1 3/4" long