English Silver Pyrogen – Sheffield, 1893

This exceptional English pyrogen dates from the Victorian era and was made of sterling silver in Sheffield in 1893. The silver hallmarks on the edge of the base refer to the Sheffield Assay Office and the manufacturer Williams (Birmingham) Ltd.

The upper, finely ribbed cup holds the matches and also serves as a striking surface for lighting them. The wide, slightly recessed base catches burnt matches and ash. On the underside is a later-added felt pad, which was not part of the original design. With its simple, elegant shape, the piece resembles a small candlestick and is a fine example of late 19th-century English silversmithing.

The pyrogen comes with 100 matching strike-anywhere matches. To light them, the match head is drawn sideways across the ribbed striking surface – not from top to bottom.

• Manufacturer: Williams (Birmingham) Ltd.

• Origin: Sheffield, England

• Year: 1893

• Period: Victorian

• Material: Sterling silver (925/1000)

• Match holder with integrated striking surface

• Incl. 100 strike-anywhere matches

• Height: 7 cm

• Diameter: 10.5 cm

• Total weight: 185 g

• Quantity: 1 piece

This is a utilitarian object over 130 years old, with corresponding signs of age and use. Please also refer to the detailed photographs.