A stunning Mid Century Napier gold-plated matchstick case with a raised star texture. Such a spectacular piece. The raised texture is downright gorgeous with an almost 3-D like texture and the vibrancy of the gold-plating screams 1950s Hollywood Regency style. Truly a magical piece.
A quick bit of history on Napier: The Napier Company was named after its president, James H. Napier, who led the company from 1920 to 1960. But the company's history can be tracked back to 1875 when it was founded as Whitney and Rice in Attleboro, Mass., manufacturing silver products. The firm changed hands and name in 1882 and became Carpenter and Bliss and shortly thereafter, E.A. Bliss and Co., Inc. After rapid expansion in the late 1880s the company moved to Meriden, CT in 1890. After WWI, the firm shifted emphasis from silver products to production of modern jewelry. James Napier became president in 1920 and the company adopted the name Napier - Bliss Co. In 1922, the name was changed to Napier Company. Like many jewelry companies Napier got into lines of art objects and other utilitarian objects like cocktail shakers and jiggers. In the early to mid 1930s they started producing several cocktail shakers (most notably the "Dial a Drink shaker" and the Rooster motif shaker) other pieces of barware including bar tools and this matchstick case.
Hallmarks: "Napier" can be found on the the interior of the lid (see photo for reference).
Condition: Very good vintage condition. There is mild/general wear inline with a piece that's 70 years old including a few tiny age spots and tarnish (mostly to the interior of the case including where the lid's interior hinge is). There's also a tiny bit of tarnish right at the top of the case (where the lid hits when it's closed). Overall, the gold-plating is vibrant. No dents or dings.
Measurements: Approx 2 1/2" tall by 1 3/4" wide and less than 1/4" in thickness. Cheers!
**On shipping: We take our packaging very seriously and carefully wrap all pieces to ensure safe delivery.
****Important to note pre-purchase: Buyers, please examine all photos carefully as we cannot accept returns due to the fragile nature (the possibility of breakage or damage when being shipped back) of our vintage/antique pieces. Our items are true vintage pieces that might have manufacturers flaws, flaws from age, or imperfections in general from being vintage. We try to explain the condition/description in an accurate and thorough manner but we ask that you please examine all photos carefully and ask all questions before purchasing an item as we are unable to accept returns due to the risk of breakage/damage.