Pair of Golden Cameos Match Containers – Italian Gold-Tipped Matches c.1950s

Pair of Vintage Golden Cameos Match Containers – Italian Gold-Tipped Matches c.1957–1960s

A wonderfully tiny pair of vintage Golden Cameos match containers, made in Italy and dating from around the late 1950s to 1960s.

These miniature cylindrical card containers have a rather glamorous design for such an everyday object. Finished in metallic gold, each is decorated with a series of classical female cameo portraits framed within colourful oval medallions.

The removable lids carry the distinctive “Golden Cameos” branding, while the bases incorporate the dark striking surface.

Even better, both containers retain a substantial quantity of their original gold-tipped matches. One contains approximately 25 matches and the other approximately 30, giving around 55 original matches in total.

Examples of these little match containers are known bearing U.S. Design Patent D180,015, a design dating from 1957, helping place them firmly within the stylish post-war period. Their combination of classical imagery, metallic decoration and miniature proportions gives them a wonderfully quirky mid-century feel.

They would make a delightful addition to a collection of vintage matchbox advertising, smoking memorabilia, miniature packaging, social-history pieces or simply unusual decorative curiosities.

Dimensions:

Each approximately 4.5 cm high × 2.5 cm diameter

Contents:

One container – approximately 25 matches

One container – approximately 30 matches

Approximately 55 matches in total

Condition:

Good vintage condition with age-related rubbing, surface wear and fading to the printed decoration, particularly around the edges and bases. Both removable lids are present. The matches show natural age and have not been tested or struck. Please study the photographs carefully as these form an important part of the description.

Please note: These are sold as vintage collectables and the matches are not intended for use.

A charming pair of diminutive survivors — proof that even something as humble as a box of matches could once be packaged with a surprising amount of style