This early 1800s lignum vitae Go to Bed has the unusual feature of having a disc striker on the lid. On the top of the box are two parallel discs: the lower disc forms part of the lid and the upper disc can be moved up or down on a short threaded spindle to vary the space between the discs. The discs are covered in sand paper. The gap would be opened to allow the match-head to be inserted between the discs and then closed slightly to hold it in position. The match would then be pulled out, creating the friction which would light it.The lid unscrews to store matches inside the box. This example measures 10cm h x 4.3cm w.C1830The first match boxes were designed to hold a bottle of Sulphuric Acid in the centre with Potassium Chlorate coated matches around the edge. These matches would ignite when dipped in the acid. By the 1830s, friction matches had taken their place, and hence, there was no need for acid. The boxes changed style to have single compartments with an external ...