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An Unusual Antique Treen Go to Bed with Disc Strikers
Sold by Opus Antiques
sold SA1136759
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Opus Antiques

Opus Antiques

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An Unusual Antique Treen Go to Bed with Disc Strikers

19th century
Sold 15 April 2025 · Opus Antiques
This “Unusual Antique Treen Go to Bed with Disc Strikers” found a buyer.

It was listed by Opus Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Find more for sale
Antique Novelty TreenAntique Pocket Match SafeVictorian Treen Collectable Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

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.

C1830

The 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 striker. The bottom of the box would have glass paper recessed into the bottom, or the base would have grooved circular lines to create friction. Very occasionally, there was a third design made by Berry, a similar example of which is photographed here. 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 This example dates from around 1830. Minor small chip repair to the scallop top.

A rare example, similar to the Berry Patent types. ''Berry''is the name of a company better known for its metal match holders, and yet, their earliest productions were turned from hard wood such as lignum vitae

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Treen Go to Bed to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1136759
Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description
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.
Opus Antiques

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.

fig 1. A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it.
fig 1. An Unusual Antique Treen Go to Bed with Disc Strikers

The lid unscrews to store matches inside the box. This example measures 10cm h x 4.3cm w.

C1830

The 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 striker. The bottom of the box would have glass paper recessed into the bottom, or the base would have grooved circular lines to create friction. Very occasionally, there was a third design made by Berry, a similar example of which is photographed here. 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 This example dates from around 1830. Minor small chip repair to the scallop top.

fig 2. A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it.
fig 2. An Unusual Antique Treen Go to Bed with Disc Strikers

A rare example, similar to the Berry Patent types. ''Berry''is the name of a company better known for its metal match holders, and yet, their earliest productions were turned from hard wood such as lignum vitae

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Treen Go to Bed to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1136759
Opus Antiques
Opus Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2014

Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Opus Antiques Profile Page

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A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

An Unusual Antique Treen Go to Bed with Disc Strikers

Archive II A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it. View II
Archive III A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it. View III
Archive IV A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it. View IV
Archive V A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it. View V
Archive VI A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Opus Antiques

Opus Antiques
Telephone 07941 285 532
Location
North Devon
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/opusantiques
Verified Since Oct 2014
Items For Sale 99
Items Sold 2,403
Opus Antiques
Opus Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: North Devon, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/opusantiques
Verified
Oct 2014
For Sale
99
Sold
2,403
A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it.
An Unusual Antique Treen Go to Bed with Disc Strikers
Ref: SA1136759
A small, dark brown turned wooden treen go to bed with integrated disc strikers and a lighter wooden match shown next to it.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Treen
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGeorgian / Victorian Treen
  • MaterialHardwood, Bone
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsTurned wood profile, Integrated match striker, Petal carved detailing

FAQs

A treen go to bed is a small, portable pocket device traditionally used in the Georgian and Victorian eras to hold a single wax vesta or match and a tiny candle, allowing a person to light their way to bed.

These pieces were typically turned from dense hardwoods such as boxwood, lignum vitae, rosewood, or walnut, often featuring integrated metal strike plates for lighting matches.

Authenticity is determined by hand-turned tool marks, natural patina, appropriate wear consistent with age, and traditional construction methods typical of eighteenth and nineteenth-century woodturning.

This small decorative object can be displayed as a curiosity on a bookshelf, desk, or mantelpiece, adding historical texture and a point of conversation to a curated interior.

Antique wood should be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations, occasionally treated with microcrystalline wax to maintain the finish without damaging the historical patina.
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