{"title":"Europe-Germany-German Empire 1870-1918-Imperial Field Gear-Matchbox Covers","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-pickelhaube-souvenir-of-france-matchbox-cover-g29044","title":"A First War German Pickelhaube “Souvenir Of France” Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) German Pickelhaube matchbox cover; depicting a German pointed cap and a banner with the inscription “Souvenir of France”; constructed of pressed brass; consisting of three sides slightly bent to pinch the matchbox and thereby hold it in place; the fourth side is left open to strike the match on the igniter strip; measuring 60 mm x 42 mm x 18 mm; overall better than very fine condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with english labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120069955861,"sku":"G29044","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_4076.jpg?v=1692867524"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-iron-cross-1914-matchbox-cover-g29045","title":"A First War German “Iron Cross 1914” Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) German Iron Cross 1914 matchbox cover; constructed of pressed sheet metal (magnetic); spot welded on two points; featuring a pebbled design on all four sides; two of the sides partially cut out to allow the fingers to slide the matchbox out of the cover once empty and to strike the match on the igniter strip; with a cut-out on the bottom to push out the matchbox drawer; with an Iron Cross 1914 stamped into the obverse in high relief; measuring 59 mm x 38 mm x 21 mm; very fine condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with english labels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120069988629,"sku":"G29045","price":43.92,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_4079.jpg?v=1692867526"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-gott-mit-uns-war-captured-matchbox-cover-with-matchbox-g29047","title":"A First War German “Gott Mit Uns” War Captured Matchbox Cover With Matchbox","description":"\u003cp\u003eA First War (Imperial) “Gott Mit Uns” (God with Us) war captured matchbox cover; constructed of pressed brass; depicting the centerpiece of a First War German belt buckle; uniquely stamped with “Like Hell He Was” in response to the motto on the belt buckle centerpiece; with “France 1918 1919” scratched into the side of the cover; consisting of three sides slightly bent to pinch the matchbox and thereby hold it in place; the fourth side is left open to strike the match on the igniter strip; measuring 60 mm x 41 mm x 19 mm; better than very fine condition. Accompanied by a wooden matchbox; with two igniter strips and a label on the obverse, reading “The Viking Ship - Special Impregnated Safety Matches - Manufactured at Uddevilla Tradstickfabrik, Sweden”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with english labels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120070054165,"sku":"G29047","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_4085.jpg?v=1692867527"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-gott-mit-uns-chateau-thierry-matchbox-cover-g29048","title":"A First War German “Gott Mit Uns” Chateau-Thierry Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) “Gott Mit Uns” (God with Us) matchbox cover; constructed of pressed brass; c with a banner reading “Chateau-Thierry”;  consisting of three sides slightly bent to pinch the matchbox and thereby hold it in place; the fourth side is left open to strike the match on the igniter strip; measuring 61 mm x 40 mm x 20 mm; better than very fine condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with english labels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120070316309,"sku":"G29048","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_4088.jpg?v=1692867544"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-gott-mit-uns-1914-1918-matchbox-cover-g29049","title":"A First War German “Gott Mit Uns” 1914-1918 Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp\u003eA First War (Imperial) “Gott Mit Uns” (God with Us) matchbox cover; constructed of pressed sheet metal (magnetic); depicting the centerpiece of a First War German belt buckle and “1914-1918”; consisting of three sides with a wood-like pattern slightly bent to pinch the matchbox and thereby hold it in place; the fourth side is left open to strike the match on the igniter strip; measuring 60 mm x 38 mm x 21 mm; better than very fine condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with english labels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120070349077,"sku":"G29049","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_4091.jpg?v=1692867528"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-kaiser-wilhelm-ii-matchbox-cover-g29050","title":"A First War German “Kaiser Wilhelm Ii” Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) German Kaiser Wilhelm II matchbox cover; constructed of gilded pressed sheet metal (magnetic); crimped on one side; featuring a stamped portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm II”; two of the sides partially cut out to allow the fingers to slide the matchbox out of the cover once empty and to strike the match on the igniter strip; with a cut-out on the bottom to push out the matchbox drawer; measuring 60 mm x 40 mm x 18 mm; better than very fine condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with english labels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120070381845,"sku":"G29050","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_4094.jpg?v=1692867530"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-iron-cross-1914-unity-makes-us-strong-matchbox-cover-g29478","title":"A First War Iron Cross 1914 “Unity Makes Us Strong” Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) German matchbox cover; in stamped sheet metal (magnetic); with “Einigkeit Macht Stark” on the reverse with two soldiers shaking hands, and an Iron Cross 1914 First Class with “Gott Mit Uns In True Fest” on the obverse; with two of the sides partially cut out to allow the fingers to slide the matchbox out of the cover once empty, and to strike the match on the igniter strip; with a cut-out on the bottom to push out the matchbox drawer; measuring 61 mm x 40 mm; better than fine condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with English labels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120155840789,"sku":"G29478","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6651.jpg?v=1692868081"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-matchbox-cover-for-the-sinking-of-sms-wiesbaden-g29479","title":"A First War German Matchbox Cover For The Sinking Of SMS Wiesbaden","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) German matchbox cover; in stamped aluminum; with “Andenken an Wiesbaden” (In remembrance of Wiesbaden) on the obverse, and “Und im Unglück nun erst recht” (and in misfortunate, now more than ever” on the reverse; measuring 52 mm x 40 mm; very fine condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with English labels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120155906325,"sku":"G29479","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6654.jpg?v=1748280832"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-matchbox-cover-depicting-a-battle-scene-g29475","title":"A First War German Matchbox Cover Depicting A Battle Scene","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) German matchbox cover, depicting a group of German soldiers storming a trench; constructed of pressed sheet medal (magnetic); crimped on one side; with two of the sides partially cut out to allow the fingers to slide the matchbox out of the cover once empty, and to strike the match on the igniter strip; with a cut-out on the bottom to push out the matchbox drawer; measuring 61 mm x 40 mm; dark attractive patina with contact marks from use; overall better than fine condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with English labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120155939093,"sku":"G29475","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6638.jpg?v=1692868085"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-strength-and-defensiveness-for-righteousness-and-honour-matchbox-cover-g29480","title":"A First War German “Strength And Defensiveness For Righteousness And Honour” Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) German matchbox cover; in nickel silver; with an Iron Cross 1914 First Class on the obverse with “Kraft Und Wehr Für Recht Und Ehr”; with the three rivets holding the cover together lost through time; with two of the sides partially cut out to allow the fingers to slide the matchbox out of the cover once empty, and to strike the match on the igniter strip; with a cut-out on the bottom to push out the matchbox drawer; measuring 61 mm x 40 mm; very fine condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with English labels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120155971861,"sku":"G29480","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6657.jpg?v=1692868081"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-wartime-years-191415-matchbox-cover-g29474","title":"A First War German “Wartime Years 1914\/15” Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) German matchbox cover, depicting an Iron Cross 1914 First Class with the inscriptions “Kriegsjahre 1914\/15” (Wartime Years 1914\/15); constructed of pressed sheet metal (magnetic); soldered on one side; with two of the sides partially cut out to allow the fingers to slide the matchbox out of the cover once empty, and to strike the match on the igniter strip; with a cut-out on the bottom to push out the matchbox drawer; measuring 60 mm x 40 mm; light patina with light contact marks from use; overall better than very fine condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with English labels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120156037397,"sku":"G29474","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6635.jpg?v=1692868096"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-iron-cross-1914-fatherland-matchbox-cover-g29477","title":"A First War Iron Cross 1914 \u0026 Fatherland Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA First War (Imperial) German matchbox cover; in field gray stamped sheet metal (magnetic); with “Mit Herz und Hand für’s Vaterland, 1914, 1915, 1916, Hindenburg, Moltke, Kaiser” printed on it with black lettering; two-piece construction with crimps; with one of the sides partially cut out to allow the fingers to slide the matchbox out of the cover once empty, and to strike the match on the igniter strip; with a cut-out on the bottom to push out the matchbox drawer; measuring 60 mm x 39 mm; with moderate contact marks and scratches from use; better than fine condition. Accompanied by a non-removable matchbox, with the interior drawer partially preserved. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with English labels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120156102933,"sku":"G29477","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6647.jpg?v=1692868098"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-field-made-matchbox-cover-g29481","title":"A First War German Field Made Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eField made out of a single sheet of bronze; with an Iron Cross on the one side, and “Corbie 1914-1918” on the other; measuring 44 mm x 58 mm; better than fine condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with English labels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120156168469,"sku":"G29481","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6660.jpg?v=1703694097"},{"product_id":"a-german-first-war-verdun-matchbox-cover-1914-1917-g29780","title":"A German First War \"Verdun\" Matchbox Cover 1914-1917","description":"Two-piece construction, aluminum, designed with a swing side-panel on the right side held in place by rivets on either side at the base, engraved with a crown on the front panel, \"1914-1917\" on the spine and a plant on the rear panel, with ornate designs throughout, 41.7 mm x 60.5 mm x 23 mm, extremely fine.","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120195031317,"sku":"G29780","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6611.jpg?v=1692868434"},{"product_id":"a-german-first-war-srs-france-matchbox-cover-g29779","title":"A German First War \"Srs France\" Matchbox Cover","description":"Three-piece construction, magnetic silvered pickelhaube insignia with a bronze ribbon banner inscribed \"Srs FRANCE\" affixed to the front panel of the brass base, voided in the corners on both the front and back panels on the brass base, 39 mm x 60.2 mm x 19.3 mm, surface rust on the pickelhaube helmet insignia plate, near extremely fine.","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120195129621,"sku":"G29779","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6608.jpg?v=1692868434"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-honour-to-the-winnersst-mihiel-matchbox-cover-1918-g29783","title":"A First War German \"Honour To The Winners\/St. Mihiel\" Matchbox Cover 1918","description":"Three-piece construction, silvered bronze inscribed \"HONNEUR AUX VAINQUEURS 11 NOVbre 1918\" (Honour to the Winners, November 11, 1918) inside a wreath of laurel leaves above a silvered bronze ribbon banner inscribed \"St. MIHIEL\", both items mounted to a silvered bronze base, ribbing on the spine, 42 mm x 62 mm x 19.5 mm, scattered silvering wear on the two insignias, extremely fine.\n ","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120195457301,"sku":"G29783","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6626.jpg?v=1692868432"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-souvenir-matchbox-cover-g29782","title":"A First War German \"Souvenir\" Matchbox Cover","description":"Hesse: Four-piece construction, silvered magnetic metal Hessen button flanked by magnetic metal bullet halves on either side, all three items affixed to the front panel of the thick brass base, engraved with leafing on the front panel, the spine and the back panel, the latter also incorporating a globe, an Iron Cross and inscribed \"SOUVENIR\", 41 mm x 59.3 mm x 20 mm, scattered silvering wear on the button, contact and wear evident on the back panel, near extremely fine.\n","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120195522837,"sku":"G29782","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6623.jpg?v=1692868432"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-hindenburg-matchbox-cover-g29785","title":"A First War German \"Hindenburg\" Matchbox Cover","description":"Silvered metal, magnetic, front panel illustrating Paul von Hindenburg and inscribed \"UNSER HINDENBURG\" (Our Hindenburg) below, back panel illustrating an Iron Cross with bursts of oak leaves and acorns, inscribed \"GOTT SCHÜTZE DICH\" (God Bless You) above and \"AUF WIEDERSEHN\" (Good-Bye) below, with clusters on oak leaves and acorns in all four corners, slotted on the spine, voided side panel, 41.5 mm x 62.8 mm x 20.5 mm, extremely fin","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120196079893,"sku":"G29785","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/e_6632.jpg?v=1692868446"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-fleissige-berta-little-bertha-artillery-shell-matchbox-cover-g29820","title":"A First War \"Fleissige Berta\" (Little Bertha) Artillery Shell Matchbox Cover","description":"Die-stamped insignia on the front panel of the magnetic silvered metal base, the insignia illustrating an artillery shell with a black enamelled Iron Cross 1914, with a stripe above the cross inscribed \"FLEISSIGE BERTA\" (Little Bertha) and two blank stripes below, voided capsule-shaped openings on the side panels, 41 mm x 61 mm x 19.5 mm, surface rust evident on the front panel, contact marks from active use throughout, better than very fine.\n  ","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120202469653,"sku":"G29820","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/aa_1449.jpg?v=1692868465"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-welt-kriegs-matchbox-cover-g29825","title":"A First War German \"Welt Kriegs\" Matchbox Cover","description":"Brass, with multiple individual hand-placed die points on the entire exterior, hand engraved \"Welt Kriegs\" (World War) on the front panel, 42 mm x 60 mm x 22.5 mm, extremely fine.\n","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120202502421,"sku":"G29825","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/aa_1466.jpg?v=1770826487"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-pickelhaube-souvenir-of-france-commemorative-matchbox-cover-g29822","title":"A First War Pickelhaube \"Souvenir Of France\" Commemorative Matchbox Cover","description":"Two-piece construction, die-stamped bronze insignia affixed to the front panel of the brass base, the insignia illustrating a pickelhaube bearing the Prussian crown and inscribed \"GOTT MIT UNS\" (God is with Us) on its front, on a pebbled background and within a twisted circular border, spine with a four leaf clover above a ribbon banner inscribed \"SOUVENIR DE FRANCE\", with border trim above and below, with an empty matchbox inside, cardboard housing tray, wooden cover marked \"GREEN GLOW \/ DIAMOND SAFETY MATCH\" on the front panel and \"DIAMOND MATCHES U.S.A.\/ By American Workers of American Materials for American Climate \/ THE DIAMOND MATCH COMPANY\" on the back panel, with a striking strip on one side, 39.8 mm x 60.5 mm x 20 mm, spotting evident on the front panel of the brass cover, the wooden cover of the matchbox having separated into two pieces, near extremely fine.","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120202699029,"sku":"G29822","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/aa_1455.jpg?v=1692868486"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-gott-mit-uns-god-is-with-us-matchbox-cover-g29819","title":"A First War \"Gott Mit Uns\" (God Is With Us) Matchbox Cover","description":"Two-piece construction, bronze Army (Heer) insignia affixed to the front panel of the magnetic pebbled and silvered metal base, the insignia bearing the Prussian crown and inscribed \"GOTT MIT UNS\" (God is with Us), voided capsule-shaped openings on the side panels, 39.5 mm x 60.5 mm x 21.8 mm, scattered silvering and surface wear, near extremely fine.","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120203092245,"sku":"G29819","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/aa_1446.jpg?v=1692868472"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-pioneer-battalion-for-verdun-vor-verdun-matchbox-cover-1916-g29821","title":"A First War German Pioneer Battalion \"For Verdun\" (Vor Verdun) Matchbox Cover 1916","description":"Two-piece construction, thick brass, open on one end and on the two elongated sides, the open end with two flaps designed with triple-raised scallops, aluminum Iron Cross affixed to the front panel and stamped \"VOR VERDUN 1916\" below, back panel stamped \"PIONIER \/ PET. BAULIG \/ PI. R. 30 \/ 5. F. KOMP.\", an inverted u-shaped platform at the base on the interior and held in place via two soldered rivets on the exterior, 40.5 mm x 63 mm x 22.5 mm, extremely fine.\n  ","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120203125013,"sku":"G29821","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/aa_1452_1.jpg?v=1692868471"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-gott-mit-uns-god-is-with-us-matchbox-cover-g29824","title":"A First War German \"Gott Mit Uns\" (God Is With Us) Matchbox Cover","description":"Two-piece construction, brass Army (Heer) insignia affixed to the front panel of the brass base, the insignia bearing the Prussian crown and inscribed \"GOTT MIT UNS\" (God is with Us), ribbing on the spine, 42 mm x 61.5 mm x 18.7 mm, small dent on the raised crown, near extremely fine.","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120203321621,"sku":"G29824","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/aa_1463.jpg?v=1692868472"},{"product_id":"a-first-war-german-hindenburg-matchbox-cover-g29945","title":"A First War German Hindenburg Matchbox Cover","description":"\u003cp\u003eA First War (Imperial) German matchbox cover; depicting a portrait of Paul von Hindenburg on both sides of the cover; constructed of stamped brass; consisting of three sides, slightly bent to pinch the matchbox, thereby holding it in place; the four side is left open to strike the match on the igniter strip; measuring 60 mm x 39 mm; overall better than very fine condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFootnote: Prior to the invention of the safety match, the production of matches was extremely dangerous due to use of white phosphorous in the production process. The modern safety match utilized red phosphorus, but not in the head of the match, but rather on a specially designed striking surface. These matches were deemed true “safety matches” due to the separation of the reactive ingredients between the match head and the striking surface. The head of the match was specially paraffin-impregnated, and would only ignite if struck against the igniting strip on the matchbox. Matches were invaluable to the war, as smoking was a past time amongst soldiers and worked to calm the nerves. As matches were a rare, and valuable commodity, soldiers would plunder the uniforms of fallen enemies for matches. Often, allied soldiers found German matchbox covers that protected the matchboxes from being crushed, broken, and partially from moisture, explaining why the matchboxes found in some of these bringbacks contain matchboxes with english labels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120219934997,"sku":"G29945","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/aa_2584.jpg?v=1692868592"},{"product_id":"a-german-first-war-reims-matchbox-cover-g30090","title":"A German First War \"Reims\" Matchbox Cover","description":"Three-piece construction, bronze German pickelhaube above a bronze ribbon banner inscribed \"REIMS\" affixed to the front panel of the brass base, 41.5 mm x 60.8 mm x 20 mm, spotting, green oxidation and surface wear evident throughout, better than very fine.\n  ","brand":"eMedals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120234254613,"sku":"G30090","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/9105\/2053\/files\/aa_1603.jpg?v=1692868750"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.emedals.com\/collections\/europe-germany-german-empire-1870-1918-imperial-field-gear-matchbox-covers.oembed","provider":"eMedals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}