Antique Dunville's VR Matchstrike

Found at market, we are pleased to offer this handsome Antique Dunville's VR Match Strike and holder from Ireland. Produced by the revered Shelley potters as promotional pub decor for Dunville's VR Whiskey, the weighty ceramic stand features a central holder to corral new matches and is decorated around the perimeter with the VR Whiskey Crown logo and Dunville's name.

A rare pure pot still whiskey, Dunville's VR was produced by Dunville & Co at the Royal Irish Distillery in Belfast for just under a century from 1837 until 1936. Introduced in 1837 to celebrate the accession of Queen Victoria, it features a full color graphic interpretation of the Queen's Royal Cypher for its brand logo.

Marked on the underside with the Late Foley shield mark from venerable Staffordshire, England potters Shelley, this attractive find dates to the first decade of the 20th century. It also includes a mark on the underside for Belfast's Richard Patterson & Co. With a wonderfully smooth, matte finish and textured band around the perimeter to allow the lighting of a strike-anywhere match with ease, this match holder is ready to light up your kitchen or bar. One-of-a-kind with a rich, handsome patina and a storied past, this exceptional antique is ready to serve in Edwardian style for decades to come.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. 4.5" in diameter x 2.5"H. Strike anywhere matches are not included.