Haig & Haig Scottish Pub Matchstrike

From a discerning collector, we are pleased to offer this handsome Scottish Pub Matchstrike. Produced as a promotional piece for Haig & Co. Whisky, this richly textured stoneware match holder and strike is a eclectic find, having survived not only a fire but the rough and tumble rigors of pub life for over a century. This "striking" accessory is stamped on the underside with a production mark from venerable Burslem, England potter R. Hammersley & Son. Founded in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire in 1862 by John Hammersley and his brother-in-law, John Shaw, the firm quickly gained recognition for high-quality wares and intricate designs.

Considered the world's first commercial distillery, Haig's was founded in the early 1720s after Kane McKenzie Haig married into a distilling family, acquiring land and distilling operations in the bargain. The marriage combined two distilling families with Kane's great-grandfather Robert Haig, having first honed his distilling craft in the 1600s. After a century of growth, descendent John Haig founded the Cameronbridge Distillery in 1824. John also researched and perfected the use of the then-new column still technology to make grain whisky, forming a key component of today's modern Scotch whisky industry. By 1877, the distillery was producing more than a million gallons per year and John joined forces with four other distillers to create the Distillers Company. By 1939, Haig had become Britain’s best-selling Scotch and, in 1971, was the first spirit worldwide to sell more than one million cases. Although its popularity waned in later years, Haig was given a new launch by Diageo in 2014 and its original Gold Label blended whisky is still sold today.

This handsome weighty match strike still visibly bears branding for ‘Haig & Haig Ltd' and ‘Three Star Scots Whisky.' In the early 20th century, Haig, along with its expressions like the 'Dimple' and 'Gold Label,' became one of the world's most popular Scotches along with the distiller's catchy slogan "Don't be vague, ask for Haig." With a wonderfully smooth, matte finish to allow the lighting of a strike-anywhere match with ease, this match holder is ready to light up your kitchen or bar. Brimming with a history prized by collectors for its influence on the Scottish distilling industry, this storied piece of Haig Whisky pub memorabilia promises to become a lively conversation piece wherever it is found.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good condition. 3" H x 4" in diameter.