This is a WW One, tin plate and celluloid match box cover or holder, dating to around 1914 - 1918.

One side of the case has a sepia photographic image, within an oval 'frame', of a Sailor, with the Patent No. 13773 underneath.

The spine of the holder simply states 'Matches', with an unusual design below (please see photo's).

The other side of the case shows a sepia photographic image of a Soldier within an oval frame, with the same Patent No.

The photograph of the soldier shows a Gentleman with a huge 'handlebar' moustache & an unusual 'bush' hat (at first we thought Boer War, but too early for the holder), & also the Patent No. is far too early for a British matchbox holder of this type, so perhaps Canadian ? - we really don't know !.

Similar WW1 holders can be found on Page 100 in the Schiffer 'Book of Match Holders'.

Condition is superb for it's 90 odd years, there is slight foxing to the celluloid & the gilding to the interior tin plate (VERY unusual) is mostly fine.

Dimensions are Height : 6.1cm, Width : 4.4cm, & 2.4cm Deep (approx).